Mystic Winter Storm

Its mid-winter and today we were buffeted with 100km winds and downpours you would only expect in the tropics.  It was also the day Merv had a doctor's appointment at 10:30am  in Mt Claremont 30 kms east of us and another appointment in Mt Helena 33 kms west of us.
I steeled myself for battle.  Armed with necessary equipment such as umbrellas and coats we headed off to Mt Claremont.  It is a trip usually through Perth city, but with the poor weather and the train line currently not in use due to major renovations, I bypassed the city and travelled through the suburbs, pretending it was a scenic drive.  The sun came out, the rain stopped and we had a pleasant drive.  We arrived early, most unusual for me.  It was fortunate for us for only a minute later the heavens opened up and the rain poured with great velocity.  The wind joined in as on cue howling and sending anything loose spiralling through the air as missiles against cars and buildings.  After the appointment we stepped outside to find the sun shining happily and we drove home for lunch.
A storm was predicted at midday and the raindrops  splattered menacingly as we left for Mt Helena.  Neither of our destinations today are really mountains,  they could only be considered hills.  Mt Helena on the other hand is reached via Greenmount Hill, a  relatively steep 3 km stretch of Great Eastern Highway.  The views of Perth on the descent are astounding.  On a clear day with the sun rays on the city you could be mistaken for viewing part of heaven.
As we passed through Midland and up Greenmount Hill the rain's intensity mounted,  I had the windscreen wipers working overtime, the heater on to demist the windows, my mind centred on the curving road and my eyes assessing the danger.  I counted six oil tankers on the ascent, all of them to be passed safely as the wind and rain showed no signs of ceasing.  It is exhausting driving.
Finally we made it to the little cottage.  Yes the rain stopped as we pulled up!
Merv is booked to stay at the cottage for 2 days next month while I attend a carer's retreat.   The cottage was old and reeked of history.  The hills has its own captivating mystery and it is steeped in the walls of the cottage.   We toured the quaint cottage.  As we sat answering questions the rain and wind continued its assault outside but as we left the rain had stopped and we hoped it would be kind enough to wait until we arrived home.
I set off down Great Eastern Highway aware of the deep descent ahead, the raindrops splattering on the windscreen and suddenly we were caught in a deluge.  The wipers were back to overtime and a convoy of large trucks and tankers were in front, behind and beside me.  The huge trucks hitting the water on the road created walls of vapour which looked like smoke from a smoke machine,  imitating a scene from an action movie. The only thing real appeared to be these great beasts moving at 80kms per hour. They sped ahead  ready to descend the daunting hill.  My mind in gear, my hands firmly on the wheel finally we had descended the hill and the sun came out, the rain stopped and we continued safely home.
Being a carer is a commitment come rain, hail or sun.