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January 2018
05 January 2018
The start of another exciting year see's us still with family and friends as we sort out what we are going to do this year. Apart from spending time with family and friends, we have been organising a few things, getting a few things done and making sure our rig is fit and safe for the open road that beckons yet again.
11 January 2018
The last few days have been rather hectic one way or another. The biggest event however has been the engagement of our son Michael to the lovely Tatiana. She knew that there was going to be a proposal as she was there when Michael asked her Father in Columbia (The internet connection was the easy bit but asking to marry someone in Spanish was quite the deal) if he could marry her, but she didn't know when or how it was going to happen.
So, with his three children and parents well and truly in on the act we made our way to the beach under the pretence of just going to the beach. On arrival the kids sprang into action and ran down to the beach where they collected the sign from us and set it up. Then Michael and Tatiana appeared the surprise was sprung. Tatiana of course was blown away and then, with Michael on one knee and proposing in Spanish, the happy water works started.
The First Question for Tatiana.
The Second Question (asked in Spanish and answered in English).
Making it official.
So with the proposal and engagement over it was time for us to leave suburbia once again and to take some more roads to somewhere. Our first day saw us go just 40km as we made our way up the hill to the old timber town of Jarrahdale. Arriving at the free camp we were the first ones there and so had the pick of the best spots. Parking near a table and chairs we got our recliners out and sat in the shade of two wattle tree's as the warm wind cooled itself as it came into the shade, before it cooled us. And with next to no noise except the birds we spent a very enjoyable relaxing afternoon doing very little.
During the evening a caravan came in and parked up not too far from us, and then, despite the clear signs that say Self Contained RV's only, a whiz bang came in and parked up near the caravan.
A peaceful night spent with the door and windows wide open to allow that beautiful evening breeze through our house we awoke to another beautiful day, and one which was going to be a hot one. We headed off leaving the caravan and whiz bang to themselves, and passed two other whiz bangs at the start of the street as their occupants began their day.
Making our way up to the highway we traveled a few kilometres before turning off and heading bush along Pikes Road. Not much of a road and more of a bush track the going was good and bad, washouts and narrowness slowing our pace to around 30km/h. Plenty of kangaroo's bouncing along through the place and across the track, and even two wild pigs crossed in front of us.
Dropping down to the Canning River we crossed the dry, sandy riverbed and continued on our way, eventually arriving at Metro Road, a nice wide speedway compared to Pike Road. The going was good until we came to the area where trail bikes use the place to race around the bush. Here the road deteriorated into pot holds, washouts, dirt bike skids and all manner of obstacles that with any speed would shake you and the rig to pieces.
Back out onto the highway we made our way to the town of Beverley where after some time down the street we began to set up camp in the town's free camp. With the set up just about done a 4x4 came in and the man told us of a better spot out of town at the Yenyening Lakes and the place to camp at the Beverley Ski Club. So, with the prospect of a better campsite in mind, we packed up and took the road out to the lake.
Arriving at the ski club sign we made our way out to the lake, arriving in time to see some people launch a large boat and begin skiing. In the meantime we scouted around and found ourselves a nice spot between some shady tree's on the sand. Reversing the rig between the trees and up onto the beach, digging some holes in the sand to level ourselves up we began setting up camp yet again and settling in as the breeze blew in the front door to work with the shade to keep us cool. Definitely a better spot than in town!
Our little spot on the shore of Yenyening Lake.
After a very peaceful night we awoke this morning to a moody, cloud covered sky and so it was time for a photo or two. Walking around yesterday I spotted this old dead tree and the reflections this morning made it my go to spot.
Reflections and tracks in the sand under a moody sky at Yenyening Lake.
The sun burnt the cloud off and by the time we were leaving there was brilliant blue sky overhead, the wind also strong enough to make small white caps on the lake.
Heading back into Beverley via the County Peak lookout we headed off towards York to top up with water and then, as there was a spare spot at the free camp, we decided to stay.
