25-31 May, 2025 Bush camp, Mosquito Creek area, east of Nullagine, WA

Sun, 25^th

Warmer night, 13.3 degrees min! A bit of thin cloud overhead.

Went exploring with Ray and Carol and waved our detectors about! We had a nice day and got lots of exercise.

Up to 31 degrees today.

Back to ‘camp’ and set up for the night as the sun started to drop behind the hills. Joined Ray and Carol for a drink as the sky lit up - very pretty.

Warmer night with no breeze so we enjoyed sitting outside a bit longer before going in to cook dinner.

 

Mon, 26^th

Warmer night, 18.8 degrees min and overcast. Rain is forecast for the next couple of days but we will probably only get a sprinkle - well we hope so.

Went wandering under the grey sky. I made soup for lunch as it feels cool and dismal. A few drops of rain hit the camper but not for long.

Headed back towards camp then pulled up to the ‘phone’ hill we use. There were two chaps parked up in ‘Barry & Ziggy’s ’ old camp so Steve went over for a chat while I checked the phone for messages and updated Trilobite (our detecting map which shows where we can go etc).

Back to camp.

Cooler afternoon. It only got to a max of 23.7 degrees in the camper. Decided to have drinks inside as it was a bit chilly and no one could be bothered making the fire.

Nice hot shower needed tonight.

 

Tues, 27^th

17 degrees and the sun is out but there are clouds on the horizon.

Went wandering again.

The clouds are coming over again and the wind has picked up as we had our morning tea.

Back to camp. Got to 28 degrees today.

Drinks by the fire. Still quite windy but the fire place has big quartz rocks around it and the area is clear of spinifex here. The grey clouds are in the south now so hopefully we won’t see any more spits of rain.

Back to the camper for dinner.

 

Wed, 28^th

 

18 degrees min, overcast and a cold wind when we eventually went outside.

Went back to the same spot and went wandering.

The sky has cleared and is bright blue and not a cloud in sight.

We wanted to get some bore water for our showers and to do the washing so headed back out then back along the track to the new water point. There are no cattle here so we headed in. With the sun shining brightly the solar pump was pumping the water out onto the ground through a big pipe away from the water point. We got our buckets and filled them up. Nice sweet water - not salty like the older bore near Mosquito Creek.

Back to camp and got the washing machine out and the line hung between the trees. Managed to get it all washed and most dry by drinks.

Ray put on his Starlink so I checked my phone and we had missed a call from Rick so rang him back. They got the loan for the block of land in Yungaburra so a new adventure for them will be beginning. Kaylene has had enough of teaching so this will be their retirement plan. We chatted about his trip over too but will ring him when we are in Nullagine to have a more detailed chat about what he needs etc.

Lots of lovely stars appearing in the sky and a few satillites zoomed across. Ray and Carol like spotting them too.

 

Thurs, 29^th

Warmer night but cool in the morning, min 16.4 degrees. Cloudy again and the wind is back.

Back to our spot from yesterday.

Ray and Carol came across from their spot for a cuppa then they moved further along the track.

By lunchtime the sky has cleared but the wind is still blowing.

Had a cuppa then headed back to camp loading up with firewood along the way. Camp oven roast tonight.

Still breezy but not too bad and with the quartz wall around the fireplace we got dinner cooked - delicious. Last night there was no wind but because we wanted to camp oven cook the wind comes up - typical!

 

 

Fri, 30^th

Min 16 degrees, clear sky and no wind.

By the time we headed back to our ‘patches’ spot the wind was back.

Two zebra finches sat on our bullbar for a while as we packed up to head off to the water bore.

Saw 2 galahs (or as they call them in WA, Pink & Greys) sitting on a dead tree when we went in to fill up the buckets.

Home for drinks by the fire after collecting some more along the way - dead Snappy Gum branches. Not cooking on the fire tonight so there is no wind!! Spotted a heap of satellites tonight.

 

Sat, 31^st

Min of 19.6 degrees and overcast but I can see the sun shining under the clouds in the east. No wind.

A few drops of misty rain fell while we had breakfast.

Drove onto Telstra hill and checked the weather as the sky looks dark. Rain forecast for Tues/Wed not today. Fran had posted a video of Sophia giving her dolly a kiss - so cute.

Back to our same area.

A light misty shower came over us as the cloud started to clear in the west.

My neck tendon plays up with all the swinging of the detector so I stop when it gets sore and rub it with Bee Venom - great anti-inflamatory that Margaret gave me.

After lunch we drove back out and back along the track to try another area. No wind and now the sun is shining so it is quite warm. I bailed as my neck was sore. I worked on my blog while Steve went wandering.

Had a cuppa then headed back to camp. Thermometer said we got to 30 degrees max and still no wind.

Lovely chat over drinks and we saw some early satellites zoom overhead. We told Ray & Carol that we are going further along the pending lease so might camp out tomorrow night if we can make our way along the track ok - lots of creeks and thicker spinifex etc.

 

 

Sat, 24th May, 2025 Bush camp off Skull Springs Road, east of Nullagine to Bush camp, Mosquito Creek area, east of Nullagine, WA

11.6 degrees this morning, clear sky.

After breakfast we continued along to the turn off into Mosquito Creek area.

Eventually we arrived at ‘Harry’s Camp’ where Ray had said they were planning to set up camp. Called Harry’s because when we first came here in 2016 Harry and his wife were camped here. Nice area clear of spinifex with lots of Snappy Gum about. They have unhooked their van but we will just drive out to spots to detect and leave the camper on for the time being. They way I don’t have to pack a lunch etc.

