Christmas tree

A few years ago, while doing some field work near Port Hedland, I came across a Coolabah tree on the side of a dusty track with three pairs of work boots hanging from its branches. I was fascinated by this tree and took loads of photos, later learning that the dangling footwear was most likely the handiwork of happy long-term contractors finally finishing up and leaving site.

It seems that this Boot Tree was no isolated incident. Since being at Yandi I have seen three of them, each with varying degrees of sole. But by far my favourite is the one on the way out to the airport. It is also obviously beloved by departing staff and, having finally been granted a permit to drive on site (oh the freedom!), I’ve at last had a chance to take a picture of it. Indeed, with its heavy decoration glinting in the sun, it has become my unofficial Christmas tree:

This year's unofficial Christmas Tree

Actually, I should apologise. I started this blog imagining that I would soon fill it with all sorts of photos of amazing desert skies and crazy outback surrounds; but even though I did go so far as to buy myself a little ‘tough’ snappy camera (so I don’t ruin my 50D with red dust), I have been a bit slack. I’ll rectify that now with a few that I have on hand:

Just outside camp 

Me in the long shadow of a late afternoon stroll 

The most amazing double rainbow. It stretched right over the whole of Spinifex camp and was so big I couldn't fit it in one photo. It looks like the pot of gold is at the squash courts.

Some dodgy mining character wandering aimlessly...

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you have a marvellous festive season and I’ll be cracking a cool tube for you all at the wet mess later on tonight (I'll need it after todays temp of 45C). *big sloppy Christmas smooches all round* :D XXXXX