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January 2014
01 January 2014
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Fireworks in Mandurah last night so we went to our usual spot on the river with good friends where we sat and enjoyed some food and each others company before the 9pm show, and the chance to practice some photography. Reading up on how to get the best shots seemed easy and practice shots with the suggested settings showed promise but all of that went out the window with the first burst. Some quick moves and experimentation did achieve the following photos though.
and with the 9 pm show over it was back to the house for coffee, cake and a chat before heading home to see the new year in quietly. And so another year is past us and another begins.
03 January 2014
Having had a meal with all of the kids and grandkids last night, this mornings departure was reasonably early and quick but not before we completed a few tasks such as securing everything for the open road, topping up the water, checking the various engine bay items and finally the tyres, including the spare for the right pressures.
As we climbed up the Darling Range and out of Perth there was one last view of the city before we felt like we were on our way. The traffic and the wind was light making the drive quite easy. We stopped for a coffee and a break and then made our way onto the bush reserve near the wheat silo's at Hines Hill for lunch.
AJ was going like a dream and the fuel economy was excellent. Passing through the various town and localities we were again feasting our eyes on beautiful gum trees with their salmon pink or green coloured trunks and their beautiful green flat canopies which provided large areas of deep shade underneath. Blue and green should never be seen is the old saying but in this case the blue sky and the green leaves certainly matched each other.
We passed Karalee Rocks where we had camped on our way over in December and made our way a further 10 km's or so to the 24 hr roadside rest area at Koorarawalyee Rocks. Arriving to find only two other campers we decided to utilise the dump point before setting up camp and in the short time that we were there four other campers came in and set up near the front where there is more blue metal on the ground. So rather than being on top of the others we went down the back further away from the road and the other campers and with a slight breeze blowing to keep us cool set up near a small rock and dirt embankment and declared the days travel over.
Our Koorarawalyee Rocks campsite for the night
04 January 2014
We were awake early this morning after a very peaceful and pleasant night so decided to hit the road with a cup of coffee in hand and have breakfast at Coolgardie around 120km's away. The traffic was extremely light at that time of the morning and the only drawback was the sun in our eyes as it made its way up into the sky.
Arriving in Coolgardie we topped up with fuel ($1.68 per litre) including two jerry cans which we will use across the Nullarbor to bypass as many of the $2+ stops as we can. Based on the trip over, with a top up in Norseman we should make it to Mundrabilla where there is a cheaper stop, and that will take us to Nundroo where it is about the same price as Coolgardie (well that's the theory anyway).
Having fuelled up we drove a short distance then stopped at "The Gorge" on the outskirts of town for breakfast. This spot is just a small area around a watercourse and next to abandoned mine diggings. Its not much of an area but it was quiet, off the road and had water views.
Breakfast over we were headed South towards Norseman and after the recent rain (around 60mm) compliments of cyclone Christine the air was clear and crisp with the bush was looking the same. Further South and as we left Norseman there were large puddles of water along the roadside and the ground had that damp look.
We arrived at Newman Rocks just before lunch and as we were the only people there, took up a nice spot with views over the rock, dam and surrounding bush and lake in the distance.
05 January 2014
Awake early we hit the road just as the sun was getting up and providing a nice view of sunbeams through the clouds. About 150km's later we decided to have breakfast and a shower at the Baxter Rest Area where we had camped on the way over to Perth.
Today was just a day to drive and that's basically what we did. Passing Caiguna, Cocklebiddy and Madura we eventually neared the Mundrabilla Roadhouse but decided to check out the large roof that gathers rainwater tank and fills the travelers water tanks at the rest area. A stop for fuel and lunch at Mundrabilla and we were off again heading for the Bunda Cliffs and hopefully a nice campsite overlooking the Southern Ocean.
Inspection of a few sites ended when we settled on one we had not camped at before. Two other campers were in but with the strength of the wind coming off the ocean not many people were out and about.
With the camp set up Joanne took a short hike down to the ocean while I tried to capture some of the beauty we were surrounded by.
Reversed up to block the wind and to provide a nice view out the rear window
06 January 2014
Up early again and we were on the road and on the hunt for a few old rest areas and cliff viewing sites that have been removed over the years. We took a couple of two wheel tracks and found a couple of excellent camp spots for the future right on the cliffs and with great views before finding one of the old lookouts Joanne was interested in. The track in had been gouged up to stop people from going down there but there was room for us to park and then it was a short walk to the end.