Had a cuppa then headed off to wander about with our detectors! No joy so after lunch we continued along the track to a pending area but no joy there either. Not a good start.

Back to ‘camp’ for a cuppa and set up for the night near Ray and Carol. There is a big fireplace beside their van so will use that for our drinks and cooking.

Steve went for a wander while I fixed my wind chime. I have had it a very long time and have had to restring the chimes but now the hanging string had broken so I found an old shoelace and fixed it back up.

Unfortunately I broke the wing of the bird too so got out the superglue to fix it and it squirted onto my fingers so I quickly got out the nail polish remover and managed to get my fingers unglued. Luckily I didn’t get it anywhere else!

A warm day, thermometer said it got to 30 degrees in the camp. The breeze comes and goes.

Joined Ray and Carol for drinks and catch up and made plans for tomorrow.

 

Fri, 23rd May, 2025 Rest Area, 20km north of Kumarina Roadhouse to Bush camp off Skull Springs Road, east of Nullagine, WA

5.2 degrees min and it still is at 6am so on with the heater! Clear sky.

Nice 21 degrees when we got up for breakfast - love our heater. Ray and Carol left at 7am as they wanted to be in Newman when the shops opened. We are more leisurely so we had said we will catch up with them in Nullagine.

8am back on the highway and headed north to Newman to restock with fresh fruit and veggies for the next month while we meander east of Nullagine.

An lady waved us down as their Toyota Landcruiser had stopped about 75km south of Newman. Steve went through things with the chap trying to work out what was wrong. Battery, fuel etc ok but he said the engine light has been on and by the looks of it the maintenance hasn’t been well done. With computers in vehicles now it isn’t easy to fix on the side of the road. They are from Port Hedland and were heading to Wiluna for a funeral. We have noticed a lot of vehicles full of people heading south. We didn’t have any phone reception here even with the antenna so I got a phone number of a friend of the driver and said we will let them know they were broken down and will probably need a tow. It was funny watching one of the women trying to start a fire, the young guy was trying to help with the wine carton but eventually they got smart and found some small twigs. I said ‘what happened to the bush craft - didn’t you go to Scouts’ - they just laughed. They had water and food so we headed off. I wrote out a text and when we got a signal I sent it off. The lady responded which was good and they will get something sorted out.

About 30km from Newman we see a cloud of dust which will be from the iron ore mine.

Across the Tropic of Capricorn - the sign has been removed off the big rock by the highway.

Across the Fortescue River which only has a small pool under the bridge.

Into Newman and around to the Information Centre to use the dump point. While we had a cuppa we rang Terry to see how he has been. Doing well - got new uniform for the Van Club. Will get his new lift up chair and walker soon too.

Ray and Carol rang to say they had finished shopping and were heading off to Nullagine. They liquor store doesn’t open till midday so they asked if we could get a bottle of port or muscat for them as they tried ours the other night.

We parked near Woolies then walked across to the electrical store and got a keyboard to plug into the laptop. That should solve my problem till I can get the laptop cleaned etc either in Kalgoorlie or when I get back to Cairns in October.

Restocked with fruit, veggies and a few other items and bought our usual ‘shop day’ treat - hot chook, bun and pasta salad for lunch.

The lady texted to say that she had been able to get help to the people we stopped for - nice of her to let us know.

Went to the liquor store but they don’t sell port or muscat!  I walked back to the street library box and dropped off some books and got one for Steve to read.

Topped up with diesel at the cheapest place here ($2.179/l) as it will be a lot dearer in Nullagine.

Left Newman then back down the road a bit to the Marble Bar/Nullagine turn off. Not far along we had to stop for the iron ore train - very very long.

Continued on to Roy Hill and Gina’s iron ore mine. Ray had texted that it was 60km all the way to Nullagine due to major road works. We had heard that Gina was wanting to bitumen the road north to her mine and on to Nullagine which will be good as some of it is very rocky and when it rains it is impassable. Stopped at the pull off area just before the mine camp area for a cuppa. It has warmed up a lot since the freezing morning.

Long section of graded road - no road work people here. Next section looks like it is nearly ready for bitumen. You would think they would start at one end and work their way along. Back to the under construction area with ‘pilot’ vehicles taking us through the road work.

Into Nullagine where we filled up the water tanks. Ray and Carol had continued on out to Mosquito Creek so we will catch up with them tomorrow. I rang Kaylene for a chat and looked at the lovely photos of Sophia and Beau that they have been putting up on the Geck Family page.

Back out of town as the sun was dipping into the hills then onto the dirt Skull Springs Road. There isn’t much mining happening by the big companies so the road isn’t as smooth as it has been! As the sun set we pulled off into a clear area off the road to park up for the night. Back in the hills and spinifex again.

Bit cool so kept the camper closed up and played cards while we had our drinks.

 

 

 

 

 

Thurs, 22nd May, 2025 Bush camp off Ashburton Downs Road, north-west of Meekatharra to Rest Area, 20km north of Kumarina Roadhouse, WA

10.2 degrees min, clear sky. Love our diesel heater - takes the bite out of the air for breakfast.

Went for a wander in the cold breeze but nothing for anyone.

Drove along the track a bit. Ray & Carol had to stop due to the creek but we continued on to a quartz outcrop. Went for a wander and I got a rubbish target then a bit of gold - amazing . Gridded up and down but no more. Steve found nothing on his big walk so we drove back to the others - nothing for them.

