409E    Storm clouds rising over the horizon beyond the Darling River near the Australian inland town of Wentworth may, to some people, reflect the veil of gloom that drought has draped over the region, and the sadness felt by thoughts of the imminent demise of this once great waterway. But the clouds bring hope that rain will fall and that the fragile environment will be saved. The river's waters have been used for extensive irrigation, primarily of thirsty crops such as cotton, but although this has reduced the Darling to little more than a lazy stream, it still provides opportunities for recreation, for fishing, boating, and swimming, with the tiny towns along iits forested banks being popular destinations for bird watchers. Only a few metres from the location where this photo was taken, the Darling unites with the Murray River that is also under threat from the persistent drought currently ravaging the country.

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