The difference between 2006 and 2010

In August 2006 -- the first year of our Double Life -- the ground was bone dry and almost completely devoid of vegetation. The drought had cut deep into the land and its people, but within months we were privileged to witness the coming of rain, the flowing of the Maranoa River, and the breaking of the seven-year drought.

Now -- in August 2010 -- there have been a series of good years and the country looks healthy and prosperous. Today, the Maranoa River flows in its lazy loop around the township of Mitchell. Knee-high buffel grass (bleached by repeated frosts), brilliant green marshmallow and medic, and a variety of other plants (both good and bad) clothe the soil. The cattle in outback Queensland are sleek and fat, and the wildlife busy reproducing. The only concern is bushfire, especially when the season of thunder and lightning occurs in the spring and summer months.