Drove back out to the highway and headed north to Newman so we can stock up and then head to Nullagine and out to Mosquito Creek which is a favourite area for all of us.

The wind has settled so there is no head wind today which is good for the fuel economy.

Stopped at Kumarina Roadhouse for a top up as it is cheaper here than in Newman (208.8c/l). 

Continued northward to a rest area about 20km north of the roadhouse as the sun started to set.

Steve spotted some parrots eating seeds on the ground so took the camera to get a photo.

Chilly again so stayed in our ‘homes’ and played cards while we had drinks again. We can hear a donkey braying somewhere outside.

Put the heater on for dinner and watch a movie as the temp seems to be dropping quickly outside and it was only 16 degrees inside.

 

Wed, 21st May, 2025 Bush camp near Don Well, north of Meekatharra to Bush camp, off Ashburton Downs Road, NW of Meekatharra, WA

10.9 degrees min, clear sky and cool wind.

Went wandering but just got exercise.

After lunch we rang Rick for a chat. He is heading over to us on the 24^th June so will take a week to get to us. Travelling with his sister and brother-in-law which is good. 

Packed up camp. Very windy now. Headed back to the highway then south to the Ashburton Downs Road then along to an old mine road to take us to a new pending lease. Trilobite shows 4 gold site markers there. We pulled up past one where we saw fresh wheel tracks and a couple of dig holes.

Had a cuppa then read for a while. Steve went for a walk to find the ‘mine’ shown on Trilobite. He got to the spot but there is nothing there so maybe the markings are out.

Stayed in our ‘homes’ tonight as it was cool in the wind so we played cards while we had drinks. It had reached 26 degrees in the camper with the windows closed - cooler outside.

Tues, 20th May, 2025 Bush camp near Don Well, north of Meekatharra, WA

11 degrees min again, clear sky though more wind today.

Steve went for a big walk and got lots of exercise though on his way back he picked up a little bit near a creek.

Ray came back after a big walk and had found an area that had lots of pushing etc so we packed up and moved over there after morning tea.

 

We past the spot where Steve had picked up his bit so Ray had done a very long walk. 

There has been a few camps here as there are 5 fireplaces. We parked near one and set up though Steve will make the fireplace better later.

Had lunch then went wandering.

Back to camp for a cuppa. I got out my cross-stitched and Steve for a wander.

Still windy but it got to 27 degrees in the camper with the windows open.

Scrounged up some firewood and had a nice time chatting by the fire.

 

Mon, 19th May, 2025 Bush camp, Karalundi Station, north of Meekatharra to Bush Camp near Don Well, north of Meekatharra, WA

11 degrees min, clear sky.

Packed and headed back to the highway then along to the gate and into Don Well where we have detected before. We stopped a new pending lease on the way in and had a wander. 

After lunch we tried a bit further along but no joy here.

We went around to the hillside where we found some nuggets last year and set up for the night.

Started wandering the rocky slope. 

Annalise posted up the scan photos of Baby Geck - all heathy and another big boy.

Lovely chatting by the fire under the stars and zooming satellites.

 

14-18 May, 2025 Bush camp, Karalundi Station, North of Meekatharra, WA

Wed, 14^th

14 degree min, clear sky and windy.

Wandered near camp.

Steve met Rob who is camped further over. He said this is a Meeka locals favourite spot. Steve asked him to join us for drinks this arvo as he is by himself.

The wind is keeping us cool as we wandered some more.

We all had a good day.

Rob (from Boulder) joined us for drinks and was full of stories about the area.

We had a lovely evening chatting then he headed back to his camp and we went inside for our dinners.

 

 

Thurs, 15^th

13 deg min, thin cloud in the east. Still windy.

We wandered.

After lunch I baked a cake for Ray and Carol’s 54^th wedding anniversary today.

Tried to catch up on my blog but some of my letters take ages to come to life and it is the a, n, c which are ones I need for writing. Will have to get it looked at. Gave it a good dusting in case it is dust behind the keys.

Margaret texted to say Meow passed away. The Vet was amazed when they brought her in as he had said 2 years ago to take her home and make her comfortable. She will be missed.

Still windy which is keeping the max temp down, only got to 26 degrees.

Another nice afternoon chatting around the fire as the sun set behind the trees. Got out the Muscat that Roald gave us and enjoyed a little glass of it.

 

Fri, 16^th

11 degrees when I got up so on with the heater so we can be comfortable while we have breakfast.

Clear sky and cool breeze when we headed out for our wandering.

Steve found a ironstone cube - much bigger than the usual Devil’s Marbles we have found.

After lunch I put a roast in the Ecopot for dinner and to use as lunch meat then carried on with my cross-stitching while Steve wandered.

Another coolish day, 26 degree max but the sun is still warm when we are out in it.

Cooling off after the sun sets but it is very nice by the fire. We cooked our veggies on the fire tonight to go with our roast which was so tender.

 

 

Sat, 17^th

11.8 degree min, clear sky and breezy.

Went wandering as the cool wind picked up. Steve found a near perfect tin lid that has been lying around here for years.

Got to 27 degrees max in the camper today but it felt cooler outside in the wind.

The wind was still blowing and it is much cooler tonight. Steve was late getting back so the fire didn’t get started early so we decided to have drinks inside tonight. We played cards then had dinner.

 

 

Sun, 18^th (Daniel’s birthday)

11 degrees so heater on. Clear sky.