13 January 2018
With only two of us in the RV camp (and two female backpackers in a 4x4 by the river) it was a quiet night in York and we awoke to another fine day. Heading out of town we made our way North through Goomalling and then onto Wongan Hills, where, after a look around town we took the short drive South West to Lake Ninan.
Having camped at the lake a number of times we were glad to arrive to find we had the place to ourselves, but unfortunately the lake is empty of water. Selecting a nice level spot next to the tree's for the shade we set up what is to be our camp for the next few days.
Our campsite.
With the rig mostly in the shade we deployed the portable solar panels to keep the batteries topped up and spent the afternoon catching up on a few things and getting out onto the salt lake for a look and to scout out some photo opportunities.
Sentinels of the lake.
Around 8.30pm and with the sun almost down it was time to head out onto the lake to practice some astrophotography for a bit. Walking back to the sentinels the salt crushing under my feet sounding very loud. Photo's taken it was time to head back and off to bed as the faint breeze came through the open windows and door and making for a pleasant night's sleep.
Startrails and aircraft light trail over Lake Ninan and Wongan Hills.
Bulb Mode, ISO1000, f4, 5 x 5 minute exposures with 2 minute intervals set on the intervalometer and then all the shots stacked by Startrails program. The alternative is to just leave the camera on and the shutter open for the total time, but the problem there is is something happens to ruin the shot you lose the complete photo. Doing it in individual exposures means you can remove the offending shot and still get a reasonable outcome. Of interest is the 2 minute intervals that I used really needed to be shorter, say around 30 seconds, but, minimum of an hours worth of exposure is needed to get smoother trails. And a chair, headlamp and book. Next time!
So after getting to bed late it was a surprise to be awake at 5am! What the heck is going on there? Slightly too late for the sunrise shots on the lake. Joanne went for a walk and I had a look at last night's photo's, some learning along the way.
After breakfast it was time for more photo's and then a walk along the lake edge to grab some more shots of dead tree's in the salty ground.
On the edge.
Reaching Out.
Twisted.
Back at camp there were a few chores to get some and then lunch as the wind began to build up and we wondered if the awning was going to stay in place.
15 January 2018
Leaving our lakeside camp we made our way into Wongan Hills itself and took up a spot at the free camp on the old basketball courts just a short walk from town. Having just got set up the weather closed in. Joanne remembered to put the rain gauge out and by the next morning it was registering 14mm.
The rain continued the next day as we were joined by Kim and Carolyn, and we spent another day in the free camp waiting for the rain from the remnants of ex tropical cyclone Joyce to move on. The rain gauge registered another 16mm in the morning.
Waking to a clearer day we broke camp and headed North out of town looking for sunnier and warmer climes. Driving through open cropping country we eventually stopped at Dalwallinu where we enjoyed morning tea in the park. Passing through Maya we saw CBH were outloading grain already. The days drive ended at Latham, a small town with a nice free camp at the recreation centre, and we sat in the shade of the tree trying to escape the humidity until the clouds forming dropped their heavy load and we ducked for cover under the verandah of the hall.
Our camp at Latham, including water views on what was/is the footy oval.
17 January 2018
After a peaceful night at Latham we stopped in Perenjori to give a donation to the Shire for the camp at Latham and then headed off again passing through open cropping country again. Stopping for morning tea in Morawa before stopping for the night in Canna where we were able to enjoy a powered campsite.
18 January 2018
Onto Pindar today via some back roads and a dirt road that we better than most bitumen ones we stopped outside the old double story stone pub, which is now a private residence for morning tea.
The old Pindar Pub.
Heading West we were trying to get to the Greenough River for a look at it as it was supposed to be flooded. Arriving in Mullewa we fuelled up and then after being told the road was open, found that it was closed, so it was onto Plan B - whatever that was.
Plan B turned out to be a nice camp at Coronation Beach North of Geraldton. We managed to get one of the last spots available that was big enough for both rigs to get into. The wind was up and so the ocean was very popular with wind surfers and kites and they were still going as the sun went down.
You can just see us topped and tailed in the left hand side opposite the toilet.
Wind surfers on the way home as the sun sets.
