AUTUMN ASTRAY

Smoke filled the air for several miles as I drove towards city centre accompanied by the lingering smell of forests burning. About 50 miles away, firefighters were fighting a losing battle against the wildfires in Bastrop. Rain would be a welcome reprieve but there is no rain in sight.

With record high temperatures approaching 35C, autumn appears to have gone astray in this part of the world. Summer, along with its intense heat, lingers whilst autumn's chill is a rare treat to found during the few short moments of early morning.

No doubt autumn is alive in other parts of the world. However here we await its arrival with great anticipation.