Daniel is 36 today. I still remember his birth so clearly. We have phone service here so gave him a call. He was out with the guys playing Disc Golf so we had a quick chat. Wished him a lovely day with his darlings when he gets home.

Went for a wander.

Still windy but not as cold in the sun though the thermometer said it only got to 25 degrees in the camper by lunch time.

Annalise sent through a photo and video of Beau having his first ‘disc’ ride behind the boat with Daddy. He seemed to like it after the first shock of taking off.

Decided to pack up and head out tomorrow to try a spot further north. Last drinks by the fire.

 

 

 

 

Tues, 13th May, 2025 Bush camp, east of Wiluna to Bush camp, Karalundi Station, north of Meekatharra, WA

11 deg min, clear sky.

Packed up and headed back to the main road. Turned west and headed to Wiluna. Onto the Goldfields Highway towards Meekatharra. Unfortunately this section of the highway still hasn’t been fully covered with bitumen but the gravel had been recently graded which was good. The next section wasn’t so good!

Stopped for a cuppa. Continued on, a dingo darted across the road. Still a lot about. The worst ones are the ‘wild dogs’, mix of normal dogs and dingoes.

Into Meekatharra to top up with diesel, water and have lunch at the park.

Onto the Great Northern Highway heading north. Just past the Karalundi Van Park turn off we turned east and followed Ray and Carol along the red sand track. Around two water points for the station’s cattle and then we turned south into an area that used to be pending but that has been dropped so it is open Crown land now so all good for us. Ray and Carol were here last year but could only stay a week as there was rain coming and this is not the ground to be travelling over when it is wet!

Around to where they parked last year with Tony & Sharnie (parents of Anthony from Darwin who we met at Kurundi Downs). They had done a lot of slow gridding picking up little bits so we aren’t too hopeful.

Set up camp and Steve and Ray collected firewood.

Read for the afternoon then enjoyed our chatting around the fire with the flies. Lovely big full moon rose above the trees and the stars twinkled. Lovely evening.

 

 

Mon, 12th May, 2025 Bush camp, Barwidgee Station, east of Leinster to Bush camp, east of Wiluna, WA

12.6 degrees min, clear sky. Packed up and headed back to the main track north.

Passed Barwidgee Station homestead. Then we met the water truck who had just wet the graded road so slowly went along the road till we reached the smooth drier section.

Reached the main road east of Wiluna then turned onto a track to an exploration lease Ray had permission for. Set up camp.

Had a cuppa then got out the washing machines to get us clean again. Will fill up the water tanks when we get to Meekatharra so good to get the washing done and give my hair a good wash too. Good breeze blowing and the sun is shining.

Steve and Ray went wandering but only got exercise.

After lunch I did my usual baking. Steve found some camel tracks.

Got to 28 degrees. Put all the washing away then relaxed reading our books till drinks by the fire. Nice temp to be outside, just wish the flies would disappear!!

 

Sun, 11th May, 2025 Bush camp, Yandal Station, east of Leinster to Bush camp, Barwidgee Station, east of Leinster, WA

12 degrees min but the sun is shining and warming things up quickly so no need for the heater. By 8am it is 20 degrees

Mother’s Day - I got my golden gift yesterday.

Wandered. Steve met two emus then Carol saw them too.

After lunch we packed up and headed back to the old Yandal Station homestead. Continued on the track then turned north into Barwidgee Station. Ray has permission for a lease here but unfortunately it wasn’t where he thought. We drove in any case and pulled up for a wander and the night on some good looking ground. 

We got video call from Jon, Annalise and Beau which was great to see them all. Beau was wandering around and little bubby is growing bigger in Annalise’s tummy. Unfortunately Jon was just about to show me what they got Annalise for mother’s day when the internet dropped out. I checked with Ray as I could hear Carol talking but she was on Optus so it must have been something with Telstra.

Later on we got the service back and a video came through from Dan and Sophia but it was too late to ring them back. I sent a text to Jon too to explain and he rang back. They got Annalise a new cook top and oven so she is very happy.

Didn’t bother with a fire tonight so just chatted for a while over drinks till it was too cool outside.

 

 

 

7-10 May, 2025 Bush camps, Yandal Station, east of Leinster, WA

Wed 7^th

Warmer night, 17.6 degree min, even with the outdoor open. Grey cloudy sky still.

Nice breeze while we wandered and the sky started to clear leaving white puffy clouds.

Got to 29 degrees with a nice cool breeze when you are in the shade.

The sky has cleared when we had drinks by the fire Steve made. Perfect temperature so we stayed outside watching the stars appear and the half moon rise. Saw a couple of satellites and ate our dinner outside for a change.

 

Thurs, 8^th

Min of 13.7 degrees, clear sky and a cool breeze. We had left the door open again as it was so nice last night but it certainly chills off just before the sun rises but it doesn’t take long to start warming up.

We packed up and moved along the track to try another spot. Set up, Ray and Carol unhooked their van so they can go looking using their car. We will just move around with the camper on the back like we normally do.

We went wandering from camp but only hot rocks here - lots of big ironstone areas.

Had lunch then went for a drive trying to find productive areas. There is another chap parked up near the big area of pushes that have now been repushed and reinstated as they have to do now with the ‘environmental’ rules.

Drove to the end of the lease and found a slope that Steve and Jeff had found some bits back in 2016 but no joy. Back to camp for a cuppa.

Got to 30 degrees this afternoon.

