Wywhyana Creek crossing at Arkaroola Village 25/11/2008

Radar watch. Satellite screens. Road closure reports. Stranded visitors. Calls from television networks chasing images for the evening news. Rations and improvisation when the truck can’t get in with the weekly delivery. Yes, it’s been years!

Late spring and early summer rains have changed the face of Arkaroola. 140 mm have been recorded since mid November with rain falling on nineteen days. After so many years without significant rains, a succession of floods have brought new hope that some of our most stressed plants, like the river red gums, will recover.

But let’s not confuse weather with climate. We’re not out of trouble yet. Summer heat continues to be extreme with very high evaporation rates. Without follow-up rains much of the new growth may be lost. Good summer and autumn rains are needed to consolidate Nature’s latest investment. Vi Amiamo La Niňa !

Extract from Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary’s “From the ARK” e-newsletter – reprinted with permission