Read about our cycling trip around Australia in our book - "Ants, Dust & Flies in my Coffee..."

Or

Triking Alaska's
Dalton Highway

Our Latest Book in
E-Book Format
Size - 27Mgb
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

June 2015

02 June 2015

Following the return to work of the mechanic we found out that the it was not possible to set the timing properly. This is because the engine is not a common rail diesel and therefore the pump is directly timed to each cylinder, and therefore without the required VW tools and workshop manual it is not possible to do the job. So with that news delivered we made arrangements to have AJ shipped down to the nearest VW dealer (which is in Mildura) by tilt tray truck.

With a hire car organised through our Winnebago RV Help/Roadside Assist and picked up we started the day by waking to a 0.7 deg C morning. A chat and thanking the BHTC for their help (and allowing us to camp in their yard) we watched as AJ was again loaded onto the tilt tray truck and before heading off in a direction and vehicle that we had not planned to be in.

Being in a car and lower than usual it was interesting to see the land from a different perspective, especially when we stopped for a coffee at the Popilthah Lake Rest Area where we have camped twice before. While we were enjoying our stop AJ went past on the rear of the truck, and it was kind of weird seeing our home and belongings drive past.

Heading on to Mildura we caught up to AJ on the truck before arriving at the VW repair shop just in front of its arrival.

AJ hitching a ride to Mildura.

On arrival we met the service manager and got things underway. First off was to park AJ in the yard and as they are happy for us to camp in the yard we got the power on, set up the TV and settled in to await parts etc tomorrow.

05 June 2015

Well it seems that we are destined to spend some time in Mildura at this time of the year. The required parts arrived yesterday and today the mechanics got to work while we spent the day walking around town (twice) and then sitting in the office waiting for them to finish. A check of their progress before lunch found them with a problem in that the when the timing mark on the flywheel was in place the corresponding marks on the harmonic balancer and the hard to find one on the back of the camshaft cog didn't, and the factory manual didn't help much either.

So with the flywheel mark chosen as the overriding one to go on for cylinder number one being at top dead centre, the rear belt and tensioner replacements were completed and the motor did indeed start again but...the noise was still there. It appears that despite the noise being at the rear of the motor the front tensioner or something associated with that is likely to be the issue. So at 4pm the news was that we will be here for the weekend and the mechanic will attack the front of the motor when they return to work. Oh well, we can't complain because at least the campsite is free.

07 June 2015

Being just a few blocks away from the river we took a walk to take a look. On arrival we were surprised to see a very low water line thanks to the work being undertaken at the weir and at Lock 11. Even with the low water the Pelicans were out in force, maybe because they could see their breakfast easier, providing a nice sight as they swam around in a group, ducking under the surface as a group almost on cue and looking like a group of synchronised swimmers.

Pelicans in formation.

Walking upstream some more we managed a look around the old Mildura Cottage and over some paddle steamers before walking back past some beautiful trees along the waterfront.

The patterns in the bark on this one really caught my eye.

Later that evening we went for another walk and stopped for fish and chips ($6 each) at the food van parked in the main street. Turns out it is a Mildura institution and has been operating for 30 years.

10 June 2015

Today was the day that the mechanics finally had all of the planets aligned and we were able to finally leave Mildura, the saga that began out the back of Menindee coming to an end. It turns out that the device that tensions the camshaft belt had not been as efficient as it should have and as it lost tension stopped turning the camshaft, which in turn stopped turning the belt that drives the fuel pump from the rear of the motor, hence the smoke out of the exhaust and the engine stopping.

Having watched the mechanic aligning the flywheel, camshaft and fuel pump flywheel planets it was plain to see that this is indeed a specialised procedure that not only involves the use of a special tool to align the crankshaft, but also a computer to tune the fuel pump once it is all aligned.

So after seven nights in Mildura we paid the bill and drove out of town via some nice scenic back roads that took us through Werrimull and Meringur before ending up at the RV camp next to the bridge at Paringa where after some photography, a meal and some more photography we settled in for the night.

The Bridge at night.

11 June 2015

Brrr it was cold last night and according to the radio just 0.3 degrees C, though snugged up inside of AJ we didn't really notice it until we went outside, the need being more photos courtesy of the steam on the river and the beautiful light that was being cast on the river and trees around us.