Another lovely afternoon by the fire with our fly swats till the flies went to bed. Saw 4 satellites going in different directions then a faint one followed by another for just a short time. I kept watching the another would appear when the other disappeared and I ended up counting 18 following each other but just moving across the sky right to left. They must be some of Elon Musk’s, Starlink satellites.

 

Fri, 9^th

Warming up, only 15 degrees this morning, clear sky.

We headed to the end of the lease and found the spot the chap told us about. Steve realised it was near where we were camped with Jeff.

We all went wandering.

The other couple had arrived while we had lunch. Chatted with them - heading east to try their luck on some other areas tomorrow.

Back to camp for drinks.

Another lovely evening temperature wise. It starts to cool off about 9pm so I close the windows but leave the door open.

 

Sat, 10^th

14.4 degrees min, clear sky.

Packed up and moved camp back down the track. We all went wandering.

The gold fairies gave me an early Mother’s Day gift - a little nugget that looks like Santa’s boot.

We had lunch then drove back to the first spot we pulled up when we first got here. We set up for the night.

Another 30 degree afternoon but there is a nice breeze. My new shirt doesn’t have a pocket which I need to put the phone in so I got some material (extra from the blue for the baby’s pillow) and sewed one on. I sent a picture to Margaret to show her my handiwork as she has to sew pockets onto Bob’s t-shirts for his glasses.

Got some photos and videos through from the kids when Ray put the Starlink on so sent them a phone of my Mother’s Day gift. I wished Fran and Annalise a happy day for tomorrow and Jodie too as it is her first Mother’s Day.

Another lovely evening chatting around the fire as the moon is growing fuller.

 

Tues, 6th May, 2025 Pull over off Yandal Road, near Lake Darlot to Bush camp, Yandal Station, east of Leinster, WA

16.4 degrees this morning - warmer as there is a heavy looking cloud band over us.

Continued on the road to the old Yandal Station homestead then onto the track to the lease we are allowed to detect on.

Parked up at the first interesting area.

We all went wandering. The cloud has thinned but it has made it a humid day and there is only a light breeze.

After lunch we moved further along the track and set up for the night.

Went for a wander. 

Got to 30 degrees but there is a nice cool breeze now. The sky is still hazy and blocking out the sun.

After smoko Steve went out and I caught up on my blog. Ray and Carol have Starlink so we can hook up to that when they have it on which is great as I am only getting intermittent service on my phone. Enough to get texts through.

Nice afternoon chatting over drinks and waving our flies swats to keep the flies at bay till the sun sets.

 

Mon, 5th May, 2025 72hr RV Stop at Centennial Park, Kalgoorlie to Pull over off Yandal Road, near Lake Darlot, WA

10 degrees min this morning with a clear sky. Put the heater on for breakfast then packed up to hit the shops for our fruit and veggies to last us a month or so.

Packed it all away then got a couple of phone covers from the phone repair man. Met up with Ray and Carol at the truck rest area north of town for a cuppa then we continued northward.

Thicker clouds to the north as we stopped at Menzies for lunch.

Topped up our water and fuel at Leonora then continued northward. Turned off about 37km south of Leinster and followed the Darlot ‘tourist’ Loop to take us to a lease Ray has a 40E (mining dept permit on exploration leases) on Yandal Station. We went there back in 2016 with Jeff.

Across a narrow causeway of the two halves of Lake Darlot as sun started to drop in the sky. Dry salt lake but there was a flooding sign so it gets water during the wetter months. I have been watching the videos on FB of the flood waters in Qld making their way down to Lake Eyre - amazing aerial videos.

Not much further there was a pull over (probably where the grader turns around) that was just perfect for us to pull up for the night. We set up then got out our chairs to have drinks to celebrate the next 4 months of wandering the goldfields with Ray & Carol. Not too many flies here which was nice.

More clouds came over and it cooled off quickly so we headed inside for our dinners.

 

Sun, 4th May, 2025 Lake Douglas Reserve, west of Kalgoorlie to 72hr RV Stop at Centennial Park, Kalgoorlie, WA

Down to 14.4 degrees this morning, mostly clear sky.

By the time we had breakfast a band of grey sky came over us so lucky we did the washing yesterday. It was cool and darkish.

Hair dressing session this morning. I cut Steve’s hair then he coloured mine while the flies weren’t too bad outside.

By morning tea the wind had blown the cloud band eastward and the sky was clear again and warming up.

Packed up and headed back up the hill - looking over dirty looking Lake Douglas.

Back into Kalgoorlie to swap our gas bottle that timed it well and ran out last night. We get about a month each bottle.

Around to the RV Stop for lunch and set up for the night. I video chatted with Annalise and Beau. Jon still at work - will be home Tuesday. Beau was climbing up and down on the chair in his room and walking about with such confidence now. So cute.

Steve called out that he thinks he saw Ray and Carol’s car. A short time later they came around and pulled up behind us.

Said hello then they had a rest for a while after all that driving. I caught up on uploading my April blogs while we had good internet.

Drinks with Ray & Carol in the sunshine though the breeze is a bit cool. We chatted away till it got too cold.

Dan, Fran and Sophia video chatted too which was great to see them all. Sophia has more teeth and is sort of blowing kisses but she puts her fingers in her mouth then pulls them out with the kiss so it’s a bit of a wet one but all good on video! She is so adorable.

Closed up the camper then cooked dinner.

Sat, 3rd May, 2025 Rest area, north of Kalgoorlie to Lake Douglas Reserve, west of Kalgoorlie, WA

16 degrees this morning so no heater required. Mostly clear sky.

