The Illawarra Flame Trees' flaming red shoots are pretty much done for the year as we hurtle toward the midpoint of summer (yes, already) and prepare to start riding the time-coaster down to Autumn 2025.

Some of the trees still have their blooms, albeit with colours which are less intense than they may have been earlier in the season.

Not that it matters. Despite the trees' name, and despite the middle of summer arriving but not yet going, there certainly won't be any fires here for a while. A rain depression has settled over the coast. It has been projected to extend out until at least Friday next week, with only Tuesday having a chance of sunshine. And even then, the day has a 25% chance of at least 1mm of rain.

Today didn't so much "dawn" as "bucket down". As I approached this park, there was a short lived shaft of sunlight hitting the opposite side of the road. I thought, for one brief moment, that it may light up the tree.

It didn't. All I have are the flame red pods doused in water droplets.

Welcome to summer 2025, where we may not have sun but by the gods we have humidity, baby!