Beyond the Stumps

After the damp, gloomy summer autumn has been very dry. Leaves on the trees are wilting and creeks no longer bear water. This is not just because the lack of rain, but also the effect of many dehydrating winds.

I went for a drive in the valleys today. It was as dry there as out on the Plains. Even in little gullies ponds and swamps were dry and the willows have lost their leaves early. The wild cherries are in their autumn colours, but the leaves dangle strangely.

This green field is sheltered from the wind and is a real eye-catcher at present.