Taking an unmarked two wheel track resulted this find.
Huge spray plumes were the order of the day
The wind was again making life very interesting with large trucks coming the other way adding to the battering we were experiencing and wrecking any sort of good fuel economy we might have wanted was going as fast as the wind.
A stop for lunch of hot chips on a fresh bread roll at the Nullarbor roadhouse we continued on heading for Nundroo as we watched the fuel gauge dropping as we fought the wind. We eventually made it to Nundroo where we put enough fuel in to get us to Ceduna.
Having had enough driving for the day and wanting to eat our fruit and veggies before the Quarantine Point at Ceduna we found ourselves a nice campsite just West of Penong, and even set the satellite dish up for some TV.
07 January 2014
The wind remained up overnight and was there for us first thing this morning as we pulled out of our bush camp. Passing through Penong and onto Ceduna we were copping the wind full force as it blasted its way across the open and now harvested wheat paddocks that stretch as far as the eye could see.
Pulling into Ceduna we stopped at the Quarantine checkpoint and after passing inspection for fruit, veggies, plants, soil etc we made our way to the dump point to empty the loo and to top up with drinking water at the new tap next to the dump point. Stopping in town itself we replenished our fresh fruit and veggies and topped up the fuel before heading back out to battle the wind.
The last time we stayed in Minnipa we camped at a big granite rock known as Tcharkuldu Rock which used to be the water collection point for the town. This time we took the 15km drive out to Pildappa Rock, another large granite formation that is similar in shape and type to Wave Rock in WA. The road out was bitumen for a few km's before it turned to rough hard rock which meant we were down to under 60km/h until it changed to a good smooth dirt road and we were able to sit on 90 km/h quite comfortably.
Arriving at the rock we found four other campers there all enjoying a mid-day chat under someone's awning. We said hello and then went up onto the rock for a look around.
One of the views from the top with part of the Gawler Range National Park in the background
Photo's over we went back down and drove around the rock to the other side where there is a nice picnic area so we could have a late lunch.
Our spot for lunch
Lunch over we were headed towards Kimba and we had not gone more than 30 km's when we heard this large swoosh sound from under the bonnet and driving was very sluggish. Thinking we might have a flat tyre we stopped to find them all firm and full of air, an no other visible signs of what the problem was. Driving on we were experiencing the swoosh sound each time the accelerator was pressed and power requested from the engine. It had to be a turbo related issue and as we were in the middle of nowhere while we were moving we kept going.
Finding a good gravel pit and rest area we pulled in to see if we could locate the problem and after a while called Steven at The Motor Shoppe in Toowoomba where we have had great work done for us before. Steven suggested that it was a turbo hose and that some 100 mph tape might allow us a temporary fix. A check under the bonnet again showed that the issue was as Steven had suggested, a split in the turbo hose. A bandage of 100 mph tape was fitted and off we went, the noise being worse before it settled down and some level of power provided.
Limping into Kimba the local mechanic was able to confirm the problem and fitted a temporary hose to get us to Pinnaroo where we can get the real deal sent to us from VW. So after an interesting day we made our way to the free camp at the local sports area and settled in for the night along with three other campers.
08 January 2014
Once again Kimba was a good stop over and we headed off before the other campers were up and about, the new hose on the turbo doing a great job. Passing Iron Knob the mine was at work and the road around the entrance being made truck wider.
At the end of the Eyre Highway where it meets joins the highway to Port Lincoln is a large truck stop/driver reviver site and we chose that to stop for a shower and breakfast before heading into Port Augusta via the El-Alamein Army Camp which was previously used as a Detention Centre but is now back in Defence hands.
Port Augusta was nothing more than a short stop for some shopping (food and wine) before we headed South some more. We had chosen not to head up into the hills at this stage so we were among the mad rush on the main highway. We stopped at Gade Road to see the camp spot our friends Kim and Carolyn had told us about but we were there pretty early so decided to go on and have a look at Port Flinders on Weeroona Island.
