Tues, 30th Sept, 2025 Bush camp by Lake Perkolilli, east of Kalgoorlie to Perth Airport, Perth, WA (Cooper Jon Geck born)

11 degree min which was when we got up at 5am. Didn’t put the heater on so we didn’t disturb the others but most were up and about any case.

Breakfast and a cuppa with Malcolm then into the truck in to Kalgoorlie. Steve said goodbye at the train. He will have fun in the dust with Malcolm etc then continue detecting. I left a note on the fridge to remind him to pick me up from here when I return on the 31st Oct. I have the same seat he had but no one sitting beside me as yet.

Finished reading my book and watching the scenery change as we headed to Perth. Watched a movie too which was good to pass the time.

No track maintenance this time which held Steve a bit so we arrived at East Perth Station on time. I got the train then to the airport and found a cafe near the Jetstar area and set up my computer after buying a cuppa. Typed up my blog - so many photos to sort from all the old cars etc.

Rang Jon to arrange for him to pick me up in the morning. Might be a complication as Annalise as start getting contractions. A bit early as she is due the 5^th but all good.

Rick rang to see how I was going and also to say he split open his finger on a tree on the weekend. He sent a photo - not nice. It has been cleaned and stitched so should heal ok.

At last I could put my bag in and headed through security and upstairs. All the Jetstar flights are leaving similar time so it is packed.

Jon sent a text, “11.59 he is earthside”. Wow I am a granma again. I sent Steve a text to let him know - he can get signal out on the lake if he puts the phone on top of the fridge as his phone doesn’t have the aerial port like mine. Cooper Jon Geck born 30^th Sept, weight 8lb 3oz (3.8kg), 50.5cm with lots of black hair. Can’t wait to get home for a cuddle.

At last we boarded at 11.30pm - I paid for the extra leg room so I am by the window in the first row. Got my blow-up pillow out and shut my eyes.

Mon, 29th Sept, 2025 Bush camp by Lake Perkolilli, east of Kalgoorlie, WA (Red Dust Revival)

14.4 degrees min and cloudy. Forecast for some cooler days then very hot 36 and very windy on Fri which won’t be nice in all this dust.

We had an early wake-up (5.30am) with a ultralight doing laps above the lake. Bianca, the young lady next to us went down to have a look so the chap took her up for a spin - fantastic.

We headed down to the pits to set up the shade shelter for the Buick.

Steve had glued a gold/quartz specie into the old spoon he found and screwed it to the inside of the Buick as a good luck charm. He had given Mal an old chinese coin and little nugget from the Palmer for his Clubman when Steve pitcrewed for him.

Mal got ready to go out for a test run around the track. He has convict markings on his overalls as tribute to being Tasmanian. He made a Buick t-shirt for Steve to wear on ‘race’ day too.

We went for a wander till it was his turn on the track. More cars and bikes to check out.

Went down to the fence line to watch Mal. They are sending them out 7 at a time, staggered start but they are not supposed to overtake at this point.

Mal is very happy with it. This is the temperature gauge.

Kept wandering through the pits. Love this one - it even had cobwebs.

So many different vehicles.

Watched another round of ‘practice’. Bit of difference in these two.

The wind has picked up and is hurtling straight down the track where we are so we spend a bit of time turned sidewards - so much for washing my hair ready for the trip home!

The wind has blown the clouds away. Watched Tony go for a lap then Bianca had a drive by herself in their car. There are some very interesting face masks about too.

Mal did another lap. All the beards are turning orange with the dust.

A few of the drivers offered to take passengers for a lap around the track in their cars for a donation to the Variety Club. There will be scenic helicopter and plane flights too.

We headed back to camp for drinks with Bob & Margaret and Malcolm. Said goodbye to Bob & Margaret. Will keep in touch.

Put the suitcase in the truck and Steve got it ready for an easy drive out in the morning as we will be going at 6am. Won’t disturb anyone though as they all get up early around here. The breeze got very cold so Steve will pick up some timber on his way back tomorrow so they can get a fire going. Then Steve noticed that Tony had his fire going so we moved over and joined them. Another Tassie friend of Tony’s has arrived so we had a great time chatting. Steve spotted the ‘Starlink lights’ in between two trees and pointed them out to everyone. Amazing we could see them with all the camp lights and the half moon. A lot of them were very bright tonight.

I said goodbye to everyone. We might see Mal and Kerry in NZ next year too. Back to the camper for a hot shower and bed. It has been great to see this much but I am looking forward to meeting our new grandson more.