The salt lake

The salt lake was all but dry
Parched now by the summer sun
Some dead fish lay on the shore
As thirsty birds flew high above
Could this be the land I love?

Tumbleweed raced across the plain
Dancing dead before our eyes
Howling wind causing dust storms
Said "We best start back alright"
Need to reach base camp tonight

We packed our gear with great care
Bind all the tools then the tarp
Checked it out and yet again
Dread the thought of not getting home
Missing last flight at aerodrome

Drove carefully to our flight
Leaving Jim the local hand
Wife and crying babe there too
We'll be back on monday night
Great for opals shiny bright

Image found at https://www.cooberpedy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cooberpedyplane.jpg