Election day - we had posted our postal votes off in Leonora.  

Into town to find a new phone for Steve. Ended up getting a Samsung like mine from Kmart and a new frypan and some warmer winter Pjs.

Out to Lake Douglas for lunch. Steve did the bit of washing we had and I worked on setting up his phone - bit of an ordeal as he doesn’t have credit but I got it sorted by transferring the apps from the tablet so he is good to go now. We will put credit on it when he flies over to meet Malcolm in Sept and while I am in Cairns in October.

Warmer afternoon, got to 30 degrees, Washing dry and put away. Steve changed the fuel filter and checked the truck over.

Nice to have the windows still open at 6pm but the coolness started to come in so closed it up again.

Checked the election results and we were amazed to see a major win by Labour. Oh dear.

 

Fri, 2nd May, 2025 Bush camp near East Terraces, east of Leonora to Rest area, north of Kalgoorlie, WA

13 degrees min this morning and another lovely clear sky with a cool breeze.

Packed up and went back to the Royal Harry Mine area - lots of old shafts around here. Onto a small pending lease which has had lots of pushes and we went for a wander.  

Steve’s phone decided to stop which isn’t helpful as he was using the Trillobite app on it to know where he is on the leases. It was Kev’s old one so it is pretty old.

Had a cuppa then headed back to the main road. Thin cloud coming over.

Back to Malcolm Dam for lunch then we headed south to try another pending area. Lots of exploration pushes etc but no gold. Sky still hazy and it got to 27 degrees in the camper.

Ray and Carol rang - they will reach the WA border tomorrow so should be in Kalgoorlie in a couple of days. We decided to head down to Kal to get Steve a new phone, do some more washing, hairdressing duties and top up with fresh fruit and veggies.

Good drive south. Pulled into the rest area just north of Kalgoorlie at 6.20pm and set up for the night. Easy dinner and a movie - nearly out of movies but we can use the laptop now to watch all the ‘unsupported’ ones that the TV doesn’t register.

Thurs, 1st May, 2025 Bush camp off Nambi Road, east of Leonora to Bush camp near East Terraces, east of Leonora, WA

Min of 12.6 degrees, clear sky and nice breeze.

Went wandering near Steve’s big smiley face he left there last year. 

Had a cuppa and wandered some more.

After lunch we packed up and continued out Nambi Road to the East Terraces which are breakaway hills - escarpments. Onto a pending lease but didn’t look very promising. As we pulled in to a spot for the night we saw a dingo wandering along the top of the ridge.

Steve went for a walk but no joy. I worked on my cross-stitch - much more productive.

The sun warmed up the camper and it was a warmer day so we didn’t need the heater tonight but still closed up the camper once the sun set.

 

Wed, 30th Apr, 2025 Bush camp near Sunset Well, east of Leonora to Bush camp off Nambi Road, east of Leonora, WA

11.7 degrees, clear sky and light breeze.

Packed up and headed back into Leonora to fill up with water again, top up the diesel and pick up our postal votes for the federal election this weekend.

Drove out to Gwalia to get a prospectors permission form off Genesis Mining for a lease north of Leonora that Ray was interested in.

A nice lady at the Resource Centre scanned and emailed the forms for me which was very helpful as we don’t have a printer etc in the camper.

Headed out the Nambi Road to try some more pending areas. Lots of them about at the moment.

Had lunch then went wandering - spotted 6 emus wandering through the trees. Only a few bits of lead shot here so we moved across the road.

Set up camp. No breeze so it is warmer.

Nice afternoon with the windows open for a change but as soon as the sun dropped the coolness came in.

 

Tues, 29th Apr, 2025 Bush camp near Sunset Well, east of Leonora, WA

Another chilly morning, 9.4 degrees and clear sky.

Went wandering, got lots of exercise!

Got out the washing machine and I did a full wash - sheets, towels and clothes as the sun is out and there is a good breeze.

A couple pulled in that had driven past before and they stopped to apologise for driving near our camp - very nice of them. They are repegging their friend’s lease (the new pending one) as there was an issue with the pegs or something. Steve recognised them as the couple who run detecting courses and have leases around the place. Lovely couple to chat with.

Steve went off wandering while I finished the washing.

All hung out by lunch time when Steve came back a few kilos lighter - well he hopes after all this walking.

I got the clothes off and folded then did my baking before cuppa time.

Still windy and cool outside but with the sun shining on the closed up camper it got to 26 degrees whereas the forecast was for 22 degrees.

All clean and sorted again. Time to relax with a drink and a game of cards.

 

 

 

Mon, 28th Apr, 2025 Bush camp, Malcolm Dam area, Leonora to Bush camp near Sunset Well, east of Leonora, WA (Jon’s birthday)

Min of 13 degrees, clear sky and windy.

Our baby is 32 today. Sent Jon a happy birthday message as he is still at work. Will try and call him later.

Packed up and headed off to another pending lease near Sunset Well. We found a few bits here previously and there is a new pending lease next to this one. A couple of other detectorists were wandering as we headed up the track so stopped for a chat.  We went back to set up camp near the old well.

I wandered back to the well to take a photo of the historic grave marker here.

Went for a wander and found lots of old tins etc.  

Steve went wandering again while I did my cross-stitch.

Ray and Carol rang - on their way over to us. At Millmerran tonight so we will see them in a week’s time.

Had a lovely chat with Kaylene and Rick too.

Still windy and cool in the shade but it got to 27 degrees in the camper.

