True Grid

John Wayne Might Have Liked To Ride Here

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I shot this series of images under moody, sullen skies last weekend – the final weekend of the Australian winter. I was just in my shirtsleeves, but it was not a sensible dress code, because the wind bit into me as it whistled down this exposed valley.

But I wanted to shoot this serene paddock, used for grazing horses, against the backdrop of a familiar sight in any countryside – towering pylons and power lines. Why? Just because of the symmetry of the scene, and the symbolism of power supply across rolling green paddocks.

A few months ago, this area was hit hard by a sudden, fierce bushfire that raced through on a savagely hot day when the howling north wind carried burning embers several hundred metres ahead of the real firefront, igniting the crowns of towering gum trees that seemed to explode in sudden combustion.


The fire stopped just short of this valley, as the water-bombing helicopters flew endless missions in support of the ground crews. Just at the crest of this hill, there is still a scarred landscape, with burnt trees that have not grown back.

But from where I stood, just beyond the fringe of where the fire was finally conquered, there is no evidence of Nature’s savage fury on that day, 30 January.

Down here, it’s lush and green, with plenty of grass for the horses that roam these undulating paddocks. There’s bales of hay in the back of the ute – and lots of water in the trough. Sorry, did I say "trough"? I meant to say "old, discarded bath tub".

There’s no end to inventiveness and innovation in the bush!


For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch HQ.