Very Little Rain But There Is A Diiference !

On our return to the Station we could see the difference some rain had made.

But don't jump to conclusions like many do !

While we were home in Sydney many people commented on the fact that Western or Central Qld had had rain and now all must be better.  This country we live in, Australia, is a very large and diverse one and as we keep reminding people... Durham Downs Station is 2.3 million acres in size ... That is larger in size than many European countries. It is about the size of Cyprus.

Now if it rains in one part of Sydney it does not necessarily rain in another part. So assuming that all Stations of this size in an area will get the same rain is impossible, let alone that large portions of one station will receive that rain.

The station will often have impressive storm clouds covering a large portion of the sky, but has not often see significant rain. At the moment it is still in need of substantial rain, which we haven't had yet. 

The Station is part of the Lake Eyre Basin in South West Channel Country and so it benefits from any significant rain further north. This water flows through and into the Cooper Creek, and if there is enough eventually through to Lake Eyre. Below are photos of the section of Cooper Creek that flows behind the main homestead area and which we swim in. The first photos were taken before we left for home last December, the next were taken last week after we returned. This increase is a result of the storms further north of us. This is wonderful for the station water supplies but does not solve the problem of long term feed on the ground in the paddocks. New growth is shortlived without follow up rains

You can see the difference between the water levels in the above photos to the one below. It is the same tree and the waterway to the left of the tree ... dry and with water. The waterway to the right I had not even conceived then would have water in it.

Below is the pontoon that we swim and dive from, sit, relax and chat on. Before Christmas the position of the pontoon would be where the water's edge was. 

Below is a photo of the view from our lounge and bedroom windows. We now can see the Cooper Creek winding its way along behind the homestead. Last year it was not possible to see the river. 

 Some photos taken on our drive back into the station after Christmas. These were creeks that had seen some rain before Christmas and had worried us driving out. They have retained a small amount of water. 

By Lynne