Cooling Down

Last weekend saw an international mountain biking extravaganza in Thredbo. Unfortunately I wasn’t in town to witness it. From what I am told the many events went off well, albeit in very wet conditions.

On the other hand I ended up in Sydney and Saturday was HOT and HUMID. I suppose many of you already know that and say, “so what’s the deal?”. We mountain lovers find it hard to deal with, but then there are more that don’t like the hot and sticky weather (as my photos will show). Of course, there is a good side to all this moisture. The south east of NSW is greening up beautifully and many a farmer’s dam is full again.

I’ve heard an interesting weather thing recently. It was pointed out to me that the trees commonly known as Black Sallees are flowering prolifically around Thredbo. The white flowers on the trees can be seen everywhere (don’t know why I don’t have a photo). When I quizzed one long time resident of Thredbo as to why this is significant I was told, “they only flower to supply extra feed to the fauna when a big winter is coming”. I asked when these trees last flowered – “about 8 years ago”. OK, now you can do the research and see what snow conditions were like 7 to 9 years ago.

Mountain bikers training before last weekend

So hot on Saturday, tried under the car but the damp spot is best

A typical result of hot and humid weather

But these are not edible

Some biking structures are now under deconstruction

Lush green on the lower Supertrail

Freshly mowed Milk Run

There have been a few heavy frosts over the last few mornings and temps below zero. It was wet again today. Everything is green and the streams and rivers are flowing strongly. The major dam levels in the Snowy Mountains should be rising (assuming those with the power aren't madly pumping it elsewhere).