Spring Brings Rain to the Red Centre

Rain: the first gift of spring. This week time ticked over into September and with it came raindrops. An overcast sky and thirsty desert landscape heralded wet conditions. As Australia braces for more rain in general, we in the heartland of its centre welcome a break in the dry.

Often rain forecasts are deceptive. They promise and do not deliver. These past few days were prophesied and the cynical gave one nod to the weather bureau and carried on. However, in this case, the predictions have been fulfilled. The desert received its rainfall and we tasted what is commonplace for those on the coast, but oh so precious to us. 

Grey skies bring rain to Alice Springs

This rain washes away the remains of winter. We are out of the biting frost and blitzing cold. A new season is upon us, and spring brings with it hope and newness. The weather is in an in-between stage: not prohibitively hot, not unbearably cold. However, there are small tastes of the summer burns already. People are beginning to reconsider hiking the Larapinta trail, although a few still persist; and most have put their woolen gloves and scarves back on the shelf.

The Red Centre sings when the heavens open. A little or a lot makes no difference; it is all welcome and all much longed for in the long spells of dust and blue sky. Windscreen wipers get a rare workout and wet-weather driving becomes the norm for a brief snatch of time. After the rain passes, the town is infused with the joy of good memories. However, it is part of life that these memories fade, and in the throes of summer, the desperate need for rain will once again rise up.