Fires and floods have become part of the reality that we get to deal with in the southern interior. The residents living along Hwy 8 have spent the last couple of years restarting their lives after finding out just how powerful the forces of nature can be. Many of them were evacuated from their properties and livelihoods for what seemed like an eternity, having to have livestock and vehicles airlifted out because the road and bridges were washed away leaving them stranded and homeless. Some lost parts of their property and some lost everything, Brandie and Michael were able to return and through resilience and determination have started to rebuild their small farm. Their house was spared from the raging flood waters but it claimed an entire fruit orchard and much of their amazing riverfront acreage. Fortunately they still have enough land to move their livestock paddocks and gardens to higher ground and with help from friends and highway contractors have reestablished some usable space for crop planting and erosion protection. They still have a massive amount of work left to do but life is lived one day at a time and recovery is a long and winding road. A large part of their income is from the market stand along the highway which is stocked with seasonal fruit and vegetables as well as eggs etc. When you are out exploring the region please stop by to say hello and pick up healthy locally grown and sourced products to help support this small resilient farming family.