Port Flinders is just North of Port Perie and was a contender for the purpose that is now Port Perie but it lost out. Crossing the causeway we arrived at the island which is literally a large hill covered with houses of all shapes and sizes with almost all of them having a view of the water. The wind was still blowing hard so the white caps on the water were a plenty but polarising glasses also showed the sea bed and how shallow the water was. We followed the road around the island eventually arriving at the public park where there is a toilet, BBQ area and playground so found ourselves a nice spot and parked up for the rest of the day.
Our spot near the houses at Weeroona Island
Plenty of locals came past us as they came home and then there were a few walkers enjoying the track that goes around the island, none of which said anything too us. The shelter at the BBQ near us has eight solar panels on the roof and the BBQ appears to be powered from there as well so we cooked our evening meal using the sun.
09 January 2014
We enjoyed a very peaceful night and awoke to a nice sunset as it came across the Flinders Ranges. Joanne went for a walk and snapped this shot the the York as it sits rusting away with Port Perie in the background.
The remains of the York
Another BBQ but this time for breakfast and we were on our way. We turned off the highway at Crystal Brook and inspected the GrainFlow site just in case we fancied going there for some work at some stage. Then it was a short stop and look around town before we headed off towards Clare. Plenty of open and freshly cropped wheat fields to look at as we made our way along through the rolling countryside.
Arriving in Clare we found the town busy and so having been there before (cycling and driving) we continued on our way, watching the Riesling Trail that we had cycled as it winds its way through the vineyards and very pleasant scenery. Stopping in Auburn for fuel and morning tea before heading for Morgan, passing some of the Mawson Trail that we have also ridden, and both of us expressing a desire to ride the complete trail one day.
As we approached Marrabel we came across the Catholic Church and right next to it sitting in the paddock with a gate to the churchyard was this old house. Turning around we went back for a look and of course the camera came out.
The house made a good photography subject.
Before long we were passing through salt bush country and eventually arrived at Ramco Point where we inspected the camping area on the Murray River. With nothing available for us we drove on to Waikerie and got ourselves a waterfront spot near where we camped on our first night heading West, some 5 weeks ago.
There's a few other campers in and with the mercury rising it is nice to be beside the river.
10 January 2014
Such a nice river camp meant that we reluctantly left it after a slower than normal start. We went to Renmark for Joanne to visit a certain shop and then Barmera and Berri where we went over to Martins Landing where we had camped when cycling. While we were there we noticed Margaret who we worked with on the wheat at Pinnaroo and so that allowed us to catch up on what had happened since we left there.
Moving on towards Loxton we made it down to the river and took up residence exactly where we had camped when we were cycling seven years ago, and it hasn't changed much at all. The sun was out with a vengeance today and the next week is going to be hot, hot, hot with temperatures in the 40's. While we were there a man and some teenagers came down and parked near us while they went for a swim. Peter lives just up the road and we enjoyed a nice chat while lounging around in the river. The riverbed was sandy and there is a sand bar almost all the way across. After he and the kids left we went in for another swim and walked out into the middle where it was no higher than our knees.
Walking on the sandbank in the middle of the river and looking back at our campsite
The temperature was very hot and with no breeze the best place was definitely in the river. As night fell the wind came up and commenced cooling the place down which bode well for a good nights sleep after all. Both of us are sitting outside at the moment not only enjoying the breeze but compiling the website and diary with the moon overhead and the sky darkening by the minute.
11 January 2014
The night cooled down quite nicely and in the early hours we were reaching for the covers. We awoke to a nice morning and one that was perfect for a photo of the island and river.
Too nice to be leaving but...
A short drive into Loxton and some shopping was completed and we made out way to Pinnaroo and our new job and home. We arrived to find our unit open but not quite ready for us so we just moved in and began to clean it to the standard we wanted. The boss turned up a little while later to mow the lawn and have a chat.
Our new digs
Even AJ gets a room just 50m away from ours
We are not sure how long we will be here but it will depend on how we like the work on the potato harvest. We are working for the Mitolo Group so if you buy spuds from Coles you will be keeping us working :)
While we are here and working entries are likely to be come weekly not daily.
12 - 18 January 2014
Well it has been an interesting week and one of some adjustment. We started on nightshifts working from 7.30 pm until 4 am and car pooled with the others in the Company vehicle to make getting to the harvest area back easy, and that was also a good way to get to know the others. Our crew consists of Grant or Hayden driving the tractor towing the harvester, Brent and James driving tractors towing chaser bins and us on the back.
