After a stinker of a day, (temps around 39C throughout Sydney) some weak storms developed on the ranges around Bowral and Wollongong and persisted for a few hours in the afternoon. Desperate for some lightning photography after barely any opportunity during the Thunder Down Under 2000 chase, I took a chance and headed down towards Campbelltown, hoping for an opportunity to shoot as the sun set. I headed on the freeway towards Canberra and found a brilliant truck stop where I quickly pulled over and watched. Fantastic view's here to the SE, perfect for watching storms in this area. The sun had pretty much set by the time I arrived, but some AWESOME anvil crawlers just before I got out the car kept my hopes up for a bit of a show. I ended up staying at this location for about an hour, missing plenty as usual (just before or just after you press the shutter or release it) or having bolts strike *just* outside your frame. The 3 best photo's are below and made for a great evening. The storms were weak, but when a bolt did come down it was usually pretty good.

Some of the brilliant lightning bolts from the weak storms over SW Sydney in the early evening.

I headed home around 9pm as the activity weakened, and at Liverpool, *flash* BOOOMMMMMMMM less than 500m behind me whilst driving. From this point onwards weak storms developed across Sydney. Not too good for lightning photo's so I didnt attempt any, but the weak storms developed on and off well into the night.

It was great to find the truck stop lookouts to the SW along the freeway. It is slowly becoming one of my favourite area's to watch storms in this area. Also discovered a couple of other truck stops before the Picton turnoff, with GREAT views to the south for future reference.