Monsoon

In our first year the Wet was quite mild. This second year it is the reverse with a long and static monsoon hanging over the north coast, the heaviest in 106 years. One metre of rain fell on Cairns in one week. Pillows have gone mouldy, the pool overflowed, rain squeezed through the campervan windscreen seal. We have developed webbed feet.

Day after day of pummelling rainfall, grey skies and 98% humidity. The local creeks become raging torrents where risk takers lose their cars in violent floods. 

The nearby Tinaroo Dam is at 110% capacity. Its waters are flowing above the spillway, an occurrence most locals have never seen.

The massive boost in moisture all round also boosts plant growth, insect populations, and hordes of baby frogs and cane toads skipping in the rain.

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Cairns, Monsoon, The Wet, FNQ