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)

August 2015

01 August 2015

August see's us still visiting with family and friends but also managing to break away for a few days with a trip up the coast (looking for the warmer weather). As usual, spending some time behind the lens was on the agenda and some time with gr8m8 Robert Auzner was a bonus.

You can't park there!

While we were scouting the foreshore for photographic opportunites at Palm Beach we came across this yacht that had been washed up on the shore and so it became the focus of our lenses for a while.

Then as the sun dropped in the sky and the lights along the jetty came on it was time to practice some star burst and low lighting shots.

Then as the moon began to rise over Rockingham it was a chance to practice and learn shots involving a bright light (the moon) and ambient light and light glow from the town's lights.

Taking some time out from family and friends we took a short trip up the coast heading for Cliff Head, but after a late start and a few hours driving along the very pleasant Indian Ocean Drive we stopped in a little free camp on Billy Goat Bay near Green Head.

Such a pleasant little place we found some good photo opportunities and then decided to just stay and veg another day as well, allowing for another photo shoot at sunset and the blue hour.

Both of us tried some shots of the really white sand dunes but looking at the results we will have to go back for another couple of days and practice some more.

Thank goodness for Graduated Neutral Density Filters which make shooting into the sun so much easier.

With no wind the glassy ocean was great for reflections as the seagulls began to roost.

More reflections as the sun set further and the colours really began to show through

A closer look at the features of Milligan's Rock.

One last look back at the end of the Blue Hour as I was heading back home revealed this and I just had to stop and shoot it.

And so, after a very pleasant couple of days we began to head South again via a short trip East through some open countryside that was really yellow in places because of the Canola crop. We also stopped for some shots of the native flowers and passed through more bush, salt plains and lakes.

Despite the grey skies, Joanne managed to get the shot of the day with this.

and she found this (whatever it is)

Not sure what this is either.

After lunch in Dalwallinu we took a short drive to Reynoldson Reserve to see if the wildflowers were out but the only excitement to be found was driving through the flood water as it was coming across the road after a recent 120mm downpour.

Finally making it into Wongan Hills we passed through town with little fanfare and made our way out to Ninan Lake, arriving to find we had the place to ourselves for the night. Blue Hour photography was made easier as the sky darkened ready for the rain which fell overnight.

Storm Clouds forming helped the blue stand out for the Blue Hour of Photography

Arriving back in town we settled in with family and friends again, visited some visiting family friends and got wet and blown at one of our grandson's AFL football match.

24 August 2015

As August winds down we are again out exploring before we head back to family and friends again. Heading North out of Perth we were in search of warmer and drier days, though it was going to be interesting.

Stopping in the RV Camp at Moora we still had a wet roof but the next day was an improvement as we made our way between Coorow and Latham to view a few Wreath Flowers (Lechenaultia Macrantha). Exploring the countryside on good gravel roads was enjoyable as we made our way through the crops (wheat, barley, canola and lupins) of the WA wheatbelt, eventually pulling up stumps next to the Hall in the small locality of Gutha which consists of a wheat bin, railway siding, one house and a hall.

It's nothing flash but the price is right.

Leaving Gutha the next morning we took a gravel road through more open countryside to another wreath flower location where we found one in amongst all of the other flowers that was a metre across.

The roadside scene.

The largest Wreath Flower we have found measuring a metre across.

Leaving the wreath flowers to bask in the sun we headed off to the small locality of Canna to check out the small donation camp before heading on Mullewa. It was here that we decided to head North to investigate the Greenough River on the Mullewa to Carnarvon Road.

Not far out of town we took the dirt road that takes you to some small waterfalls in the river when it is flowing and of course it was another chance to get the camera snapping.

When the river is full this would just be a deep waterhole but as it is now the honeycomb rocks and small waterfall make for an interesting scene, this shot requiring the removal of shoes and socks and a small amount of paddling.

The white honeycomb rock looks just like concrete, but it isn't.

Waterfall visit over we continued North through a mixture of Nature Reserve and cropping, crossing a few creeks that would cut the road when they are in flood we found the Greenough River about 60 km's North of Mullewa, the bitumen running out a kilometre or so later as the road makes it's way to Murchison Settlement and then onto Carnarvon.

Selecting a spot on the bank we began exploring the very low water level of the river to see what was around as the clouds began to build in the South West.

The water level was pretty low and apart from the rocks the weed trying not to get sucked under the road was about the only thing of interest around.

Clouds building in the Southwest

More weather heading our way as the sun begins to set.

Sunset over the Greenough River.

Showers overnight made us thankful we were on reasonable ground. Not wanting to try our luck on the dirt as it heads North we turned around and headed back to Mullewa and then onto the small town of Pindar to find (yes, you guessed it), some more Wreath Flowers (are we sick of them yet?).

Stretching for nearly a kilometre they were on both sides of the road and not just in open ground which is their preferred habitat. Along with the many other tourists we took the chance to get some happy snaps, and to try some camera techniques as we did.

