My daughter and I went exploring once we had unpacked and sorted ourselves out in the hut. When we went outside the back we saw the signs of many large bon fires in a big campfire circle. We decided that we would gather wood so we could have a massive bon fire out there that night. We had packed marshmallows, so we could toast them there, maybe we could get someone to play their guitar so we could all sing later as well.
We set off to look for firewood and as we walked we looked in wonder at the amazing big gum tree that was along the edge of the dam. Joining hands we tried to surround it and estimated we had only covered a third of the trunk. Nearly slipping down the side of the hill at the base of the tree we looked upon a very large empty dam. The dam had grass growing down its sides. In the bottom we saw dried, caked mud cracking in the harsh Australian sun. Looking closely you could see beautiful little native orchids, purple in colour growing in-between the grasses.
As we walked across the embankment of the dam following the path of the creek that fills its walls, large drops of water began to pelt down on us once every few seconds. Looking at the sky we noticed the dark clouds are moving very fast low across the sky. The water droplets caused little clouds of dust to form each time they hit the parched ground. The rain began to pelt down harder and more consistently. We made a dash back to the hut. The weather had become very chilly in a short period of time. We lit the fire and sat nestled in front of the fire chatting and nibbling for the three long hours that it rained.
By now the time was mid afternoon we had eaten lunch and the rain had ceased. We went outside to see how much water the dam had collected during the rainfall. A little disappointed we saw that all the water was soaked in the parched soil leaving a muddy surface. Only a slight puddle existed in the middle of the dam.
The birds were singing happily, thanking the sky for it present as only birds do. The grass was glistening from the small pockets of sun escaping through the clouds. The clouds were lighter in colour now and floating higher in the sky. Listening closely we heard an unusual rumbling sound in the far off distance. We took an hour walk around the many fire tracks laid in the forest, looking for spots we could try for mushrooms in morning, knowing the mixture of still warm earth and dampness of the soil damp soil and would mean mushrooms sprouting up like magic during the night.
Walking back towards the dam along the creek line. We noticed that the rumbling sound was drawing closer. The sound could now be defined as rushing water. We went back into the hut for awhile to have a nice warm cup of coffee. In the mud at the base of the dam an unobserved awakening was happening. Tiny frogs that have buried themselves deep in the mud, waiting for water started stirring, readying them-selves for the anticipated onslaught of water.
Half an hour later we went outside to inspect the dam and look for the rushing water. Absolutely amazed we found the dam was a third full. Walking around the dam edge we went to look at the creek where it met the dam. There was now a tumbling waterfall. Water was pouring over its edge creating foamy bubbles. A misty spray wet us as we watched. The surrounding rocks were very shiny and black making a slippery dangerous path as we explored.
The water in the dam was very brown and muddy. Floating sticks and bark covered the surface. Steady sounds of flowing water indicated that there was much more water coming down from the creek and that the dam may fill. Worried that the dam may overflow we looked to see if there would be somewhere for excess water to go. On the other side of the dam we saw a channel that had been dug and crossed to a creek opposite the dam wall. This creek bed had no water in it at all. We explored the area and about 4pm the rain begans again. It was getting dark and we re-lit the fire and retired to the hut for the night.
By 6pm the night was black. The moon was covered by clouds. It was eerily quiet. We sat around the fire toasting marshmallows and telling stories. Singing and simply enjoying ourselves. An hour later the moon found a hole to peak out of through the clouds. Suddenly we heard a strange chirping noise. It slowly got louder and louder. Pulling out torches we went out the back to investigate. The noise was amazing. Listening closely it sounded like a beautiful choir. It was so loud it took over the whole forest. Using our torches we went towards the dam careful not to slip on the muddy surface. Shining the torches onto the water we could now see that the dam was at least half full. Shiny eyes stared up at us as we looked upon the water. Millions and millions of frogs could be seen. You had to look really carefully, they were on the floating sticks and leaves. Their songs called out to each other in a mating frenzy that would ensure the survival of their species.
We stood and contemplated the beauty of this moment. Silently listening to the wonderful sounds we could hear. Five different calls could be determined, some deep notes. Some notes shrill and high. We now returned to the hut to retire. We were tired, the cold country air smelt wet and damp. The calls of the frogs went deep into the night. Lulling us into a deep sleep and beautiful dreams. While we sleeping the hopping mice that used the hut as a route to the acorn tree scuffled along the rails on the walls. Oblivious to the humans sleeping below them.
Morning had arrived, we awoke as the sun kissed the eastern horizon. The sound had disappeared. Getting up we went to go and see the dam. It was full now. The water filling it had slowed to a steady flow. It was very muddy and had an inch thick cover of sticks, bark and leaves. There was little evidence of the frogs from last night. Just the occasional croak. We looked towards the fall and watched a pair of kangaroo drinking water from the dam. We heard a Kookaburra laughing somewhere in the forest. We simply stood peacefully. No pressures, no hustle and bustle. We had witnessed a celebration of nature and for now were at peace with the world.
