Monday 5 August 2019

Fri, 2nd Aug, 2019 Bush camp near Running Waters Waterhole, 100km east of Nullagine to 4 Mile Common, Marble Bar, WA



7.30am 18 degrees, clear sky and the wind is whistling around in the tree tops.

Sander called in to say bye and exchange details. I will have to have a look at his website – RoamingMoto.com  . He said to let him know if we make it over his way as he loves showing people his country as he has enjoyed exploring ours so much. He stayed at Woodgate on his last visit when he was working at Childers – what a small world.

We packed up and drove back out the narrow windy track. The wind has gotten stronger. Back to the main road where I zoomed in on the kangaroo sculpture high on the hill. We think his tail is a bit short.


Crossed the Oakover River which as waterholes on each side.


The wind is whipping up the dust.

Turned onto Ripon Hills Road which is bitumen.

Sander was taking the other track up to Upper Carawine Gorge. We came down from the north track 3 years ago and couldn’t find a ‘gorge’ as such but it looks impressive from here.

This wedge-tailed eagle wasn’t keen to leave his breakfast as we drove by.

Pretty country as we roll up and down the hills, some are quite steep but ‘Pat’ has it under control. Lots of road trains carting ore from Woodie Woodie and Telfer Mines to Port Hedland.

Across the Nullagine River, wide and with just a thin lagoon on the side.


The country changes into flat open ground.

Mt Edgar pops up out of nowhere.

Lots of granite rocks started to appear then a few quartz blows.

Back to the rolling spinifex covered hills as we head towards Marble Bar.

They have great signs.


Stopped at the park for lunch and to upload my blog and do my internet stuff. Gave Mum and Dad a call – all good now.

Glen had sent a photo of the firepit at 10 Mile Outcamp where they are still caretaking. I gave them a call. Sad news for Kym and Glen as their beloved dog, Akira, ate a bait somewhere and passed away on Tuesday. Glen had been careful to make sure there were none around but maybe a bird picked one up and dropped it.

Andrea posted the news item about a 2kg nugget being found near Bendigo – somewhere there is one with our name on it!!

Kayleigh sent me a photo of the poster she saw at the Cairns Museum about the Fun In the Sun Festival – nice photo!!

Rang Ray and Carol back as they had left a message. They are near Cobar and have had a very cold trip so far.

We got a current map from the Mines Dept. There were some pretty Sturt Desert Peas in the garden bed.

Drove south on the Corunna Downs Road to the R19 reserve where we can camp and detect. Found a spot and set up camp. There are a few fires burning in the east. Dave had said the Mining Registrar had mentioned there were lots of fires burning around Marble Bar. I was hoping it was on the common to get rid of the spinifex but unfortunately this area hasn't been burnt.


Kerry and Brian rang, they are near Derby. They did the Horizontal Falls flight and boat rides yesterday and had a wonderful time.

I rang Margaret and Bob. Bob was putting the kindling in their fireplace – much nicer being up here in the warmth. They are getting the little red car road registered soon.

Played a game of 3 to Kings over drinks.

The wind has settled as the sun set but Steve didn’t bother with a fireplace yet so I cooked dinner inside again.

The night is cooling off so closed up the van again after a 31 degree day it is supposed to get down to 10 degrees tomorrow morning.

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