Episode 1497 Valley of the Winds & Other Wonders

Episode 1497, presented by Murray Stewart, takes listeners on a series of vivid, personal encounters with the power and mystery of nature. Murray recounts the "blind magic" of Alice Springs and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), describing a mystical walk through the Valley of the Winds where channels of rock create haunting, whistling gales. He then shifts to memories of dramatic weather events: savage hailstorms and a 1970s flood in the Hunter Valley that felled trees and swelled rivers, and a night on the Great Ocean Road when gale-force winds and a thundering sea felt like an earthquake underfoot. These stories illustrate how small and vulnerable humans are when nature shows its strength. Murray reflects on the lessons these "wow and woe" moments teach — humility, respect for natural limits, and the danger of arrogance. He also shares a gentler wow: the quiet strength and beauty of horses at a show, powerful yet seemingly content to be admired. The episode closes with practical counsel to stay safe, know your limitations, and a warm Easter blessing. Listeners can expect evocative storytelling, natural-history reflections, and reminders about humility in the face of forces larger than ourselves.