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March 2018
07 March 2018
With the long weekend in WA almost here, and being the only ones not tied down with a job we swapped the 5er and camper over and took off on the Thursday to check a few camping spots out and to try and secure a good one before the rest of the country did.
After finding one spot to come back to another day by chance, and another that was not quite what we were after size wise, we eventually made our way to Eulin Crossing on the Blackwood River where we have camped before.
Arriving to find nobody else in residence we spent some time trying to figure out how we could set three camper trailers up in our favoured spot right on the water, but gave up and resorted to a spot out the back with limited water views. The lack of view didn't really matter because the weekend to us was about being with people, not looking at the water as much as it would have been nice. Later on we decided that it was good being out the back as the waterfront was taken up with a group intent on water activities using a ski boat.
Our first night was great as we had the place all to ourselves, and others didn't start arriving until around lunchtime the next day. Kim and Carolyn arrived and not far behind them Bob and Julie. All of us were set up and it was time to just relax, enjoy each others company and to watch the hordes pile in and by the time the place was full there were 14 campers set up and doing their thing, and despite the large numbers there, everyone was well behaved and respectful of others which made for a good time for all.
Our campsite complete with Bob doing his best Julie Andrews Sound of Music Interpretation.
Joanne snapped this beauty of the river just near our campsite while on her morning walk.
Sunlight on the paperbark's at the rear of our campsite.
Joanne snapped this shot at the end of the sunset along the Blackwood.
Long weekend over we packed up headed out. Bob, Julie, Kim and Carolyn headed home and we made our way over to Collie to spend a night in a small camp we had found on the Collie River, not far from a larger spot next to an old hall.
Our little camp spot next to the Collie River Bridge.
Sunrise reflections on the Collie River.
After a peaceful night we packed up and headed back to town, swapped the camper for the 5er again (this time the camper is covered with a large tarp to try and keep it out of the weather).
The camper in it's new weather protective coat at the storage unit.
With the camper sorted out we headed off again, this time up the escapement to a favourite campsite at Jarrahdale while we await final arrangements for another bit of work in Qld at the Oakey Power Station Shutdown. And if that does not eventuate then we will be doing some more touring in WA before we are off on another adventure in the camper trailer in April.
Bob and Julie came up from the coast to spend some time and enjoy a cuppa with us before heading home, and we settled in for the night.
08 April 2018
Waking to a foggy morning we packed up and headed off on our long trip. First stop was at Wandering to top up with cheap fuel and to fill a couple of jerry cans. Heading off again the next stop was Pingelly for morning tea where we sat in the shade of some nice trees at the Pioneer Park.
Continuing Eastward through cropping country we were enjoying the air conditioning as the mercury headed into the high 30's as the kilometres sped by. Hyden came into view and we stopped for a fuel top up, lunch and some food shopping before heading 19 km's out of town where we eventually called an end to the days travel in a nice big gravel pit.
09 March 2018
Our gravel pit camp was another good one and we awoke to a clear and warm day. Packed up and heading off it was not long before the bitumen ran out and the gravel and the corrugations started. Pulling into a paddock gateway we aired down to 30psi all round as a starting point and took off again, the lower pressures making for a nice smooth ride at 80km/h.
The rough part of the road ran out about 20km's or so later and turned into a nice smooth super highway that had us thinking about airing back up again to speed the trip up without hurting the rubber, but in the end we decided to stick with what we had just in case the good road didn't last.
Passing all of the points of interest such as Forestania Plots, The Breakaways, The Flying Fox/Lounge Lizard Mine, and the now closed Emily Ann Mine (where we got a shower and water from when we cycled across here in 2006) along the way, the road was still in tip top condition. Stopping for morning tea at Lake Johnson was a pleasant stop and allowed us to swat a few flies and get some photos.
Stopping in the camping area we found this splendidly coloured tree.
The Lake complete with small swimming pool.
Leaving the mine the vegetation changed slightly with a couple of different eucalypt's growing through the region. Passing Disappointment Rock we entered an area that had been burnt out back in December-January. The burnt out area went for 35 kilometres, sometimes right off into the bush in spots and then just along the roadway in others. Either way it was one heck of a fire.
