Post holiday musings

Now that I'm back in the real world rather than inhabiting Middle-Earth its time to muse on the climate I found while exploring Hobbit Holes in Hobbiton, Matamata (New Zealand).
I spent 21 days on holidays - only 1 rainy day and 1 cloudy day. The hills throughout the North Island of New Zealand were parched and the stone fruit had ripened a couple of weeks earlier than normal.

View from Bag End, Hobbiton, AKA Alexander Farm, Matamata, New Zealand. The tourist venue has been watered constantly this summer to keep it green.

While I was away, Melbourne sweltered through 15 days of above 30 degrees C weather, also with little rain. The Bureau of Metereology claims its "been the hottest summer yet" a reason why I went south in February to escape the grinding heat. Although floods occurred in Queensland and NSW  "Victoria had its driest summer since 1984-85 and South Australia since 1985-86."

So in this election year, what will the people of Australia decide - a Carbon Tax or "Direct Action"? What will happen to the Greens if the Coalition wins, as the polls plummet for the current Federal Government. Long months of hysteria and politicking to go.

So have a look at the Soil Carbon report by Radio National Background Briefing a couple of days ago.

Given how much we continue to despoil our soil and vegetation with the ever increasing population, industrial farming techniques and climate change, I"m skeptical. 

I've also ordered "Earthmasters" by Clive Hamilton for my library - another book to read and be horrified by - Geo-engineering!

Yes, I have now caught up with restocking and cleaning the house - the "boys" didn't do too badly considering!