The sky, valley, ranges and Mount Warning were all clear this morning for the first time in days. Just a small river of mist ran along the base of the ranges, and a couple of patches of mist danced across the sugar cane fields.

The sun shone brightly for such an early hour too. These photos were taken at 6:30 am daylight savings time.

I could also see the sugar mill steaming away at full speed in the valley, while on the roof, Father Magpie awaited breakfast.

So much for the bright and sunny start to the day though. By early afternoon the valley had turned black and distant thunder had a couple of the animals inside the house seeking comfort. Within minutes though, most of the black clouds had moved away, leaving a trail of strange, low white clouds behind.

We had barely enough rain to wet the ground here, but from nearby towns we heard reports of massive hail stones falling.

So once again, the day ends with Mount Warning in hiding.

It seems we should prepare for another long, subtropical, stormy summer ahead.