Houseboat moored on the river opposite our camp in the morning light.

Willow trees and bridge in the park next to us as steam rises off the water.

Photography and breakfast over we headed into Renmark to top up the water, food and wine supplies before making our way to Cadell where we would have camped if it had not been full, so it became a lunch stop instead.

Crossing the river on the ferry we made our way towards Burra through open salt bush and sheep country before turning off on the Worlds End Highway. Having cycled the Top of the World Highway in Alaska and the Yukon we were hoping that the highway would not live up to its name before we had a chance to inspect Burra Creek Gorge both as a place and a campsite.

We were passing through open grazing land on one side and freshly sown crops that went right up to the base of bare hills on the other. Spotting an abandoned stone building we we stopped for some photos at what turned out to be an old abandoned church or hall, the cool wind ensuring that we used our photography skills to minimise our time out in the open.

Is it an old Church or Hall?

A few kilometres later we turned off, eventually finding a campground at what we think is the lower level of the campground. Selecting a spot to camp we went for a walk through the bush and followed the dry Burra Creek until we could climb the steep bank. A look around finding flat open country with sheep in one direction and hills in the other where we think is the gorge is located.

With only one other camper in we decided to check what we think is the gorge tomorrow and thus began a conversation and evening around the fire with John and Pauline from Naracorte who had sold up their business and house and were four weeks into their adventure to see Australia.

12 June 2015

After enjoying the fire last night with John and Pauline we knew it was going to be a cold night and the white frost covering the ground this morning was confirmed it, but thankfully the sun soon began to warm the place up enough to allow some photography of the nearby hills.

The nearby ranges with crops planted on the lower levels

Leaving our camp we turned left and continued down the road and immediately found the other part of the camp where there were many other campers along the creek which appears to be the gorge itself. Turning around and heading out we just got past the turn off to our camp and there was an old stone farm house and buildings to inspect and photograph.

The house sits next to the road with a number of buildings behind it.

The old shearing shed sits not far from the house.

The Thatched barn has seen better days

Interesting to see the construction method from the inside.

Not sure what this was actually used for but we have seen one similar to this at Farina on the Oodnadatta Track and it was an underground Bakery.

Leaving the abandoned stone buildings we made our way back to the Worlds End Highway, but didn't get very far before we were pulling over to check something out, this time the remains of a walkway bridge suspended over the Burra Creek itself.

Looks pretty rickety.

The Heysen Walking Trail runs through this area and there are campsites for "Walkers Only" here at the old bridge and up at the end of the campsite where were last night. A few more kilometres and we were stopping for more photos of stone buildings, and then some more kilometres before more stopping.

and another.

Leaving this old house we made another stop at an old house but this time it was to get photo's of the wagon that was sitting under a tree.

Crops planted behind as the old wagon sits in the shade.

Looking back to the abandoned house and road.

Leaving this stop we managed to finally get to Saddleworth where after a check of the town we took up a spot at the small Council Caravan Park ($20 powered) for the rest of the day to process photographs, catch up on the Internet (we had no phone last night) and to relax and watch TV.

13 June 2015

After a lazy morning of breakfast, doing the washing and then packing up we hit the road around 10.30am. Passing through the small towns of Auburn and Balaklava we made it to Port Wakefield where we topped up with fuel and swapped a gas bottle before turning South for a look down the Yorke Peninsula.

We were driving between crops on one side and the ocean and the Clinton Conservation park on the other, all of which made for a very pleasant drive. The weather was changing but was ideal for a drive through some small sea side towns and hamlets such as Port Clinton and Price where it seems that everyone has a boat and if you have a boat you need a tractor to tow your trailer to launch it.

Despite the rain and grey skies, this old place caused us to turn around and go back for a photo.

A drive around Ardrossan in the rain and a quick check of the donation camp in town was in order before we decided to drive on for a look at Pine Point and then to Black point where we snagged a great site with views to over the ocean in the caravan park. Just on sunset it was time to have a look at the beach and seeing a row boat on the shoreline it was definitely time for some photography.

This rowboat provided the chance for some Blue Hour Photography.

14 June 2015

According to the weather forecast today was to be another wet one. The day began with a small sunrise underneath an angry dark sky but as the day progressed the angry clouds lessened and the sun even shone through at one stage.

