Desert storm

Looking at Kudditji Kngwarreye's paintings of the wet season yesterday reminded me of our experience in the Northern territory a couple of years ago. We had driven across the to the 'red centre' to experience Uluru and Kata Tjuta amongst other places. In conversation we'd remarked how fantastic it would be to experience the rocks in the rain, water pouring off, stormy clouds and all. Unlikely, as it doesn't rain out there very often. On our way back we camped outside the park on the WA side in a small depression in the bush. We were woken in the early hours of the morning by rolling thunder, spectacular flashes of lightning all around us, and then rain. We packed up in the dark, not wanting to be stuck in the mud on dirt roads next morning and slowly headed back to the bitumen parking area at Kata Tjuta where we knew we'd be safe.

The early morning light was heralded by the call of the chiming wedgebill. Cloud and mist swirled over the dark red domes of Kata Tjuta through the drizzly rain. We jumped puddles and huddled under an umbrella taking photos. It was cold and windy but oh so exciting. It was nothing short of spectacular. Rain, multi-tiered waterfalls on the rocks, running streams, mist appearing and disappearing on the domes. Wet conglomerate rich in colour and texture with soft light glimmering off it.