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Back of Beyond: Where Water Shapes the Outback – By Glen Hughes
Source : Glen Hughes’s FaceBook
We are privileged to live in the greatest and most diverse country in the world, however water, or lack there of, is of major importance to us all as our nation grows in numbers.
One sixth of inland Australia drains into Lake Eyre, an endorheic salt lake which is the continent’s lowest point at 15.2 metres below sea level.
I grew up on the shores of Lake Eyre, at Muloorina Station.
BACK OF BEYOND
Rising from an ocean floor, beyond the Great Divide,
the capture of an ancient land that stretches far and wide.
The graceful arch of kangaroo, a reptile on the slide,
high above and out of view an eagle on the glide.
Merino sheep were introduced right across the land,
shepherds in their glory days, wool was in demand.
Grazing unsustainable, seasons to assess,
waterhole depletion, existence to address.
Afghan history to applaud with camel trains in tow,
lifelines through the early years, their desert skills on show.
Trekking through the inland, cartage underway,
lugging ingenuity with courage on display.
Northern rain monsoonal, might and power on show,
livelihoods achievable with flooding on the flow.
Water is a godsend, always in demand,
weaving through the countryside, lifeblood of the land.
Cattle on the Cooper, a picture to behold,
the backbone of Australian beef, so many stories told.
Marree in the distance, artesian water found,
Birdsville Track to navigate, a stock-route of renown.
Gwydir name historic, a legend from the past,
a horseman of distinction, his desert skills were vast.
Droving was his forte, rain, hail or shine,
swam the mighty Cooper, endured the test of time.
A mailman in the making, a Badger truck to push,
two wheel tracks to navigate, bashing through the bush.
Cooper Creek his nemesis, acting out his dreams,
Tom became a legend, a star across the screens.
Waterways of wonder through country parched and dry,
slicing through the sand dunes, dusty desert skies.
Winding through refraction, a place devoid of sound,
edging through the depths of hell with not a soul around.
Dead heart of retention, a feature to relate,
high evaporation so quick to dissipate.
Baked into extinction, parched beyond repair,
a crust of salt that’s on extend, the wonders of Lake Eyre.
Daily flights available, bookings everyday,
a space of fascination with thousands on their way.
Seats are at a premium, loaded to the hilt,
the scenes below spectacular with reams of mud and silt.
Out the back and far beyond, a journey to unfold,
an inland lake is on the rise, a capture to behold.
Marree Man immortalised, migrating birds to sight,
Arid Air will get you there, be sure to book a flight.
Glen Hughes ©
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