As mentioned previously, the West coast of Australia received some unexpectedly high rainfalls in summer. Travelling across the State, one can see a landscape transformed. Naturally, rain dominates the topic of conversation.
I was recently in Kalgoorlie. I had just missed the torrential rain they experienced. The main roads were flooded and young folks shrieked while floating on inner tubes on previously dusty creeks. Like I said, I had missed the rain but not it’s legacy. Everywhere I go, the familiar is novel. My eyes are greedy with awe at this nourished landscape as we fly in. (I’ll post some photographs later).
As is my routine, I check the times for sunrise and sunset and set my alarm for the morning. This time, I head out to Mt Charlotte. I am alone with birdsong. One of the most surprising things I have discovered in Kalgoorlie is the number of birds they have here. Quite amazing given it is not an oasis of green. The landscape is scrubby with elegant gum trees. The earth is red. The main street often streaked in bright orange or yellow clothing of those who work here. This is gold mining country.
I’ve taken photographs of the town at sunset from Mt Charlotte. The sun goes down on my right. I’ve never photographed a sunrise here. I know it must be on my left. Duh!
Mt Charlotte is one of the highest points in town. It is also an isolated spot with a few cars at sunset. I never feel entirely safe here unless there is a busload of tourists. At daybreak, I’m convinced there will be no one there. I was right.
I needed little to convince myself, sunrise here will be awesome. Almost bashful in my solitary presence, the horizon blushes, anticipating the spectacle that follows. Within seconds, like the eye of God, sunlight streams directly over The Superpit, until recently, the biggest open cut gold mine in Australia. For a split second I know I am not alone here. The spirit of those who walked this land flood my thoughts. The indigenous people, the pioneers, the entrepreneurs. I am none of them. Yet, I am.
I practice my mindfulness exercise for 15 minutes. Once whole, I head to my day’s work. No matter what the challenge, I know I can meet it. I also know this is how a work day starts.
Until next time
As always,
a dawn bird
A Shared Space 
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