All morning fishermen were launching their boats from the ramp next to us and heading out onto the silver ocean. We spent the morning enjoying eggs and bacon for breakfast while listening to Macca on the radio and of course photography. The little rowboat was still there high and dry and so it was once again the subject of photo's.

High and Dry under a Stormy Sky

15 June 2015

Yesterday was supposed to be the wettest day in a couple but the rain held of and it turned out to be a rather good day. Today however was going to be different. Waking around 3am to the wind blowing and the rain falling there was a hasty effort to put the awning away before it blew away, then it was time to snuggle back into a nice warm bed and enjoy a second sleep for the night.

Waking to the sound of rain we decided to pack up and to continue on with our exploration of the Yorke Peninsula regardless. The rain was more heavy drizzle and so we continued South, passing through open cropping area where the winter wheat crop was as green as grass and growing quite well. Stopping into the small seaside towns to see what was there as we came to them. Port Julia to check the small camping area, Port Vincent, Stansbury and a photo just out of town, Coobowie, Edithburgh with it's charming stone houses and for morning tea overlooking the jetty and the fisherman that were getting as wet as their prey, then onto the largest town so far - Yorketown. It was along here that we began to notice the amount of dry stone walls that were complete or in the process of being completed.

Ruin just out of Stansbury and the trial of a new photo format

Having checked out the donation camp next to the oval in Warooka we figured we would drive to Marion Point and then come back to Warooka for the night leaving the National Park for another time, hopefully with better weather. The drive down to Marion Point was fairly non descript with bush all the way down and the occasional glimpse of the winter wheat crop in the paddocks as we went.

Arriving in Marion Point (which is definitely a seaside town/retreat) we stopped for a look at the beach and then took a trip around town to admire the holiday homes before heading back out of town and on towards Warooka. Having spotted a free camp in wikicamps on the way North we decided to check it out and after about 15km's tuned off the main road and along the short limestone road. Arriving at the end we found a small shelter and gravel carpark and then 50m on another small carpark on the cliff top overlooking Formby Bay.

Selecting the best spot to park it was a case of out with the camera and for some exploring the pathway that is part of the "Walk the Yorke" which runs along the cliffs. So with daylight running out as the clouds and the rain come in, with such a great view, dolphins swimming just 100m off the shore and just too many photo's to take we decided that we would call it a day and stop here overnight, hopeful of a clear morning.

Our Campsite

16 June 2015

Drifting off to sleep with the ocean rolling in below us was nice and we awoke to a sky that was still grey but had the promise of a better day. Leaving our camp we turned off the main road and headed out to the Corny Point Lighthouse along a very corrugated limestone road.

On arrival at the lighthouse we knew we were going to be here for a while as the view was very pleasant on the eye. The now unmanned lighthouse sits on the top of the dune and has been in service since 1882.

Just one of the views around this area from up near the lighthouse.

Strange Shapes and Textures

And while we could have remained there all day capturing more and more we wanted to move on and so we took the short trip to the bitumen at the small holiday locality of Dunn Point and then moved on to the small town of Corny Point itself.

Moving on we covered the 30 odd kilometres to Warooka and then as we headed North we turned off to Port Vincent where we found a very nice town full of stone house and cottage charm as it sat on the oceans edge. Moving on through more early wheat crops we arrived at Kilkerran where there is a small community around a Lutheran Church and another stone house ruin with wheat growing as close to the front door as they could get it.

A few more kilometres and we were in Maitland. Heading out of town again we checked out the GrainFlow site and then came back into town and found our way to the Caravan Park (really the show/sports grounds) where for $15 we took up a spot and settled in to process our photos.

Thus far, with it's Wheat and Sheep, stone houses and walls with small towns not far apart from each other the Yorke Peninsula has is like a small step back in time to a place of old world charm where life takes on a slower, more enjoyable pace which gives the place such a nice feel.

17 June 2015

Leaving Maitland we were still amongst the wheat fields and farmland and stopped again for some photos of old houses and ruins before lunch and a look around at Port Broughton.

Lunch over we drove on to Port Pirie for shopping before leaving town and heading along the main highway with trucks and other fast moving vehicles and while it was a good way to get somewhere in good time it was painful to be driving at that speed just to keep everyone else happy. Stopping a few times to get photos of the Southern Flinders Ranges as we went was also a good excuse to get rid of traffic that kept building up behind us.

