A touch of mist plays with the tree-tops in this dreamy view of a snow gum forest in Victoria’s Alpine National Park. Before we reached this location, we had driven through huge areas devastated by the 2009 bush fires. How refreshing it was to discover such a wonderful spread of untouched bushland after so many miles of scorched countryside. Here the snow gums stretch into the distance, each one as straight and sturdy as a massive pillar reaching high into the air. The colours of the bark make striking patterns up and down the trees’ trunks and at their base a slough of older bark brightens the forest floor. It is a scene of wonderful strength and serenity – these gentle giants like guardians over the land.