How high's the water, Mama?

"How high's the water, Mama?"

She said, "Stop asking stupid questions, kid -- get a bucket and start bailing."

I said, "But it's five feet high and rising, and I'm only four foot ten."

She said, "So wear the boots with the thick soles."

But seriously now, and with all due apologies to Johnny Cash --

THERE'S WATER IN IT!!

The Mt. Bold spillway at Clarendon, South Australia

So much rainfall in so short a time ... the Mount Bold Reservoir was spilling. The dam effectively stops the Onkaparinga River, so for much of its length a watercourse that must once have been half a mile wide is reduced to ponds. But once in a very long time there's so much rain --

The Onkaparings River, at River Bend Park, Clarendon

 -- the river runs again. I've been here 46 years, and this is the first time I ever saw proper water in this riverbed, rather than just green puddles. While I was getting these pictures I spoke to an older gent who had a very, very nice camera kit (Canon EOS, drool, drool) ... he also was photographing the event, while scores of locals showed up to gawk. According to the photographer, the last time this river ran like this was the year his son as born. And his kid is 37.

Mature trees have grown up in the riverbed since the last time it ran -- and some look like they're being washed away. Wouldn't be surprised if the city doesn't have to take some out soon, after the floodwaters have gone down...

Meanwhile, undaunted, parrots are nesting in River Bend Park's trees ... we've been wondering if we were going to get an early spring. The mimosa is already going berserk (kerchoo!) though it didn't bloom till late August and early September in the recent past. We still have a month of winter to go, but it's as if plants and animals are getting an early start, perhaps because the land itself knows summer will be a beast, and whatever you're going to do, you better do it before the fun starts...

The sun broke through as Dave and I headed back to the car -- wouldn't you know it? You always do 90% of your photography in overcast, crappy conditions, and juuuust as you get back in the car the clouds part and the sun shines! Dang. Try again. |

And yes, more rain is forecast. So -- Cue Johnny Cash...