The Harvester
While Kylie (the other harvester lady) is away both of us are on the back and that has been good because working together is something we have always enjoyed and this is no different, but once she is back Joanne and Kylie will be on the back and I will be driving one of the chaser bin tractors which are a John Deere 6530.
Chaser Bin Tractor (2 x 4 tonne bins)
The job on the back is pretty simple and requires us to simply watch the spuds as they come across the rotating table and to throw off the clumps of dirt, rocks, sticks and bad spuds that the harvester didn't get.
The office
The first three nights we harvested 120 tonnes of Carisma Potato's each night which were then loaded onto a B-Double truck and taken to the wash facility near Adelaide before they are sent onto the Coles Supermarkets. Being the worlds only Low GI potato we thought we'd better find out what all the fuss was about so we took some home and baked them in the oven where the proof really was in the eating - yum!
Since then we have also worked in the shed just 100m away from our unit. The job there was pretty easy as well, the spuds get tipped into the harvester after which they travel through the slicer and past us. We then check they have all been sliced (if not we slice them in half with a knife) and they go into a rotating bin to be dusted with growth powder ready for putting back into the ground as seed for the next crop.
Not having done night shifts before Joanne has done well to adapt and we have established a good daily routine of sleeping for as long as we can then getting up for a few hours and then enjoying a nap for a couple more hours before heading off to work again. And with the extreme heat this week our job and routine has been fabulous. We work in the reasonable cool of the night and then sleep in air conditioned comfort during the day.
Today (Saturday) is our day off so this morning we have walked into town (about 1 1/2 km's) to get some groceries and are now back at the unit to get some other jobs done, this update being one of them.
Ooroo till next week.
19 - 25 January 2014
A week ago this morning we awoke to some terribly tragic news. One of our fellow workers was taking a truck loaded with last nights harvest into Adelaide when he had an crash around 1am. Something went horribly wrong and the truck ended up crashing into a wall at the bottom of the long steep hill that brings you into or out of Adelaide, killing James. Needless to say the crew here and the town of Pinnaroo are stunned, and will be for some time to come.
That sort of news to start our day off was not good and so it was natural that the week that that followed was fairly quiet and not much happened except work. We completed shifts harvesting spuds and with James no longer around it meant Sunday night was a quick course in chaser bin driving and large forklift operations and straight into it for me, Joanne remaining on the back of the harvester.
It's quite different to be inside the tractor (a John Deere 6530) but the job is quite good and a lot like steering a ship while undertaking a replenishment at sea from another ship alongside. Speed and position (forward and lateral) are parameters that require constant monitoring as we drive up and down the rows with the large arm from the harvester in or feeding spuds into one of the two bins on the back. Small precise adjustments in any direction are required with constant turns of the head to monitor the action behind and as well as watching where we are going and then anticipation of stops and turns etc but it all helps the time to pass quickly. So while I might be inside and sitting down now, it is far from a cushy job.
Mobile phone photo of the sunset with the harvester and chaser bin in action albeit through a slightly dirty window
Once the bins are full you pull away to let the trailing driver in before heading back to the pad where you use the large 8 tonne forklift to unload your trailer, reload with empty bins, label them and head back out, usually with enough time to spare for a short break before being back alongside the harvester again. Ten bins are then loaded onto the Company trucks (B-Doubles) by the truck drivers when they arrive.
Today's day of started with a walk into town for some food shopping and then while Joanne got some small jobs done in the unit I spent time working on photo's to put into a slide show of panoramas and single shots.
Well that's it for this week. Ooroo 4 now.
26 - 31 January 2014
Not much to add for this week except we are still working to top up the fuel and touring account. Yesterday however we had visitors in Vince and Janelle who we have worked with on the wheat, sorghum and at Blaze Aid. They are camped next door to us and will either be working here with us or heading on to Robinvale to work on the Almond Harvest, Vince truck driving and Janelle in the factory grading nuts.
We have had some nice sunsets lately and after we came back from a meal at the local pub we had the chance to grab another photo or two before the sun disappeared for another day.
The sun setting over our unit
The view over the back fence a little later on
Mark Twain once said "...years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do that by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - and so we will.
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