Dry Isa Waterhole

Today's photo comes from a guest photographer in Mount Isa. This is the very dry Warrigal Waterhole (Painted Rock). Normally this time of year in January, there have been some rains to start filling the local waterholes and creeks. This year however is clearly different. With the devastating fires across the country, the climate has also altered in deserts here in Mount Isa, making them drier than usual. Those brown trees at the back of the waterhole usually have a deep supply of water in the sand for their roots to sustain them. This is the driest I've seen it in the last 13 years. The patterns have changed. This is something us humans can no longer ignore. Action is required.

Warrigal

A trip out to the Warrigal waterhole shows there is still plenty of water after the last flush of rain.

Life

One of the many forms of life that can be found in and around waterholes after the rain. The proliferation of opportunity where there was once nothing is remarkable.

Waterhole

A small pool of water near the Warrigal Waterhole.  These temporary waterholes always pop up after rains and all too quickly evaporate into thin air afterwards.

Flow

The pleasant flow of water over stones is one of the most beautiful sounds to be heard anywhere on Earth. Here in a drought ridden desert, it is even more special.

Water In The Hole

Warrigal waterhole has water in it for the first time in over a year, thanks to some recent rains.

Warrigal Hole

This is the first time in 7 years I have seen the Warrigal Waterhole completely full of air. It's a big dry.

Crab

A surprisingly large freshwater crab attempts to hide from view in a small waterhole at Warrigal Creek.

White Water Rush

A video of the water rushing down Warrigal Creek into the waterhole below.

Warrigal Awash

The Warrigal Waterhole awash with molecules of H2O.

A Broader View

A wide angle view of the Warrigal Waterhole from the bottom of the pool.

Warrigal Torrent

A torrent of water streams into the Warrigal Waterhole during a rain storm. Mount Isa currently has a monsoon depression crossing the region causing a great deal of rain and making it possible to see some of the features around town in a different state to the usual trickle.

Warrigal Waterhole Awash

A stream to cross on the way to Warrigal Waterhole. Yes, the Suzuki crossed too after I walked it first and got my knee-caps wet.

Warrigal Waterhole

Warrigal Waterhole just outside of town is worth a visit.