Mon, 23rd May, 2016 ‘Belly Plate Camp’, near Goodin Mine, 93km NE of Meekatharra, WA (Tunnel Hill)

7.30 am 12.4 degrees, clear sky and gusty wind.

Another couple of cars with a van drove by. Steve had chatted with the van chap in the van park – wasn’t too chatty.

Went for a drive to check out Tunnel Hill (a hole in a hill) Jeff had seen last time he was here. Stopped first at a grave he said had just been dug then, for two dogs who had obviously eaten the poison laid around for dingoes.

This escarpment looks out of place with all the flat country around us.

Tunnel Hill.

Drove around to the other side. Better phone reception here so I tried Mum and Dad but they are out. Rather spectacular.

Climbed up passed lots of little caves where wallabies etc live by the looks of the droppings.

Great view.

Steve caught up with me and we walked to the cave area near the hole. Something has made a burrow here and the birds have made mud nests.

Walked around to the other side, the windy is very gusty up here. Looking around from the escarpment we drove passed before.

Climbed around the back and up to the hole. Jeff and his friend had climbed up onto the arch last time but we are happy with just being under it.

Top shot through the arch and over the trucks.

Another Steve has been here before us.

Jeff took a photo of us, up under the arch, from the where the trucks were, so will have to get that off Facebook later. We walked back down and I got a photo of Lyn, with Jeff halfway up talking on his phone.

I was putting co-ordinates in the Hema Nav of another spot to check out when my phone rang. It was Leanne checking how we were going. This is the spot we need to camp where we can get better reception. Mum returned my call then so was able to feel her and Dad in on where we were. At least we can still make calls etc around this area.

Headed back along the track towards the escarpment again. Steve spotted another hole on that ridge too.

Back around the escarpment then we turned off near a dam where a herd of cattle were hanging around under the trees. Followed the tracks – there are lots going in all directions. Continued along following the line on the Hema map but eventually the road disappeared so headed back. Stopped where the others had pulled up near some scrapes. They are using 2300 detectors so looking for all the little bits. They had found a few so far this morning. Chatted for a bit then headed back to the van for lunch.

The boys then headed off to try another way to get to this spot Jeff’s mate had given him.

Lyn and I did the toilet run!! Digging holes to dump the toilet canisters into. Hard ground and it takes ages to soak in – too much information!!

The boys drove past with a toot.

Lyn & I had a few games of Yahtzee. I got the fire going early as I wanted to roast pumpkin for the chicken pasta dinner tonight.

The boys came back. Steve very happy as he can say he has found a ‘patch’ of virgin ground as he found 7 little nuggets for 7 targets – no rubbish and no-one else has been there. He will go back tomorrow to grid it more carefully. Jeff found 2 pieces. They are trying to work out where the big bits would be.

Got a text back from Sandra in Melbourne, glad she is having a great time down there.

Lovely dinner by the fire. The breeze has stopped as the moon came up. I mixed up a few scones and put them in the camp oven for dessert. Perfect topped with butter and honey.

Great night by the fire chatting till it got too cool.