On a raising plane of summer temps heading into the high forties, in my brand new ute so clean, me and the team of doggies headed east to west.
The sky was alive with thermal activity in contrast to the cool comfort of radio and air conditioner.
There was clearly something building and it clearly wasn't small.
Experience said if I got caught in the middle, I wouldn't be able to see a thing until the storm passed its course.
THE RACE WAS ON:
The Day I Raced the Dust Storm 10-06-2023
A welcome back out west dust tunnel.
Was heading west from the nest in the summer heat.
Saw this storm building up, we knew we had to beat.
Because if we had to cross its path, we wouldn’t see.
Anything in front and wondering whereabouts we be.
Formulated at Wanaaring community west of Bourke
Billowing stream of sand mixed with brown grey dirt.
Racing past, going fast,l 44 degrees of hot wind tunnel.
Dressed in natures pose formed low, long like a funnel.
We travelled neck and neck at 80kms equal for a while
Until some reality dawned it was gaining fast, mile by mile.
My new white ute and two dogs were now the colour red.
My claim to be the winner a concept well and truly dead.
As I reached my destination with its friendly fridge so cold.
I did a little ponder where was the storm, did it fail or fold ?
Had to admit defeat, the tunnel had won fair and square.
Windy dust, 300 kms on, at Broken Hill was already there.
Hamish Holcombe 10-06-2023
Umm the beer was ok and cold though.
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