Chatted with Jon in Adelaide. He is going out to the pub with one of his work mates to celebrate his birthday.

The sun set at 5.20pm so the coolness is descending on us earlier each afternoon.

 

 

Sun, 27th Apr, 2025 Bush camp near Goose Soak, east of Leonora to Bush camp, Malcolm Dam area, Leonora, WA

11 degrees, min, clear blue sky and no wind.

Packed up and headed back out to the old Laverton Road again and then back to the Minara Road which has been graded too. Onto the bitumen and westward towards Leonora.

Turned off onto the dirt to Malcolm Dam which is very full after the recent rain. The council had cleaned out so it is deeper and cleaner water now. We drove to the picnic area on the dam wall to have a cuppa and enjoy the view - not as many flies here. A few ducks and one swan enjoying the water.

Another photo as we drove back off the wall over the dam.

Continued along the track to another pending area and went for a wander. Ground looks good but just some old boot tacks which are historic when you think of the old timers wandering around here trying to make their living by finding gold.

Had lunch then moved to another lease nearby and set up for the night.

Another cool day, max of 23 degrees but at least it is sunny.

Cards while we had drinks again. Too many flies!

 

 

25-26 Apr, 2025 Bush camp, Mt Redcastle area, east of Leonora to Bush camp near Goose Soak, east of Leonora, WA

Fri, 25th 

11 degree min with clear sky and no wind though the camper is still closed up.

Packed up and headed back out. Saw a wedge-tailed eagle and some cattle for a change. Onto the Old Laverton Road which has now been nicely graded by the mine people. Continued eastward to the next pending area which we have visited previously but maybe we left something behind!

The wind has picked up and more clouds are coming over. Tried one area but no joy.

Had lunch then made our way around to where we found a few bits before, after others had chained it well.

Set up camp then went wandering. The wind has blown the clouds away.

Went wandering. Back to the camper for a cuppa, 22.5 degrees at 3pm. The wind is still cool but the sun is shining so it is nice.

Still windy so no fire tonight.

 

Sat, 26^th 

Bit chilly this morning, min of 9 degrees but all good once the heater went on. Overcast and no wind.

Went wandering.

Grey bleak day - only got to 24 degrees with the camper closed up.

Quiet afternoon playing cards etc.

 

20-24 Apr, 2025 Bush camps, Mt Redcastle area, east of Leonora, WA

Sun, 20^th

10 degrees at 6.30am so turned on the diesel heater so it was nice 21 degrees when we got up at 7.30am for breakfast. Clear sky with the cold wind still blowing.

Katelin and Sarah’s birthdays today. As I have phone reception here I sent them happy birthday messages. Chatted with Wendy via text too.

Steve went off wandering again while I blogged, cross-stitched and read!

After lunch we packed up and went exploring another pending lease nearby. Stopped for a chat with two blokes who are camped with friends on the little live lease near here. Haven’t found much. We headed back along the track and found another track and another vehicle just near the edge of the lease. No one around this car so we turned around and headed back along the track. Found a spot that looked promising and set up camp.

We went wandering.

Intermittent phone signal here. Got some messages through so I sent an early happy birthday text to Susan for the 23^rd in case I don’t have any reception then. She and Ross are on a 3 days cruise out from Brisbane to celebrate their 40^th wedding anniversary - very nice.

Lovely clear evening so we decided to do a potato bake in the camp oven and cook our porterhouse steaks over the fire. First time the camp oven has been out in a while so decided to take some photos. Steve makes three fire pits - one for the steak, one for the camp oven and then the big one for warmth and to make more coals.

Delicious dinner and we spotted heaps of satellites and admired all the stars. Much clearer when you don’t have a moon about.

 

Mon, 21^st

Min of 10 degrees this morning so on with the heater at 6.30am. Clear sky and light cold wind which was sneaking in through the not totally zipped up windows!

10 minutes later we heard a vehicle then the horn being honked. Steve got out of bed to check it out and this bloke with a very bent nose asked ‘what are we doing here’. Steve said detecting on a pending lease and the guy went mad saying it was a live lease and it was his. Steve came and got the phone to show him on Trillobite exactly where we were and that it was a pending lease. Obviously he isn’t up on these things. He calmed down considerably when Steve pointed out we were correct then tried to excuse himself by saying he had been having problems with people detecting on his lease on 4wheelers and electric bikes. We said we had followed bike tracks in but they were on the pending lease anycase. Eventually he was nice and chatted about the camper etc then went on his way after leaving Steve his name, Phillip, and phone number, should we see anyone doing the wrong thing. We won’t because we won’t be on his lease! I looked up the owner’s name on the lease and it wasn’t his so he is probably only a caretaker. No wonder he has such a bent nose - bet he got a couple of whacks by accusing people and they weren’t as calming as Steve is.

Back inside for breakfast then we went wandering, on the pending lease of course which we are in the middle of. As Steve says we park in plain site - can’t miss us any case, and we don’t wear headphones so anyone can hear us when we are detecting.

The days are warming up so after lunch I got into cooler clothes and worked on my cross-stitch and wrote some blog up to upload when we get phone signal again.

Up to 26 degrees max by 3pm but it cools off again quickly as the sun drops earlier in the afternoon now. Unfortunately the flies are still around till nightfall so we had our drinks and played cards inside as I am cooking dinner inside so no fire tonight.

 

Tues, 22^nd

12 degrees min this morning, still put the heater on as it makes it much nicer for breakfast time. Clear sky.

