Canceling fun, but balancing risk. Midsummer Picnic 2025 canceled

Due to the extreme heat forecast for Western Sydney today (41°C+) including the possibility of evening storms, I’ve made the decision to cancel tonight’s Midsummer picnic at Tench Reserve in Penrith. 

While sunset gatherings are usually beautiful, unfortunately the ground temperature and humidity can stay high well after sunset, and 41°C days carry risk into the evening. The ongoing heat presents risk for an outdoor, drop-in picnic event, particularly for children, animals, and anyone sensitive to heat.

I appreciate that whilst folks understand these decisions, but they’re not easy ones to make, well, (they *are*) but they still come with their own feelings.

A bit of disappointment. A little sadness. And a tiny bit of relief. Yesterday was absolutely brutal weather wise here. This season, as I wrote back at the end of October, isn’t necessarily the safe, fun or playful time of rest to send our cattle out to pasture. We’re taking shelter and hunkering down to survive in different ways in this harsh climate. These are interesting times as we recalibrate what it means to practice an earth-centered and modern ‘wheel of the year’ mythology in a place where the ‘traditional’ ideas do not sit well. It requires critical and creative thinking to adjust, adapt and in many cases redefine altogether. More on that in 2026 perhaps?

I hope you stay safe, hydrated, and cool. Happy Midsummer.