Tropical Ruminations

Again this morning, cloud blanketed the sky over Townsville, it grey denseness a welcome sight offering reprieve from the sun. The shapes of birds and messy, curved leaves of palm trees loomed stark a...

Cyclone Larry and Endangered Cassowaries

Oh, blessed freshness after the rain! Last evening’s wild storm – its black power like an invading enemy – has granted Townsville a reprieve from heat and scorching sun. This morning, lighte...

North Queensland vs. the Yukon Territory

In the new light of 5:20 a.m., I strode toward the Sunrise Shopping Centre and its red metal Australia Post box to mail a pair of  letters to Canada. Milky-blue, cumulus clouds billowed high to the s...

John Howard and ‘Lazarus Rising’

After two weeks and many nights of lengthy rest since my surgery, I reverted to rising at 5 a.m. this morning to greet the day before being embraced by Townsville’s stalking, sultry heat. For my...