Arriving at the turn off to Horrocks Pass we could see the clouds and sun over the ranges and where Horrocks Pass is so we turned off and went closer to get some photo's, but by the time we got there the low lying clouds had almost disappeared, but the range was looking pretty good. Photo's over we returned to the highway and made our way into Port Augusta.

We decided that we would have a look at the Port Augusta Motorhome Park which sits behind the Central Augusta Football club. On arrival we found the gravel carpark with a spot for us. Paying our $7 at the bar we then settled in for the evening with nine others, rain fell into the evening reducing the parking area to a shallow swimming pool.

18 June 2015

After a quiet night we awoke to a grey sky and more rain. Heading into town we went to our usual spot in the shopping centre carpark to top up our supplies before heading our of town again. The wind was up from the South as we left town and headed down the Eyre Peninsula towards Point Lowly our intended campsite if it was any good.

Everything is very green around Port Augusta courtesy of recent rain and the green continued as we headed South. Turning off the highway about 10 km North of Whyalla we passed the Santos LPG facility at Port Bonython before arriving at Point Lowly which is a small holiday/fishing village which sits on the small headland with it's lighthouse.

After reading the map showing the camping spots and reading the rules we took a drive around the small headland to view the lighthouse and decided that it was going to be good for photo's so took up a spot in one of the three designated camping area's and paid our $5 fee for the nights stay.

Despite the cold Southerly wind the lighthouse got to pose for photo's as the sun briefly came out and then again just on dark during the blue hour. Other campers came in and set up making ten for the night.

A chat with a local informed that the small bay in the photo above is where all the Snapper are caught, and the whole area is known for it's cuttlefish which come here in large numbers and it is not uncommon to see dolphins and whales, but we saw none.

19 June 2016

Most of the campers were up early and three had already left by the time we were ready to go. Heading back past the Santos LPG facility and on towards the highway and Whyalla we were passing an area that had signs informing that it was an old Army Training Area and that entry was prohibited because of unexploded bombs, and then in the middle of all that we turned off and took a road that went through the signed area and led us over the ridge to Fitzgerald Bay.

The view from the top of the ridge was spectacular with the water in front and the Southern Flinders Ranges behind. Descending the range in low gear and leaving the bitumen we found ourselves at the free camping area on the shore. Following the small track in we drove along the sand/shell/gravel track that had a few little pull in's where people were camping just on the king tide line. Such a beautiful spot. We selected the second last available spot and then it was time to take the view in and of course get some photo's.

With this view on one side and the road and unexploded bombs on the other it was tempting to just stay a day, but that will be another time. One thing is for sure though, it will probably be in winter if we do come back because getting a spot here in warmer times would be like winning the lottery.

Heading back up the hill and over the range we made our way into Whyalla for fuel and a quick look around before heading out of town and South towards Cowell. It was interesting to see this area again albeit from the opposite direction that we cycled in back in 2002 and again in 2006.

Passing a large mine and then into more wheat country we stopped for a photo of yet another abandoned house/farm, this time the red hot pokers at the front gate caught our eye (pity they were not bright red). Taking some shots from the gate and then for a different perspective, from the roof of AJ.

Cowell was our lunch stop and it was nice to see the place again, though very busy with caravans and tourists. Leaving town we turned off towards Cleve, finally not having to fight the wind. Passing the memorial to May Gibbs of Gumnut Babies Fame we climbed the range, passed Middle Camp and old early settlers settlement consisting of an old stone shearing shed and crofters cottage and then after more very, very green countryside, arrived and stopped at the Crossville School Ruins for some photo's.

The last time we were here you could go in but there is now a gate and a sign informing everyone that their normal right of passage on lands is revoked and that trespass will definitely be prosecuted should you not understand or ignore. The inside of the building appears to have been gutted and maybe that is why the gate is now firmly locked. The good thing about it though is the carpet of grass, weeds and flowers around the building is in tact and provides a nice unadulterated view from the fenceline.

Photo's taken we finished the short distance into Cleve and found ourselves a spot at the Showgrounds RV Park where we settled in for the night.

20 June 2015

After rain overnight and a cold night at that we left town and made our way through more crops to Elliston, passing on the way the return of dry stone walls in the paddocks.