Well that's enough Wreath Flowers for the moment

Back on the highway we made our way to the small town of Yalgoo where after a short drive around town, a climb up to the lookout and a quick look at the church on the hill we found our way out to Jokers Tunnel.

Jokers Tunnel was built in 1896 and goes right through the hillside near where the gold mine was as part of the early gold prospectors mission to get rich. Named after the the Joker Mining Syndicate it stretches for about 50m in length. It is almost possible to stand up at the entrance and for most of the way though but we think the engineer must have got the sack towards the end as the height shortens to the point where you are almost on hands and knees to get out.

The entry to Jokers Tunnel

Inside Jokers Tunnel

The exit from Jokers Tunnel

As we were about to leave the tunnel we began speaking to a couple who were parked near us and it turns out that they are crop farmers from near Northampton and so we enjoyed a chat about all things harvest with Mark and Gaylene before heading off to find a camp.

After checking a few roadside stops we we eventually stopped at the site of the Edah Railway Siding some 80 km's West of Mt Magnet. Once the site of a small town, including a boarding house and railway siding there is nothing but the remains of the siding and the chimney from the boarding house. Taking a walk around the place we found some photographic opportunities and took them as the sun began to set.

Wildflower sunset.

Despite the highway being 100m away we enjoyed a quiet night as the occasional truck kerclunked over the nearby grid and passed our camp. Waking to our Sunday morning ritual of eggs and bacon for breakfast and Macca on the radio we turned East again and began heading into Mt Magnet. Fuelling up and catching up on the Internet again after our night without communications we decided to head East some more and take the road across to Sandstone where we had heard that the wildflowers were in abundance, and they were, in parts.

One of many scenes along the way, complete with photographic props.

Passing Sandstone we headed out to London Bridge where we have camped before and where we hoped to get some sunset and astro shots. Arriving at the site we found we were the only people there, and there was a new sign - No Camping or Overnight Stays! Not to be deterred we found the after hours mobile number of the Shire (turns out it is the CEO) and sent them a text telling them what we wanted to do and asking if we would be in trouble if we did. A reply in our favour was gratefully received and so we settled in to wait for sunset and the milky way to come out.

London Bridge catching the last rays of the day as the sun sets.

Sunset at London Bridge

A check on the Starwalk app showed exactly when and where the Milky Way was going to appear but with the moon out any chance of a good shot it was going to be hard. With the moon setting at midnight there was only one thing to do and that was to go to bed and get up later on. Well midnight came and the moon was still in the sky so it was a case of wait. Around 1am the moon was almost down and it was time to get up and out into the cool of the night. With cloud almost non existent the night was cold and the small breeze that was blowing made it just that little bit colder, but the end results were worth it.

The moon still had a few minutes above the horizon as a weak Milky Way fought to be seen.

Portal to the heavens

Some fun before bed - light painting on London Bridge.

Leaving the cold behind it was time (2am) to get back into the warm - "Iceberg dead ahead" being called as one cold body got into bed with one nice warm body.

Up early to get going we blearily made out way back out to the highway and headed directly into the sun as it climbed into a cloudy sky. We stopped for breakfast at the Peter Deny Lookout and then made our way into the wind to eventually arrive in the mining town of Leinster which is almost dead thanks to the downturn in Nickel prices. What once was a busy town is now very quiet, the signs advertising the location of many businesses that are not just empty shops and yards. Finding ourselves a spot in the caravan park ($20) we got some jobs done and enjoyed the free laundry, washing anything we could while we had the chance.

26 August 2015

Moving on from Leinster we enjoyed the bush drive to Leonora, stopping at Station Creek for a look at the small rest area and nice gum tree's.

The view as we parked up in the rest area.

The old fella sits just back from the rest area.

The other side of the tree showing great character.

Not long after we were passing through Leonora and taking the short drive out to Malcolm Dam where we have camped before. Initially selecting a spot up on the earthen dam wall we changed our minds and joined the two other campers down on the flat not far from where the waters edge was the last time we were here. Now the waters edge is a short 5 minute stroll across dead ground.

The sedge bank used to be in the middle of the dam, but not anymore.

The sedge made a great foreground to the sky as the sun slipped further below the horizon.

The next day good friends Kim and Carolyn turned up in their latest motorhome with Ern and Val in tow. Parking up next to us we all enjoyed a catchup while sitting in front of and enjoying the warmth of a campfire as the sun set over the water just like the night before.

28 August 2016

Next morning there was a small 3 vehicle convoy seen heading out of the camp area. We went into town to visit the supermarket before heading South, the others did some things around town before heading North.

Stopping in the town of Menzies we found and spent a few enjoyable hours Hamish and Kylie, a couple we have worked with on the wheat harvest in Queensland who now semi resident in the town. Later in the day we found a nice little camp spot in the bush about 60 km's North of Kalgoorlie in what looked like an old gravel pit.

