In my home town of Perth, which swelters under the sun for at least 6 months a year, a natural phenomena not only makes it possible for for life to exist, but ensures the entire south west corner is not an inhospitable desert. Varying in strength at different times of the year, the original inhabitants of the Noongar tribes based their food collection, hunting and fishing, customs and rituals, and care of the land on the knowledge of the winds that shape the weather. When Europeans first came to the area and established a port at what is now Fremantle, on the mouth of the Swan River's entry to the Indian Ocean, and the city of Perth, 20km upstream, they too came to appreciate the awesome healing effect of the strong breeze that almost would like clock-work, arrive to cool the sweltering people of the settlement. As the breeze came up river, seemingly originating from Fremantle, they'd thank the " Doctor " for arriving and making them feel better. Today the bustling city of metro Perth still relies on the Freo Doctor to give relief in the harsh summer afternoons where temperatures can reach above 40C very regularly. Every Perth local takes constant notice of the Doctor, its arrival or not, and adjusts ones activities accordingly. It carries with it the smell of salt, gum trees and clarity, and I know of nowhere else on Earth with a wind quite so magical.
