Weather

One of the things about being out bush is that you must always be prepared for the unexpected. On one occasion, I got nailed by lightning while driving into Marble Bar. Having taken shots of the granite boulders, I elected to sit back and wait for a sunset that offered some promise. In the distance, I noticed a small cloud of dust and thought it to be that of a road train travelling to Nullagine. However, the cloud grew, and I realised that I was witnessing something far more spectacular: an enormous desert thunderstorm. Shortly after, a lightning bolt hit. Everything went blue and then the vehicle dash lights went red, and my HF and UHF radios ceased to work. As I was okay – no point stressing in these situations! - I figured that rather than getting wet, I’d continue on to Marble Bar and refuel. It was then that the true damage became apparent. After re-fuelling, the vehicle wouldn’t re-start. Damn! The electrics were fried which, in the end, meant a A$10,000 repair job and, to start with, a 200 kilometre tow to Port Hedland. The vehicle would be out of action for three months. The tow to Port Hedland was carried out by a mate, Trevor, using a snatch strap in less than ideal circumstances. It was 47°C - and there was no air-conditioning or braking as the motor was not running. About halfway toward Hedland a short-horn cow decided to saunter across the road – at speed – necessitating some sudden braking by Trevor. My response time was quick, but the brakes did not measure up and we very nearly had a major repair job to Trevor’s Landcruiser ute to add to the whole circus that had started some days earlier! An interesting aside arose later when my insurance company requested that my repairer put something in writing verifying that my vehicle had been hit by lightning. My mechanic responded: “How the #%^&! am I supposed to write that? I’ve never seen a vehicle that’s been hit by bloody lightning!” Enjoy this journey as Hugh takes you to the heart of some of the most spectacular weather events he has encountered.

 

About Hugh Brown Prints

An exclusive selection of Hugh’s images are available as Limited Edition fine prints. These prints are produced on Fujiflex Crystal Archive paper because it produces the finest finish and claims the highest archival permanence of any colour photographic enlargement paper available. Each edition is limited to a maximum of 250 prints per image, and each image is signed, titled and numbered by Hugh. These make for truly stunning additions to any home or office. Collection Prints are limited to runs of fifteen only.