I was hoping Id get lucky.

Victorias East Gippsland region was burning with bushfires that would end up claiming lives and homes and devastate communities.

But they were nowhere near where Id planned a five-day walk from Harrietville to Falls Creek in the Alpine National Park after Christmas.

Keeping a close eye on the weather forecast and the Victoria Emergency app, there were no fires in the park and the forecast seemed to have settled down a bit when I set out (Tuesday, New Years Eve).

Heading up Bungalow Spur to Federation Hut and Mount Feathertop, dark clouds gathered overhead and there was a steady rumble of thunder. A few short showers passed, but nothing significant. My sweat from the climb soaked my shirt more than the rain.

Whenever I stopped for a rest I checked the emergency app for reports of fires. (Thankfully there was phone coverage) There were concerns that dry lightning from the storms could spark fires in the area as they passed. Nothing was showing up.

I got to Federation Hut about 2pm after about four hours of walking, set up my te...