Arriving at Elliston the town of murals we stopped for lunch and a few photo's of the breakers as they formed and crashed across the entrance to the shore.

Sitting there with a front row seat we enjoyed our lunch before heading out of town and turning up the limestone road that is known as the Great Ocean Drive, Elliston's take on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Climbing to the first lookout we stopped and spent a bit of time enjoying the magnificent view as the waves formed and the spray flying as they crested and then crashed their way in towards the shore.

View after view, photographic opportunity after opportunity came along as we drove high up on the limestone cliffs, ocean spray visible ahead in the sunlight. Finally back down off the cliffs we made our way along to the small locality of Colton where we inspected the stone building that is the old Colton Bakery (which is for sale) before heading on towards Venus Bay. Passing the turnoff we spotted a caravan in a rest area and so went back and set up camp for the night.

21 June 2015

Overnight was quite cold but we awoke to a bright red sunrise underneath the clouds and wind, which got stronger as the day went on. Leaving our campsite we backtracked a bit and took the turn off to Venus Bay, the small coastal town that sits on a headland and where we spent Christmas 2001 on our cycling trip around Australia. The town hasn't grown much since we were there last but there are a few new buildings. The view back inland was quite nice from the cliff top as it looks back over town and the small bay between it and the highway.

Leaving Venus Bay we made our way to a spot on a hill called Murphy's Haystacks for some photo's and to camp, arriving to find that we were going to be battered by the wind. We selected a spot at the back of the carpark and as out of the wind as we could be before it was time to explore and try for some photo's in a challenging environment. It's not only hard to keep the camera and tripod from shaking in the wind but it's also hard to see what you are shooting when the wind makes your eyes water!

Called Murphy's Haystacks because of Murphy who, when traveling the highway about a kilometre away on a coach, told his fellow passengers that the farmer on the hill must cultivate his land because of the size of his haystacks. Little did he know they were in fact Inselbergs which are just the top of a huge rock underneath the ground.

Initial photo session over and photo's processed it was time to sit back and wait for sunset and those haystacks again. However, as the day wore on the wind picked up and the sky clouded over, thereby thwarting the plans for a brilliant sunset and then astro photography.

 

22 June 2015

The front that came in yesterday delivered very strong winds and even some rain overnight, the wind strong enough to rock the motorhome about quite a lot. This morning the wind was still there. The sunrise was quite good and if it hadn't of been for the wind making photo's almost impossible there might have been some shots of it and the Haystacks to enjoy.

Leaving our windy camp up on the hill we made our way towards Ceduna, battling the wind and watching the fuel gauge fall quicker than normal. A quick stop in Smokey Bay with a view to stopping we decided to put some insurance in the tank and press on instead, arriving in Ceduna and stopping into the Big 4 Caravan Park where we always seem to go to when we are stopping in town. The afternoon was then taken up with some maintenance, washing and the like.

23 June 2015

After a nice sunset last night we awoke to a grey morning and heavy drizzle as we left Ceduna. The wind was still fairly strong and making good fuel consumption and driving that little bit harder. After passing through more cropping country and out into the open we stopped in Penong, the town of windmills for morning tea.

Dropping into Nundroo for a fuel top up we continued through more cropping country before slowly heading back into bush, noticing as we did more and more beautiful tree trunks as the stringy bark was unraveling at this time of the year. Arriving at the old Yalata Roadhouse we stopped for lunch and some photo's as the drizzle fell causing photography to be carried out under an umbrella.

Lunch and photo's over we were heading for the real Nullarbor where we intended to visit the Head of the Bight to see if there were any whales in at the start of the whale watching season. Leaving the bush behind and passing the sign indicating the Eastern End we began crossing the open plain that is Nullarbor.

Shortly after entering the Nullarbor itself and about 15 kilometres from the Nullarbor Roadhouse we arrived at the turnoff to the Bight. Turning off and heading South we arrived at the Whitewall Tank Free Camp, named after the white walled (inside) stone buttressed water tank that has been turned into a hut and where the large gravel carpark around it is now a free camp. The people we camped with outside of Venus Bay being the only inhabitants on our arrival. We selected a spot in the lee of the building but then moved later on for the three elderly ladies who came in, each in their small camper, to use the hut to cook and socialise in.