Pulling into the Lake Cowan Picnic area for a look we stopped for some more photo's and then headed across the salt lake on the new road and into Norseman, also passing the new location for the free camp as we did so.
Looking across part of Lake Cowan towards Norseman.
(one day we will camp here for a night or two)
A quick stop in Norseman for some food shopping and fuel ($1.54 p/l) before we made our way 10 km's out of town to Jimberlana Hill where we have camped before, arriving to find our spot empty and ready for us to settle into.
10 March 2018
Our Jimberlana Hill camp was another good one but we awoke to a cloudy and windy day. Heading out to cross the paddock we were fighting a wind that was making life slightly uncomfortable for driving and one that was sapping the fuel economy every chance it got.
Plenty of new roadwork's along the way before we pulled into the Baxter Rest Area for morning tea and to empty the jerry cans into the tank. Passing Caiguna and Cocklebiddy we pulled into a gravel pit just 10km's East of Cocklebiddy and took refuge from the wind for the rest of the day. The last time we stopped in this gravel pit we stayed two nights to allow the weather to pass before making our way up through Arubiddy and Rawlinna Stations to reach the Trans Australia Railway.
11 March 2018
Two other campers sought refuge in the gravel pit last night and we all awoke to overcast skies and the strong Southerly wind still making life hard in the fuel economy stakes.
Heading off we made comment on how green the countryside was courtesy of the rain that came down from the last tropical cyclone. Little to no road kill and light traffic made for a quiet trip.
Dropping down off the Hampton Tablelands onto the Roe Plain we pulled into Madura for fuel ($1.84 p/l) before heading across the plain proper. Lots of trucks, caravans, motorhome's and camper trailers heading West again today and the wave got a fair workout.
Stopping at our usual Mundrabilla stop we topped up the tank ($1.76 p/l), filled two jerry cans that will get us through to Nundroo or Penong and had morning tea while looking up at the pass we came down from the old coach road on back in August last year and remembering the fun we had on that trip.
More wind, trucks, caravans, motorhome's and camper trailers as we made our way to Eucla where we climbed back up onto the Hampton Tablelands and approached the WA/SA Border. A line of trucks at the Quarantine Station were all taking their time and wanting someone else to take the lead while the WA Dept of Transport Inspectors sat at their roadblock patiently waiting for their next customer.
We passed through the border with no issues and quietly turned off the bitumen onto the gravel and the Old Eyre Highway. Pulling over a short distance after turning off we began to air down and then noticed that we had a slight problem with a tyre on the 5er. Sticking out of the tread was a shard of glass and dropping some water onto it produced bubbles, so, a wheel change was in order as well as airing down.
Wheel arrangements over we began our trip down the old Eyre Highway again, enjoying the fact that the bush was blocking most of the wind but still having to go slow because of the surface condition. It seems that there has been many a traveler along the old highway of late which has made for a rough surface, corrugations and with the lighter gravel worn away, the limestone rocks were fairly hard to drive on and requiring a slower speed.
Back on the old Eyre Highway.
There are plenty of things to see along the OEH and we stopped at the Bunabie Blowhole for a look, though it was not working today, then there was the Bunabie Water Tanks, a short detour off into the never never to see a cave, another short detour to see some more tanks and to pass Herman Johnston's Grave, a grid of two and then we arrived at Koonalda Station where, being the only ones there and with first dibs on the camping spots, we took refuge from the wind by parking behind the old Shearer's Quarters.
One small and one large round water tank sit just 50m off the old highway.
Camped up behind the old Shearer's Quarters at Koonalda Station.
The sun briefly got some rays through before the end of the day.
12 March 2018
Being the only campers onsite last night we enjoyed a very peaceful, but windy night at Koonalda Station. Waking this morning to more grey skies we set off to cover the last part of the old Eyre Highway.
We were again enjoying the peace and solitude of the old highway and thinking of the thousands of people who have driven across it, had to change tyres because of punctures and had their windscreen broken because of it. Crossing the road up to Cook we remembered fondly our recent trip there and continued on.
