Drought, Storm, Flood – Everything Changes
Since I began writing for the Tamborine Bulletin, weather has been a feature in nearly every column. This should be of no surprise considering the fact that living rural we rely on the weather for our solar power and our water. When the weather is kind to us there is sufficient rain to fill the tanks but not overfill them and enough sunshine to power the house without having to use grid power, and all is good. But when the weather changes (although expected being dubbed “Storm Season”) and there is drought or flood, everything changes including the landscape.
Our property is very rocky and undulating. When we first moved here the creek that runs through the centre of our property was bordered by rocks including one massive boulder that is almost my height. The first season of storms saw that boulder wash into the creek like it was a pebble. With that relocated and the smaller rocks following, the border was diminished although not completely gone. Hubby restored some of our gorgeous border only for his hard work to be washed away in the second storm season. The border is now grassy green, with new plants I must add, and the creek has more tranquil waterfalls tumbling over the newly “placed” rocks.
Our view has changed dramatically too. When we first arrived the trees were so thick and plentiful we couldn’t see past them. Our little piece of paradise seemed secluded and private. Since the storm at Christmas however, the trees have thinned out so much that we can now see the neighbours’ house next door and another high on the hill in front. Fortunately though those views are slowly changing again as the trees regenerate and grow at a super fast pace with the beautiful sunshine that we are enjoying.
Not only are there new plants in the creeks but there are new varieties of plants and grasses in our fields. Looking out there are pops of blue and yellow, red and white and they are a welcome addition to the acres of green grass.
Through the droughts and floods the landscape has changed, but our love for our home remains unwavering. This is rural living … thus far.
By Vanessa Rhind (Tamborine Resident & Rural Writer)
