So far, we've had two good storms that brought a total of 30ml to the homestead. The rain refreshes the land, frogs emerge and call, the ground is covered by green fuzz as everything takes advantage of the water and the landscape wakes up again. Birds are more common through the reserve and their calls can be heard while walking along the tracks.
This respite is not without its own challenges. While only 30ml was recorded at the homestead, the water brings out the insects – mainly flies and mosquitoes. We also discovered that the front of the property appears to have received a bit more rain than the homestead as we tried to drive to Bedourie and realised we couldn't get through the access roads.
We can be cut off for days or weeks depending on where and how much rain falls. It really tests your preparation and food stores.
This year our last shopping trip was at the end of November and the rain has come just before we were to head out for our next supply run, which would have made it eight weeks between trips.
With the thunderstorms and the Georgina River in flood, we've been stuck two weeks longer so far and are learning hard lessons as newbie parents – always get an extra box of nappies so you're not caught short!