Arriving at Nullarbor we stopped clear of the roadhouse and aired the tyres up to highway pressures, had a bite to eat and something to drink before heading off into the open Nullarbor and the wind that was gaining strength from nothing to slow it's progress.
Stopping at a rest area just 17 kilometres from Penong we set up camp and settled in for the rest of the day.
13 March 2018
A cool night in camp last night but reasonably quiet despite the wind blowing from the road side of camp. Three other campers in with us this morning.
Making our way along the highway we were still getting buffeted by the wind but after passing through Penong we stopped for the Quarantine check at Ceduna followed by some food shopping and fuel ($1.33 p/l) and then made our way along the highway to Minnipa.
Arriving at Tcharkulda Hill we found that we were the only ones there, so took up residence on one of the concrete pads and settled in for the rest of the day, with washing, some other chores and of course some photography being the order of the day.
Perched high up on the top of the rocks there are plenty of photographic subjects.
Looks like it is a popular place for the animals to shelter in.
Is is an animal or a rock?
The Belt of Venus starting to wrap itself around the horizon and "that rock".
14 March 2018
Tcharkuldu Rock was again another nice camp and with only one other camper coming in it was even better. A coldish night and even a dew over everything this morning courtesy of the wind finally subsiding.
It was tempting to stay another day but we decided to move on, dropping a donation into the box and then down the hill to top up with water before hitting the highway.
The road was fairly quiet as we wound our way through the open crop farming countryside, the only trees being along the sides of the road. Passing through Wudinna and arriving in Kyancutta, where, despite the fact that we had 3/4 of a tank of fuel we stopped to top up the tank at the cheapest fuel ($1.299 p/l) we had seen for a while, and 15c a litre cheaper than Kimba. The old store/Post Office hardly operates anymore but the bowser has a card machine and at $1.299 p/l it was worth the stop.
Over the many times we have passed through this area we have seen an old farmhouse (Kooma View) and some large tractor tyres out the front painted up with "Free Camping", but have never gone in, except this time. Pulling in we were pleasantly surprised by what we found. A large farmhouse that is still pretty much fully furnished and almost like the people have just gone out for the day, sits awaiting the travellers inquisitive inspection.
Pulling up outside the garage, come information booth, come happy hour venue we went exploring, reading the signs and taking a tour of the house, and were even surprised to find a CMCA Sponsored Dump Point at the rear of the house! According to the information the owners live about 5km's away in another farmhouse but have left this original family home for the travelling public to utilise. Such a great idea and we might just plan a stop there for a night the next time we pass through.
Arriving in Kimba we stopped to see exactly how good the butcher is (wikicamps says they are worth a stop) and then a late morning tea and look at the new Silo Art which is part of the ignite Kimba campaign.
Much better to look at than plain white.
The who, what, when and where of it all.
Heading out of Kimba the highway was again quite quiet and it was not long before we were at Iron Knob and today's overnight stop.
15 March 2018
Iron Knob was again a great camp spot and eight of us in there for the night it was popular. We awoke to a clear, cool morning again but at 7am it was still quite dark. Breakfast over we packed up and headed out onto the highway, turning off the Eyre Highway at the large water tanks and intersection with the road down the Eastern side of the Eyre Peninsular.
A quick stop in Port Augusta and we were on our way. Turning off not far from the local Prison we took the bumpy short cut and rejoined the highway at the bottom of Horrocks Pass which we climbed slowly, enjoying he view of the trees against the walls of the pass. Dropping down the other side we were passing through Wilmington and then Orroroo, two typical outback SA towns that are pleasant on the eye and reflect a more relaxed time. The colour of the countryside also changed after Port Augusta, gone were the green tinges, replaced with dry, crumbling straw colours. More road kill was also evident and we began to see more and more Emu's.
Lunch was in Peterborough before the countryside changed to from open crop farming country to more red dirt, salt and blue bush. We stopped for a look at the rest area in Manna Hill and then decided to continue on to see what else would take our fancy, eventually pulling up in the Olary Rest area we settled in for the rest of the day.
