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The majority of my fellow campers at Millstream stayed one night and then moved on. With the temperature hovering around the 40⁰ mark, I can understand why. Fortunately, Kermit’s presence allowed me to add paddling to the walking and swimming that Millstream offers. Short walks at sunrise are a must with the play of light on the vegetation and landscape a particular delight. Swimming in Deep Reach Pool – an acquifer-fed pool with a stable depth of about 15 metres – was wonderfully cooling though you needed to be quiet and respectful so as not to disturb warlu, the mythological serpent. There are two kayaking options – each an approximate five kilometre paddle – on Deep Reach Pool and Palm Pool. Both are pleasant paddles where you are accompanied in the quieter, shadier sections by prolific numbers and species of dragonflies and damsonflies: astonishing colours and shapes, balancing gently on reeds but particularly camera shy. Millstream Chichester National Park has some highly contrasting landscapes and ecosystems: the cool, peaceful Millstream wetlands with a high flow of crystal clear water; gentle spinfex-coated rolling hills; deep pools graced with red gums, paperbarks and the endemic Millstream Palm; and the more austere and dramatic landscape of the country surrounding Python Pool. With the aid of a four wheel drive vehicle, the latter would be worth exploring in the cooler months. That the springs and acquifers can support the oasis that is Millstream, as well as supplying the domestic and industrial needs of Karratha, shows that the system is tough and resilient. Not unlike the final photo: a delicate flower looking for all the world like it is oblivious to the hot hair dryer wind that is blasting it from all directions.