Blackened skies

There aren't many redeeming qualities that spring to mind when one contemplates the concept of "summer" in Queensland. About the only positive that I can think of is the fact that it happens to coincide with the storm season. The relief provided by a sudden downpour after a swelteringly hot and humid day is beautiful. The electrifying display provided by the lightening show is spectacular, and on days like this, the sound of thunder is a treat to the ears.

So it was that I was riding home from work this evening. My legs were still feeling the effects of yesterday's 208km (more on that later), but this was quickly forgotten. We have, of course, been sweltering in disgusting temperatures -- the kind that aren't reported on the news for fear that it might scare the tourists away. Yet this evening there was a feeling that relief might be on the way. In a time frame no longer than a few minutes, the wind had started from the south -- quite brutally, but at least cooler than the northerly, and the skies had gone dark -- illuminated only by flashes of lightning.

It's a peculiar kind of darkness that descends in a storm -- the kind that streetlights never quite seem able to counter. Perhaps the speed at which it descends creates an illusion, but it's inspiring all the same. The only thing lacking this time around was rain -- there just wasn't any. However, I remain optimistic that there will be many more storms in the near future, and many opportunities for this to be rectified. Bring it on.