16 March 2018
Despite being camped between the railway line and the highway last night was fairly quiet and we enjoyed a good sleep. The trains stopped in the early evening and the highway died to the occasional truck later in the evening. Both started again after we had woken up so no problems.
We departed Olary and made our way into Broken Hill, passing the huge solar panel farm on the way. We only had a couple of things to do in town so while the laundry was doing its thing in the laundromat we made our way over to the racecourse to use the dump point and to get some fresh water. On arrival we found that the dump point had been moved and water was available either at the dump point or at the caretakers cottage for a $5 fee. There was also preparations being made for the horse races next day so the place was quite frantic. Having unbolted the dump point lid to use it we then went over to the caretakers cottage, paid our $5 and filled up with water.
Chores done we made our way back to pick up the laundry and after filling up with fuel, headed out of town towards Menindee. Hoping to see water in the lake we stopped into Sunset Strip to find no water in the lake and plenty of greenery in it's place.
We moved over to Lake Pamamaroo and after checking the spots out settled on one where we could enjoy the shade and the view out to the water some 200m from the shore.
Sunset across the lake.
More sunset and lake.
17 March 2018
Sunset photo's yesterday were not too bad but certainly not as good as one had hoped, but we enjoyed the view anyway, then as we settled in for the evening there was a hope for a good view of the milky way across the lake, but despite getting up a few times during the night, it was not to be seen over the water.
Being up and out of bed before the sun (thanks to daylight savings time) there was time to grab a shot of the lake as the sun rose before we headed off towards Wilcannia along the Menindee to WIlcannia Road as it follows the Darling River. We later realised that we had not even gone into Menindee itself this time.
Crossing the old concrete weir below the dam gates, and where we think we were not supposed to, we continued along the river on a road that can only be described as uncomfortable.
The map says you can cross the causeway so we did (but the signs might say different).
Thankfully the road improved somewhat we with only three places to glimpse the river we were passing through barren cattle country and across typical grey channel country clay that billowed out from behind us even at slow speed. Passing through stations meant that we had to slow for a grid in what seemed to be every 2-5 km's and it was interesting to see the dust fall out of the 5er's wheels as we crossed the grids.
Smooth but dusty.
About 40km's from Wilcannia we slowed to see what was going on with a car on the side of the road and a number of people around it. A family of Aboriginals heading to Mildura had punctured a tyre but had no wheel brace to remove the nuts. We pulled over and got our wheel brace out and then helped them change the wheel, and because they were missing half of their jack, using a screwdriver to operate the jack to lift the car before swapping the wheels over. Job done, they thanked us and we all headed off.
Helping some fellow travellers with a problem.
Arriving back at the highway we took he 8km's into Wilcannia slowly so as not to overheat our soft, deflated tyres. In town we fuelled up at the BP around the back of town as it was 10c a litre cheaper than the highway roadhouse and stopped for lunch.
Back onto the highway we backtracked along it for 6km's before turning off and heading towards Burke on the Bourke - Wilcannia Road which runs along the Eastern side of the Darling River. More uncomfortable road so having tried everything else we stopped and let some more air out of the tyres, and it seemed to do the trick.
Stopping into the Coaches and Horses campground in the Paroo Darling National Park we viewed the campsites next to the river under the redgum's but decided to move on to see what another spot in wikicamps had to offer. On any other day the campground, complete with toilets and sinks might have been nice, but it was not worth the $6.60 per person and $8 per car.
Back along the road and almost everywhere you looked there was a kangaroo or roo's sitting in the shade trying to escape the hot Northerly wind that was driving the temperature up to 40 deg C, one even choosing the shade rather than getting off the road as we slowly passed by.
More grey channel dust and crossing the occasional red sand dune we passed the entrance to Trevallyn Station and a short while later, just after the bridge, pulled into a nice spot on the river next to the station's water pump and set up camp in the shade of some tree's, welcome relief from that 40 degrees and Northerly wind.
Our campsite on the Darling and Trevallyn Station.
18 March 2018
Yesterdays hot 40 degrees seemed hotter after being in the air conditioning as we drove along and last night was a warm one as well. Despite being camped in the shade the lack of a strong cool breeze meant that the house didn't cool off to well despite having all the windows and the door open. Our saving grace however was the nice big 8" fan that we have and it was working hard to keep us cool.
