A Cundletown couple has taken an aerial route to view the severe impact the recent bush fire crisis has had on the Mid North Coast.
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Gayle and Trevor Kee have flown high above areas such as Old Bar, Wallabi Point, Harrington and Diamond Beach in the past few weeks to survey the damage and take photos.
"Seeing things from an aerial perspective gives you a better understanding of the devastation," Gayle said.
The couple noticed how close the fires came to houses, particularly in Old Bar and Wallabi Point.
"How they (firefighters) saved those houses was incredible," Gayle said.
Gayle didn't take her trusted Nikon camera on a recent flight over Old Bar. She used her iPhone instead.
"That's all the quality you need if it's only going on Facebook," she said.
Gayle's proficient photography skills became a hit on social media following a ferocious storm in the Manning on March 9.
She took aerial photos of damage to fences in Glenthorne, the Manning River Aero Club and Manning River Rowing Club.
"So many people asked for copies of my photos- I was more than happy to do that," she said.
Gayle can be contacted via email tgkee@westnet.com.au for a copy of her photos.
The 'flying bug' was caught many years ago when Trevor took up hang gliding.
"He started out as a hang gliding addict," Gayle laughed.
From there they moved to a micro light aircraft. In the last three years they both earned recreational pilot licences. They fly out of Taree Airport.
"We both fight for the front seat,' she smiled.
Gayle and Trevor fly once a week. They frequently stick to the coast but have gone as far west as Narrabri.
Before they set off, there's always a plan.
Seeing things from an aerial perspective gives you a better understanding of the devastation.
- Gayle Kee
"Whether we are seeing friends or just going for a fly, it's always an adventure," Gayle said.
"We always have an idea of where we're going."
Their trips have come in handy over the years.
"One time we ended up landed at the Old Bar airstrip," Gayle explained.
"We then went to the Taree Old Bar Surf Life Saving Club to tell them they should get their nippers out of the water as there were a few great white sharks swimming nearby.
"We've seen other things like cars bogged on the beach so it's incredible some of the things we see."