19 January 2018
After a very pleasant night with the sound of the ocean just 100m away and the sea breeze blowing in the window we left the wind pilots to enjoy their day and headed back into Northampton and a quick look at Horrocks Beach, a very pleasant little place on the ocean's edge. Back in Northampton there was time to get our insurances renewed while Joanne, Kim and Carolyn took a walk through the street.
Heading out of town we were following the Chapman Valley Way, a pleasant drive through farming country, rolling hills and ridges with mesa's. Rolling into Nabawa we passed through this little town and onto Yuna. We inspected the free camp and then decided to take the 25 kilometres onto the Greenough River where there is a campsite.
Arriving at the river we found the road closed! 1.2m of water across the road from the flood that was still coming down after cyclone Joyce stopped us in our tracks, and to make it worse our intended campsite was on the other side!
1.2m of wet, flowing roadblock
So with our path blocked and our hopes of a riverside camp dashed we made our way back to Yuna and set up camp next to the hall in the free camp.
20 January 2018
Despite not being our preferred camp we all spent a pleasant night at Yuna and headed off again, passing through Nabawa again, stopping only for a look at an old Church and then a pet cemetery that has over 1600 residents.
The Chapman Valley Pet Cemetery. Started and run by a vet.
Passing around Geraldton we made our way down the Brand Highway to 7 mile beach where we set up camp in the 72 hour RV Free Camp. Not quite right on the water but close enough to be able to enjoy it. Watching the day trippers come and go and then a crayfish boat come in and offload it's catch and generally enjoying the view were the order of the day.
Cloud streaking across our campsite at 7 mile beach.
Sunset at 7 mile beach
Disappointingly the cloud cleared before sunset removing the planned dramatic sunset shoot, but we still managed to enjoy a pleasant end to the day, all of us sitting and watching the ocean and the sky until it was almost dark.
22 January 2018
Leaving 7 mile beach this morning we made our way into Dongera and after spending a few hours sat in the wonderfully deep shade of a large fig tree overlooking the harbour, we made our way over to the towns free RV camp not far from the old mill. A good serve of fish and chips was the order of the evening and then with Kim and Carolyn parked next to us we all enjoyed a peaceful night.
23 January 2018
After a peaceful night in Dongera we made our way to check out some other camping spots at Cliff Head (North, South and Central). Plenty of potential there but as there is a 3 day limit we thought we might keep those three days for when Bob and Julie came and joined us on the Australia Day Weekend.
Heading inland we went to check out a camping spot at Lake Indoon, and after setting up near a very large gum tree for shade, we spent quite a hot day lazing around in the heat overlooking a dry lake. The toilets and showers (cold) however were good and we were able to make use of them.
24 January 2018
Despite the hot day last night was a very comfortable one as the wind cooled and blew in the windows gently caressing us as we slept. Waking to another warm day and wind we made our way South to the Milligan Island Camping Node, a new campsite just North of Green Head. Situated just over the sand dune from the beach it is a nice spot, but with individual limestone based camping bays it is rather formal and of course, without an ocean view. So your $15 a night gets you a nice spot to camp and toilets.
Our Campsite at the Milligan Island Camping Node
The rest of the day was sent taking a short walk along the beach scouting out potential photographic targets and relaxing and chatting with Kim and Carolyn.
The balancing Rock I was hoping would be a good sunset photo subject, but unfortunately high tide was at sunset and it would have been underwater.
25 January 2018
With the wind up again next day Kim and Carolyn headed South to attend to some business and we made our way back to Lake Indoon. Arriving just before another caravan and took up a spot near the large shady tree we had camped near the other day. This was going to be our Australia Day weekend camp with Bob and Julie when they arrived tomorrow.
26 January 2018
With plenty to be grateful for on this Australia (and every other) Day and we awoke to another warm day with the wind blowing in from the South West. Bob and Julie, who had left home at dark o'clock, arrived around 9.30am and set up their camper trailer next to us under the large tree to take advantage of the shade.
The rest of the day was spent relaxing, chatting and planning future adventures, camps and trips as other campers came in, as did many others with boats, kayaks and other inflatable craft hoping for some action on the water. Disappointed they drove down onto the dry lake bed and then drove off again.
