Coronavirus lockdown

We are camping on a floodplain, the Goorganga Plains wetlands, but it’s nearing the end of the wet season in the dry tropical region of the Whitsundays. Conway Range is at the northern edge and the Clarke Range to the south west, with not a hill in between. Long stalks of sugarcane ruffle in the wind, creating a Mexican wave; a random waft of burning off drifts past. A rooster crows, a tractor drones in the distance, the tin roof crackles as it’s heated by the sun.

One thing that is noticeable about living in isolation in a rural area: it’s quiet. No traffic noise, no sounds of music or other people’s voices; just nature’s tune. So very peaceful.

The advantages of getting up early, spectacular sunrises

Nature watch

Once our morning jobs are complete (and there are plenty of them on a rural property!) we relax on the north facing balcony and watch the world go by. When one is still, the wonders of nature show themselves. Dragonflies and wasps buzz past, geckos chirp intermittently as they scurry along the shack walls. Sometimes the chorus of cicadas is so loud you can’t hear anything else.

Tractor mowing the horse paddock

Delvy soaking up the afternoon solar 

Soaring above are Whistling kites looking for snacks escaping the cover of sugarcane, and now and again a squadron of pelicans fly in formation towards the O’Connell River. A pigeon coos, a crow caws. The Australian white ibis are plentiful, scratching around on the open ground or flying from one watering hole to another. Pairs of Australian Bustards and Black-necked storks are recurring visitors. A gaggle of magpie geese spend hours scouring a fallow field, and a pair of Olive-backed sunbirds inspect the hangar for a potential aerial nesting site. Curious Pretty-faced wallabies come for a look but are easily startled and hop off at the slightest movement. Randomly draped snake skins sway in the breeze under the shack, their owners not yet seen.

Green tree frog - an unexpected visitor but well liked by snakes

Chickens! Our girls from the Hill Fort were relocated to here.

Clouds come and go, but now and then build to a tower that alters the sky colour from blue to white to slate grey. Hours before a thunderstorm last week, thousands upon thousands of Blue Tiger butterflies flew over and around us, heading north. This flood of pale blue and black patterned wings continued for more than 3 hours – I’ve never seen so many. It’s the time of year for their migration. When sailing we would often see several flying across Whitsunday Passage, wondering where their journey ends.

Blue tiger butterfly in the dry vine forest

Isolation entertainment

As late afternoon approaches, it’s time to ignite the familiar smell of camping - a mosquito coil. We meet our friends across the field for an end of day drink and catch up, socially distancing of course, to discuss the day’s events, hopes and dreams. You can guess what the main topic of conversation is though. Often, we light a campfire, and cook tin-foiled potatoes in the glowing coals as the horse eyes us from over the fence. Our analysis of the coronavirus restrictions and movements is eventually curtailed as the mosquitoes overwhelm us with ferocity and chase each of us to our respective indoors.

Sunset bonfire with potatoes. Yum!

Sunset colours fade, possum stirs from his daily slumber and prepares for nocturnal wanderings. It is time for our dinner, followed by a film perhaps or a book read, and some mandatory star and planet gazing if we can withstand the mozzies. It’s big sky country here, perfect for viewing the International Space Station and other satellites as they whizz across the darkened night sky. We retire early in Delvy, as it’s early to rise in these parts. The first light of a new day always awakens one when living so close to nature.

An early morning explore on the bike is a great way to start the day

Ground handling practice

Lots of time for an engine rebuild and ground testing

This is our life in the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. We are lucky. Repeat for as long as required.

Look out for next week's post on how to keep sane living in a motorhome. 😀

Hibiscus in T2's garden