Good friends Kim, Carolyn and dog Diesel were heading our way from Western Australia and so just before dark turned up in their motorhome to park next to us, the evening then spent catching up with them and what has happened to us all since we last saw them.

24 June 2014

Waking to a grey but promising sky we had breakfast and then, with Kim and Carolyn, took the remaining kilometres down the the Head of the Bight itself. Parking and going inside the building we were told that there were just a few whales and white caps to be seen. Slightly disappointed with that news we were given the incentive to go and see them anyway by the offer of $10 a head instead of the $12 a head Seniors rate.

Walking down to the coast and the two walkways we were in fact able to see three whales just cruising along, which was nice but nothing too spectacular. The sun came out every now and then to light up the cliffs before a shower of rain passed slightly to the West and just managing to sprinkle on us as it did so.

Leaving the whales to their winter maternity ward we said our farewell's and headed off West as Kim and Carolyn turned East. We then began stopping in to the Bunda Cliff viewing points looking not only at the view but casting a keen eye for whales. On our second stop we managed to see four whales and we had them all to ourselves as nobody else was in.

It was so tempting to stay and camp there but we decided to move on and almost stopped to camp at a small truck stop with a small gravel pit out the back but decided to continue on to the large gravel pit area we know of. Well, we almost made it and after deciding to go down the track to a now disused official lookout we decided to stop regardless so as to spend the afternoon looking for whales, and we were not disappointed.

While we saw no Southern Right's we did managed to see a Humpback. We were sitting there catching up with the web page and photo's etc when we heard this thumping sound. Looking up and out to sea there was a small Humpback Whale breaching about half a kilometre off from where we were, testing the length of the lens and the ability to keep it still on full zoom. This guy (or gal) would raise its head out of the water as if to look at us up on the cliffs before launching itself half out of the water and dropping back down with a splash, and it did this not once, not twice but three times and the camera trigger was going like a machine gun to try and capture it all.

The whale watch crew (Joanne) were on duty until it was time to eat and the evening meal was prepared with the occasional look out of the window in the hope of seeing more before darkness fell following a beautiful sunset.

Then around 3am there somebody was awake and looking out of the bedroom window at the sky. Deciding that the clouds had cleared and there was enough Milky Way to photograph it was time to get out of a nice warm bed to go and stand in the cold and the dark to see what could be captured before a hasty retreat to bed.

25 June 215

Leaving our cliff top camp we continued to head West, stopping for a brief look at the remaining lookout and other gravel pit areas where we have camped before arriving at the South/Western Australian Border. Lining up with the others we were subjected to a full vehicle search for Quarantine contraband before being allowed to go on our way.

Passing the small settlement of Eucla we dropped down the Eucla pass and onto the plain before stopping at Mundrabilla to fuel up again and we were on our way. Long straight roads with not a great deal to see except the beautiful bush we commented that no matter how many times we travel this road we never tire of the scenery. So after about 100 odd kilometres we climbed back up onto the top of the range at Madura and stopped at the lookout for lunch.

With putting our clocks onto WA time we gained an hour and a half and so used that time to continue on towards Cocklebiddy where we pulled into a large gravel pit for the night about 10 kilometres short of the roadhouse.

26 June 2015

A cool start to the day but we were able to leave camp and head off down the road with sun behind us and giving nice early morning light to the view in front. Passing Cocklebiddy Roadhouse not long after we departed we began the run along the 90 mile (146.6 km) straight passing various terrains but especially open grasslands.

We stopped for a look at the water tank and roof that we sheltered under in searing heat on our cycle trip before passing the Caiguna Roadhouse at the Western End of the 90 mile straight and the shoulder work that had gone for 100km's.

Back into saltbush country we passed the Ballodonia Telegraph Station Ruins and then Balladonia Roadhouse itself before stopping for lunch at a favourite campsite by the name of Newman Rocks. The recent rain has filled the rock pool and rocky outcrops around the area and even the large lake which can be seen to the East from here had water in it.

Onto Fraser Range and a check of the old Fraser Range Rest Area where we camped on our cycle trip was in order before we stopped at the newer and bigger Fraser Range Rest Area 3 km on. A quick look around and we found a spot up the back and well away from the road before a walk around the area for photographs of the magnificent trees with their golden trunks, and a trip down to the almost dry lake behind the rest area.

