Hot.

I'm still learning exactly what that word can feel like.

So I thought I'd share a few experiences I've enjoyed/endured up here, in case you've lived your whole life without extreme heat - or extreme temperatures at all maybe.


Can you pick me? I'm the one in the middle :) It's compulsory to wear all of this gear, sleeves fully buttoned down, long pants - all of thick, highly durable material - another layer of protection against the elements.

• Lately the run of weather forecasts have all started with a '4': 46, 43, 48... to the point that it doesn't actually seem abnormal anymore. In my summer days back in Perth I remember being appalled by the heat if the weather hit 40 degrees celcius. The world seemed to shut down - 3 days in a row and school was even cancelled.

• This is one of the few places, I'd say, that you can have a really warm shower just by turning the cold tap on full - even at 8:30 at night - even at 5:30am!!

• I cannot even imagine working out in the field in this weather. The fieldies absolutely have my respect for what they put their bodies through - largely without complaint. Some areas they work in even reach 50 degrees (122 fahrenheit). Can the human body even function in those temperatures?!

• The air is hot, the breeze is hot, but above all the sun is hot and being in the direct sun is crazy toasty. Workers have to wear gloves before picking up tools or they need first aid treatment for burns. No touching the steel either - it heats up as hot as a branding iron.

350 tonne crane in a heavy lift - crazy amazing stuff but all in a day's work

I'm constantly amazed by experiences up here, not only the heat but so any other elements of life. The Kimberley and Pilbara are almost like another planet - a beautiful, harsh, striking and stunning planet, full of new and eye-opening experiences.