27 January 2018
More relaxing, chatting, watching people come and go and photography experiments were the order of the day today, and there was even a photographic reconnaissance walk which took us right around the lake, some 5 kilometres.
The patterns from the dry lake bed looking like an aerial shot of a mud metropolis with all roads leading to the city centre.
Looking like a large spider emerging out of the lake bed this old tree made an interesting subject.
Having seen this tree not far from our camp we used it for some composition practice, and called it "The window to the Lake".
Then as the sun set in a cloudless sky we drove down onto the lake and half way around to where the tree's were for some more photo opportunities, though with the cloud having been blown away it was not going to be a spectacular sunset.
The sunset was plain but the view behind was good. The bleached trunk of the tree standing out nicely as the pink and blue hue's of the belt of venus began to show.
28 January 2018
With solid walls on our rig we were unperturbed by the strong wind that blew all night but our fellow campers didn't fare as well. Waking this morning to another pleasant, but windswept day we spent a pleasant but quiet day together.
The wind strengthened and strengthened as the day went on and by the time sunset was approaching it was exceptionally strong, and after some searching for a spot out of the wind, Bob and Julie decided that if they were going to pack up to move they might as well head home, and so, after doing an excellent job in a challenging wind they bid us farewell and headed off for their 4 hour drive home. And then there was us (and one other camper). We packed most of the outside up and then settled inside for the evening as the wind did it's best to send us packing as well.
29 January 2018
After another night of windy weather we awoke this morning to another pleasant day, clouds over the coast and the ever present wind. Now it was our turn to leave and with nobody else in camp we did just that. Heading back to the coast to Leeman we topped up with fuel, found the dump point and then headed South, turning off just North of Green Head to head East.
Passing along the Corrow - Green Head Road before turning off of it and heading onto the dirt along Cockleshell Gully Road. Passing through the Lesueur National Park. Deciding to take a slight detour we took the 18 km long Lesueur Scenic Drive as it wound its way through the Gairdner Range, and paying $13 for the privilege (it was a bitumen road).
With nobody behind us we were crawling along at 20km/h enjoying the almost pristine bush, the wildflowers and the views. We stopped for a look at the unremarkable lookout at the base of Mt Lesueur and then again at Cockleshell Gully. Though the bush and views were nice, it would be best to come here in wildflower season.
Back onto the dirt we made our way to Dandaragan via the bitumen, our fuel consumption definitely not being helped by the ever present headwind. Arriving in Dandaragan we found the Tourist Way Park empty and so set up on the same spot we had last time. $20 for the night ($100 a week) gives us power, water, showers and toilets in a nice little town.
30 January 2018
After a nice stopover in Dandaragan we braved the high winds and took plenty of back roads, both dirt and bitumen on our way to Ninan Lake just 10km's from Wongan Hills.
On arrival we set up further down the parking area than last time so as to take advantage of the small windbreak provided by the trees. Water in the lake was something new for us as the only a few weeks ago it was bone dry.
Despite no clouds to help with the character of the sunset it was time to take photo's and not long before it was time to head back inside the gurgling sound of water moving became apparent. The tide was coming in! Water was slowly moving back across the lake towards our camp and the gurgling and bubbling was the air escaping from underneath the salty crust. Magical!
Sunset through one of many lumps of salt on the lake.
Sunset across the lake.
Creeping slowly across the lake, bubbling and gurgling as it went the tide was coming back in as the moon rose behind us.
The moon rising over the lake in the opposite direction to the sunset.
Blue hour on the lake as the water creeps in further and the moon shines on the salt crystals.
31 January 2018
With family to revisit and family events coming up very soon we were going to leave the lake today, but with the blood, super moon due tonight we thought we might stay and see what photo's were on offer.
As usual the sunset was nice, but could have been nicer with some clouds to add some character. There was still some shots as the pink in the salt came out better tonight than last.
As the sun sets the pink starts to come out both in the sky and the land.
The pink really came out when the moon began to rise.
And then there was the moon as the eclipse was underway.
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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