Waking this morning to a warm 26 degrees we enjoyed breakfast and the view of the river before packing up and heading off once more. The road was still quiet and had not changed much from yesterday's conditions, though it dod smooth out a little as we went.
80 of km's from when we started we came to the turn off to the small hamlet of Tilpa. Crossing the bridge over the river and turning in we pulled up outside of the pub. There is not much in this little place and it seems that the pub, phone box and remote IOR fuel station are about the main things there, apart from a few houses.
The road bridge across the Darling River at the boat ramp.
The Tilpa Hotel.
With not much to see or do in Tilpa we headed off upstream a few kilometres and turned off into the location of the Tilpa Weir. Quite a nice picnic/camp spot sits above the weir, which seems a little odd to have upstream from the town. Once side had water and the downstream, town side had almost nothing.
The Tilpa Weir looking down towards Tilpa.
Looking around Joanne spotted this large Goanna as it headed for safety in a nearby tree and so getting a photo of it became our entertainment and distraction from the heat and flies.
About 4' long he though he could hide up in that tree.
A long lens makes it easier to see him.
Old man River Gum sits on the bank just upstream from the weir.
Escaping the heat and flies we left the Goanna to his part of the river and headed off again, back onto the main road towards Louth. Dust billowing behind us we were sitting comfortably on around 60-70km/h, slowing only for the grids and using them to bounce the dust out of the wheels as we slowly drove over them.
The Hema Navigator was helpful identifying the stations and where the road ahead actually came close to the river and that gave us time to see if there was somewhere to view the river itself. Most of the stations were near the river and certainly their woolshed's were, harkening back to the days when the wool bales were loaded onto punts and sent down the river to market.
Arriving in Louth we passed the racecourse and then, turned and went over the bridge to check out the Louth Common where you can camp for free. High up on the bank with the river below and sitting under some nice looking redgum's was a spot that might be nice, except for the heat. Heading back over the bridge we stopped in the park opposite the pub and had lunch. Then, it was time to head over for a cool drink and a look around inside.
You ring it cause I'm not!
One of the many items of yesteryear to view while you enjoy a cold drink at Shindys Inn.
Having enjoyed looking at the many photo's and items of years gone by while we drank our drinks we left the pub and headed back out onto the road. Long stretches of bitumen and smooth gravel were there to be enjoyed as we made our way to Bourke, our only stop being to read the sign at the location of Stuart and Hume's Terminal Point on their 1829 expedition.
Filling up with fuel in Bourke and then heading out to May's Bend where we have camped was the plan before we got side tracked and ended up at the Kidman's Camp Caravan Park. Of course air conditioning, a long shower and all that comes with staying here were certainly a drawcard.
19 March 2018
Leaving the caravan park we made our way back out of town and headed towards Brewarrina. After yesterdays heat and warm night it was still warm this morning and we were thankful for the climate control in the ute. The road was very quiet today and that made the driving that little bit easier, if not a bit boring.
Morning Tea stop at the Brewarrina Weir.
Leaving town we made the trip onto Walgett where we decided to call it a day at the free camp. A handwritten sign taped onto the official sign telling of Fire Ants at the camping bays as well as some mentions in wikicamps was a bit of a worry. So, a call to the Council to ask about it ended up with the Ranger and two workers coming out to the camp to look for the Fire Ants nests, and when they couldn't find any, to remove the sign. There is a couple of large meat ant nests so maybe someone had a problem with them, and hopefully that is all it was.
20 March 2018
With two other campers (with 1970's vintage caravans) endured a hot night as did we, though once again our fan did a wonderful job and we awoke to a cooler morning.
Leaving town we made our way to Coonabarabran and then onto Mungindi through cotton country, and finally on to Thallon to view the silo art and the take up a spot at the RV camp. Power, water, toilets and showers for $10 - bargain!
Thallon's silo's at sunset.
And just a little closer to see the detail.
