Before a flight to Melbourne there is time to visit the lake. It is 1.51 metres, just off the highest I’ve seen it this year (1.53). On the western side, as the northern path bends hard west, there are three yagan/yerrigan long neck turtles under the shallow water, and one is snapping at another. There are dragonflies on the southwest corner, and smaller ones still on the northern edge. Grass is still coming up through the water—a coot dives down to bring it up, while a swan puts down its neck to pull some out for its cygnets. There are other swans still sitting on big grassy nests.

Later, on the way to the airport, I see koolbardie the magpie flying next to us—we’re going about the same pace. I look over the driver’s shoulder and see we’re all clocking 70 km/h.