Autumn

After the heat of summer which extended into Autumn this year somewhat, it has finally cooled down. (sigh... I love the heat!) Here in the south of Western Australia we are receiving the dregs of a cyclone. An incredibly fierce cyclone (named Glenda) which caused some destruction and flooding. It formed off the north west coast of Western Australia and at one stage the Meteorological Office reported the possiblity there could be THREE cyclones forming. Fortunately, only one actually eventuated.

A couple of weeks ago cyclone Larry caused devastating destruction in Queensland where it obliterated banana crops, tore off roofs, pushed over huge trees and generally made a bloody mess. I should watch my language especially as, incredibly, not one person was killed or injured. But I feel this is because Australians understand their weather. Australians respect their weather, their climate. They therefore prepare, they evacuate, they batten down and are ready for anything. At the aftermath there is absolute camaraderie. Everyone gets in and helps. I love these people. Maybe that's why I live here!

Two days ago, as our cyclone Glenda moved slowly south she crossed the coast near Karratha which received huge amounts of rain. But not too much destruction. We watch the radar images with fascination. We are due to go mining in the Gascoyne Region and we wonder if, when we get there this winter, we will find a completely new arrangement of the scenery compared to when we were there last year.

My partner wants to be there NOW to witness this spectacular weather, the heavy rain, the wind, rivers and creeks running that rarely have water showing above ground level.

This photo is of the Gascoyne River when we were there last year and that's the bulldozer on its way across the 'river'! Can't see any water? That's because there isn't any!! It's all below the surface.


So this morning, instead of putting on my shorts and t-shirt to go walkies with Woody, I adorn jeans and jumper and grab my umbrella. It's not pouring but the sky is grey and there's moisture in the air. Cyclone Glenda is now ex-cyclone Glenda and as usual we get the leftovers. But the leftovers are gentle and greening.

As I walk out the door the fresh air hits me and is invigerating. Then I notice the unmistakeable fragrance of wood smoke. Someone has lit their wood fire! mmmmm As I approach the forest my nose tells me that the overnight rain has lifted the scent of the eucalyptus oil that drips from the trees on to the forest floor. It is absolutely delightful, refreshing, like pure oxygen.
Woody, of course, is completely oblivious to all these smells. The only smells he is interested in are animal and/or edible. But then, he is a dog.