Sat, 25th Mar, 2017 Kev & Linda’s farm stay, Hopetoun, WA (Railway history)

8am 21 degrees, still cloudy and no win and the sun is trying to peek through.

Steve worked on the awning – it has pulled away from the van and it needs to be retensioned. Kev, Linda and I went into town for a walk. Stopped at the CWA Hall where the local market was. Chatted to a couple about detecting harnesses.

I left there and followed the railway history trail out of town towards Masons Bay while the others went down to the beach. The plaques are getting old.

Came to the site of the railway station and yard.

The walk finished a bit further then I followed a track down to the beach. I was half way along 2 Mile Beach – nice view back to the jetty.

Down the tyre stairs to the beach and headed back to the others.

Found a pretty shell that had just washed up.

Met up with Linda then we walked back up to the park where the railway history info was so she could read it.

Kev found us with our loot of a bucket lid and rubbish off the beach and a few cuttlefish to give to the chooks.

Drove around to the boat ramp which I think is the site of the original jetty according to the map but we couldn’t find the other two information boards as indicated on the trail map.

Back to the van and Steve had success with the awning. Into the house in time to watch Race 3 of the V8s. Fords win again – Dick Johnston will be so happy to see his team doing so well as this stage in his life. It does help that Roger Penske has joined him!!

Saw the weather on TV and Cyclone Debbie is 600km east of Cairns and looks like there is more rain coming for us as we head towards Kalgoorlie.

After lunch rang Mum and Dad – managed to get through though they are still having problems with the NBN. No rain there yet but the papers are getting everyone hyped up about the cyclone – must be to help the shops as everyone rushes out to stock up.

Rang Kaylene and Rick, they were just coming home from Townsville after Rick’s eye operation which was a success. It has improved his vision which he is very happy about not having to change glasses all the time.

Sunnier afternoon – Steve and Kev trying to solve Kev’s van brake issues.

Rang Suzanne to congratulate her on her Mathematics Achievement Award from Uni. Had a lovely chat and got the fabulous news that Kayleigh is expecting again, due in August.

Steve swapped over some tyres on the van as they are scrubbing out on the inside.

Taught Linda ‘Take 2’ a game using Scrabble letters Suzanne and I played a lot of when we were camping. You make your own crossword taking two letters at a time. When someone has used all their letters creating a crossword then play stops and you add up the points of the tiles and the highest scorer wins.

Watched some of the gold prospecting series on Foxtel – it was filmed in WA around Kalgoorlie area.

Cool night when we headed back to the van as the sky was clear and still.