21 March 2018
Thallon was a great camp for us despite another hot night. We turned the air con off and just had the fan on and slept very well. The only other camper in was a man in a ute and trailer and we left him to his breakfast as we packed up and drove out.
Today's drive was only a short one compared to recent days and after passing the Nindigully Pub we made our way to Talwood, a town we know quite well. Arriving at the free camp we set up, plugged into the power, unhitched and took the short 5 km trip out to GrainFlow's grain storage site where we have worked before.
Spending some time with the Sonia the Site Manager and Susie the Weighbridge Operator was wonderful and it was great to catch up with each other after a few years. Back at camp we settled in for the rest of the day, and even enjoyed a second rest day.
26 March 2018
Talwood was a great stop and it was really nice to see old friends again. LEaving town we made our way to Meandarra where we have camped before.
Arriving in town we managed to secure a waterside spot at the camp next to the creek. With five double power and water points available there is plenty of room and it was nice to see people backed up to the creek rather than parking parallel to it and taking up too much room. The lillie's in the creek were looking much better than the last time we were here and it was very nice to follow the path along the creek and to enjoy the trees and the lillie's.
Just one of the spots along the creek.
Lillies follow the banks and lead all the way down to the camp at the end.
Of course it was not just photography and walks along the creek that took up our days. A Southern Cross 5th Wheeler came in and parked just near us, and so of course we were interested in their rig, and there were a number of discussions held between David, Jane and us over a couple of days. Of special interest was their Lithium Battery set up which is powered by 1500w of solar on the roof and means their appliances are all 240v and they can run their air conditioner - wow! Of course there was some envy but we don't have enough roof real estate to do that. David also designs systems and sets up RV's with solar for a living so it was good to get his careful eye run over our set up, and to get some good advice and guidance on what we would like to do to boost our system.
And then the drone came out and there was some fun with that, viewing the town, the creek and the grain silos's from angles we have never seen before and really enjoyed, further cementing the idea of getting one for our travels to add to the photography portfolio.
David and Jane left as did a few others as we settled in for another day, and when Bruce the man who collects the fees comes around we are going to see if we can stay for a few more days before we move on. Then after Easter we will drop into Winjana for some warranty and other work before we start our short working appointment at the Oakey Power Station around the 9th of April.
27 March 2018
Leaving Meandarra this morning we topped up with fuel and headed off down a road we have not traveled before towards Condamine. A fairly good road to be enjoyed except for a few spots as it made it's way crossing the Brigalow Creek. Fifty One kilometres later we pulled into the Caliguel Lagoon which is about 10km's from Condamine itself. Some other campers already in had the best spots but after doing a couple of laps we managed to get one at one end, and with a reasonable water view. Corella's in the tree's might be interesting at sunrise and sunset though.
Our camp next to the boat ramp.
Clouds forming over the Lagoon as the humidity began to rise.
The photography plan was to see if the sun setting in the opposite direction to the lagoon would light up the large thunderheads that were forming in the Eastern sky, but as every photographer knows you should always look behind you as often there is a better shot there, and tonight, that was the case. The cloud covering the sunset was having a large impact on the original plan and so, it and the sun rays became the focus for a while.
Sun rays coming out to play as the clouds form ready for the sunset.
The clouds over the sunset changed and changed until the sun's rays disappeared and the clouds formed up over the top of us.
Sunset over the clouds changed and changed and changed, each change building up a very heavy sky, and then they decided to cool the place down with a shower of rain that had us scurrying to close up and put away before we settled in for a cooler night.
31 March 2018
Our camp at Caliguel Lagoon was a very pleasant one, helped somewhat by the fact that we were camped over to one side of the boat ramp and everyone else was on the other. Not that it was noisy, because it wasn't, but with the Easter Long Weekend upon us the place sure filled up and they were camped cheek by jowl, and we had all the room in the world.
The lagoon became quite busy with boat after boat heading up and down towing their skiers or trying to find a quiet spot to fish, but as the sun set the only noise was the Corella's racing around in the sky like jet fighters and trying to decide on where to roost. Thankfully they did and not near us.
With an almost full moon for the last night of the month there was time for a lunar photograph.
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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