Our home framed by some very nice gum tree trunks as the sun begins to set.

The sun setting on this little grove of trees opposite our camp caught my eye.

The next morning we made our way into Kalgoorlie and after shopping and topping up with water found ourselves with about a dozen others in the free 24 hour rest area in town.

29 August 2016

Heading out of town after a quiet night in town we enjoyed the bush setting we were driving through, arriving in and passing through the town of Coolgardie with it's old stone buildings and site of one of our recent camps at the railway station. Back into the bush along a nice highway as it follows the water pipeline that goes from Perth to Kalgoorlie we eventually turned off and made camp at Karalee Rock where we have camped quite a few times before and where we will hopefully get some nice photo's around the rock as the sun sets.

The afternoon went fairly quickly and quietly except for a group of eight four wheel drives towing small campers came in, setting up camp in a circle (as best the could among the trees) and settling in for the night with a nice fire and a fair bit of laughter before an alcohol induced coma overtook them. The group of retired folks were on their way up to Laverton and then across the Great Central Road.

As expected a trip up onto the rock just before sunset mean't a slightly rushed photo session as scouting out spots and planning the photo's was done on the run rather than in advance but the results turned out quite good.

The colours of the rock around this Gnamma Hole came to life in the light of the setting sun.

The setting sun made for interesting colours in the trees and clouds behind this little waterway on top of the rock.

Waiting around until the moon rose over the little waterway paid off.

The Karalee Rock has a small wall around it to funnel the rainfall into here and then down the chute to a dam and it made for a great spot to capture the moon as it rose in the sky. Thankfully our camp was only 100m from here which made it easy to find in the dark.

30 August 2016

Waking to a quiet morning and the gentle stirring of the nearby campers we decided to leave camp and go exploring some more, but not before eggs and bacon for breaky. Heading back out to the highway we stopped some 50 km later in Southern Cross where we topped up our fuel and then for 20c we topped up our water tanks with 40 litres of water from the self serve water dispenser that the town has located opposite the dump point near the recreation grounds. All ready for the next part of the day we found a nice parking spot and settled in for a coffee, lunch and then to watch Landline on the TV.

Heading out of town we were breaking new ground as we made our way to Bullfinch, the town that was, then wasn't and then was again (sort of) ebbing and flowing with the fortune of the nearby mine for which the town was initially built.

Then it was on through some more cropping before we arrived at the dirt road to Baladjie Rock which we made it to after negotiating the trees along the side of the narrow dirt road and a large and deep water obstacle about 4m long just 50m short of our objective.

Baladjie Rock is huge and commands it's place in and dwarfs the landscape. Parking up we began to inspect the caves that have been eroded by wind and rain before eventually climbing to the top, taking photographs a good excuse to stop to catch your breath.

The large cave.

Beginning the climb we were getting among the interesting formations and glimpses of the surrounding countryside.

Rocks turned into interesting shapes by the elements adorn the top of the rock itself.

This one was named The Lizard as it looks like a large lizard came up here, was turned into rock and then broke up.

This one we called The Jigsaw Piece.

So after descending from the rock we decided not to camp at the base and to head off in search of another place to stop. Renegotiating the water obstacle had a dirty water bow wave going and also means that we now have a very dirty motorhome, but it was fun getting through. More cropping and another large rocky outcrop before we eventually pulled up on the gravel at the Warralakin Wheat Bin and settled in for the evening.

31 August 2015

The last day of the month saw us head off to another large rock formation but only after a drive around the small wheatbelt town of Mukinbudin. Driving out to Beringbooding Rock we passed the ghost town locality of Bonney Rock and turned onto a good gravel road for the eight or so kilometres to the rock and campsite.

On arrival we found three other campers in and all set up near the large concrete tank that sits at the base of the rock itself. The tank was built in 1937 at a cost of 10,000 Pounds to harness the water that comes off the rock and when full (as it is today) holds 2,250,000 gallons of water, supposedly the largest rock formation fed holding tank in Australia.

We selected a good spot in the camping area and grabbing the camera gear took off for a look at the tank and the rock.

2,250,000 Gallons of water (it is full) sitting in the tank at the base of the Beringbooding Rock.

Flowers growing on the top of the rock.

The Kangaroo Hole.

Looking down into the Kangaroo Hole.

We named this one the Turtle Shell Rock.

One push and...

The Gnamma Hole as you approach it.

The weed growing in the water stretches up to meet the sky.

After returning from the rock we received a message to say that we were going to be required back in Perth on Wednesday and so decided to get a few kilometres in this afternoon to help make the trip back tomorrow a little shorter and easier.

And so after getting an extra hundred and thirty km's in we found ourselves a little spot on a disused part of road just outside the small, almost ghost town of Bencubbin as the weather began to close in on the area.

The weather closing in as we set up camp for the night on an old peice of road.

The next morning the weather was clear as we made our way back to Perth for more family time.

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   |