27 June 2015

A very cool night last night but we awoke to sun in the window and that helped warm the place up. Out onto the highway where the traffic was light and the early morning light was providing a very nice light on the tree's through here making for a very scenic drive.

About 50 km out of Norseman we hit a bank of fog and the going was a little slow and the fog gave us the excuse to stop and try some photo's in the fog before continuing on our way.

This tree really stood out in the grey air.

Arriving at a small rest area a few kilometres out of Norseman at Jimberlana Hill we stopped for a look to see what it was like and noticed that there were more photo's to be taken, especially spider webs with droplets of fog on them and looking like a pearly web.

Heading down the hill as the fog cleared we stopped into Norseman for some fuel before heading back out and North towards Coolgardie where we managed to stop in town at the free 24 hr RV rest area to process photos and to check the Railway Station and Museum which is right next door.

During the photo shoot exploration a woman from a nearby fifth wheeler came out of a gate on the side of the building and it turns out that is the way into the station toilets which can be used by the campers, so more investigation was required and of course when you are on the platform and have access to the old steam train sitting there more photo's follow.

28 June 2015

Despite being in a town the night was wonderfully quiet and we awoke to a warm morning courtesy of a cloudy sky. Coolgardie has many old buildings but that is the main attraction and the place certainly looks like it is slowly dying. Topping up with water and fuel we left town and headed off down the newly made wide highway the lovely bush being replaced with crops the closer we got to Southern Cross.

Stopping in Southern Cross we stopped for morning tea and a look at the new 24 hour rest stop in the edge of town, next to the highway and just 300m from the place where gold was first discovered in Southern Cross. Not as good as Coolgardie but certainly would do for an overnighter, especially if you went up the back and we wondered if it would be worth camping there one night and wandering around with a metal detector.

The highway following the pipeline that carries water to many parts of Western Australia and the pump stations along it's route was a constant companion as we drove. Turning off we headed North to see what was at Westonia.

10km's after we turned North we arrived at Westonia and took the short drive around town viewing it's shops made of new materials but fashioned in early 1900's style similar to when the town sprung up following the discovery of gold. The small caravan park here has about seven spots, all with a concrete slab, power, water and grey water drain and it is situated at the rear of the miners dongas'.

29 June 2015

Despite the nearby mine going 24 hours a day the noise last night was minimal and certainly did not keep us awake. Leaving this morning we packed up and went up to the Shire Office to pay for our stay before getting back on the highway again.

Passing through more open cropping country we took a detour in Merriden and had a look at the CBH Grain Handling facilities there and then a side road to view a canola crop in flower, the first that we had seen as everything else is green.

Then onto Northam where we stopped in town for fuel and a look at the CBH facilities there before stopping at a nice spot on the Avon River for lunch.

Heading out of town we took the back road to York, passing crops and granite rocks over the hills which made the drive very pleasant. Arriving in York we found the 24 hr RV Rest Area and with only one other camper in selected a spot and plugged into the free power, leaving room for another to come in behind us to use the second power point, unlike the car and caravan in front who has plonked themselves across two spots meaning someone will miss out on power if they come in hoping for power and don't have a long lead.

The RV park is a very short walk from the main street and has a park, BBQ's, toilets and of course the river to enjoy, so we repaid their providing a great facility by spending some money in town.

30 June 2015

The last day of the financial year and the last day of our travel back to Western Australia to visit family and friends. Despite being in a town we had a nice quiet night. We were the first of four campers to leave and we took more back roads to enjoy the scenery.

Passing through the picturesque towns of Beverly, Brookton and Pingelly we stopped at Wandering where we enjoyed the view of the granite rocks and sheep on a farm while we enjoyed our morning tea.

Crossing the Darling Range we turned onto the highway for a bit and began to notice the gum trees that were heavily laden with gumnut's so a chance to photograph them where we turned off the highway was taken.

Now we were into the forest and on a road we have traveled many times. Stopping for lunch at Jarrahdale we spent some time photographing a huge bank of golden wattle that was growing alongside the old sawmill before heading on down the Darling Range into Mundijong and onto our eldest daughters home near Rockingham.

And so the financial year came to a close as did our travels for the moment. We think we will be back on the road again in about a month.

Next Page

Previous Page

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.

|©Andrew & Joanne Hooker | Default Screen Size 1024x768||Last Updated   |