The wind outside is still very chilly as we packed up.

We drove back along the track and tried another good looking spot but nothing but rubbish here.

After a cuppa we tried another spot but no luck there either.

After lunch we drove back near our first campsite but went down a track along the base of the hill and continued on a bit further and parked up for a wander.

Warmer day again which is nice with the only a light breeze now. It got to 29.7 degrees.

The sun disappeared by 5.30pm and we had our drinks by the fire with the flies and little mozzies but they disappeared soon after.

Watched the stars appear and spotted 4 satellites then it got too cool as the fire died down so we headed inside for dinner.

 

Wed, 23^rd

Warming up - only got down to 14 degrees this morning. Clear sky and cool breeze.

Went wandering. Saw a goanna but he saw us first and headed down one of the holes in the ground near a tree. There are lots of rabbit poos about but we never see any during the day.

After lunch we packed up and moved further along the lease and set up for the night.

Got to 32.2 degrees this afternoon. A few clouds coming over and the breeze has stopped.

Too many flies for drinks so we played cards inside.

The sky cleared as the sun set and the stars appeared but we stayed inside for dinner.

 

Thurs, 24^th

Woke to the sound of rain pitter pattering on the roof and the sky covered in a big cloud band again. Min of 20 degrees and now the wind has picked up.

Packed up and headed into another pending lease and set up. Back to being cold again so kept the camper closed up.

Steve read and I worked on my cross-stitch till lunch time.

The sky is clearing but the wind is still cold. Steve went wandering, I decided my cross-stitch was more important!

By cuppa time it had climbed to 26.8 degrees with the sky mostly clear but the wind was still cold outside.

Too windy for a fire so we stayed inside. Lucky we are comfortable in our camper and love playing cards etc. There are always birds to listen too as well as the buzzing of the flies!

 

 

Sat, 19th Apr, 2025 Roadside stop, east of Leonora to Bush camp, Mt Redcastle area, east of Leonora, WA

4 years since Mum moved on to her Heavenly life - still think of her all the time.

Min 11 degrees, nearly diesel heater time! The sun is shining so we stayed in bed till 8am when the temp climbed to 17 degrees.

Back to the turn off and followed someone else’s wheel tracks in so no problems as the road base is good.

Along to the old Laverton Road then down to our turn off. The mine here had a grader out as a road train was bogged just at their turn off. That section was very churned up by their trucks. We turned onto our track to head to the new pending leases - no problems here. A few pools of water but there hasn’t been much traffic on it.

Found a nice spot on a rise which had phone service and a lovely view and set up camp.

The wind is a bit nippy though and the clouds are coming over again.

After a cuppa we headed off wandering. 

Steve went off wandering again while I worked on my cross-stitch, had enough exercise today!

The temperature didn’t get over 17 today even with the sun shining for a while.

The cloud band has come over though you can see blue sky on the horizon and the cold wind is blowing so no fire or sitting outside this afternoon. We could see the bright orange sun drop below the cloud band and then sink over the horizon which was nice and then the lovely golden glow up onto the clouds.

The temp didn’t change but it felt colder which out the sun shine so we put the heater on to make it more comfortable for dinner. 

The sky was clear again when we went to bed but still a cold wind so kept the windows closed.

 

Fri, 18th Apr, 2025 Bush camp, north of Broad Arrow to Roadside stop, east of Leonora, WA

Min of 15.2 degrees and still overcast.

Rang Suzanne for her birthday and caught up on the 90^th birthday celebrations for her mother recently.

Bit of blue sky is starting to break through the clouds. Steve went for a wander and I continued with my cross-stitch. 

Packed up and headed back to the highway - no problems on the track as it is all rocky.

Lots of puddles on the side of the road as we head north to Menzies where we stopped for lunch. The sky is more blue than cloud now.

Continued on to Leonora, lots of water about and the ‘dry’ lakes have water in them now. Topped up the water tanks again at the park before town then headed east on the road to Laverton. There is a band of cloud a head of us and it looks like a shower of rain might have fallen from it ahead of us.

Under that cloud band now. As we neared our turn off we heard a lady say, ‘phew we made it out’, on the radio then two very muddy vehicles came towards us. We could see their muddy tyre marks as we neared out turn off but we didn’t go in as it was all boggy. We turned around and went back to the roadside stop and parked up for the night. No rain forecast for tomorrow so hopefully the track will be drier by the morning. Had a cuppa inside with the camper closed up as it is still quite chilly outside with the wind.

A big truck pulled in for a quick stop then a couple with their van. They are heading across the Great Central Road for a quick holiday.

The cloud band continued eastward so blue sky and the sun started to appear in the west then over the top of us by 4pm.

Lots of trucks going by but otherwise it is all good here.

 

Thurs, 17th Apr, 2025 Bush camp, north of Broad Arrow, WA

Light shower of rain about 1am then thunder and lightning started in the west at 4.30am. Made sure everything was zipped up and went back to bed. The rain arrived soon after, not very heavy but consistent.

Bleak 16 degrees when we got up, overcast and the rain had stopped.

Sent Leanne a happy birthday text message. No wandering this morning so I worked on our blog and Steve read. I checked where we can pre-vote for the federal election and it is only in Kalgoorlie so I put in applications for postal votes to be sent to Leonora Post Office.

Another shower of rain, at least we are on rocky ground and the track in was firm. Heavier rain then as we passed the time playing cards.

Hot soup and crackers for lunch as it still hasn’t gotten any warmer.

By cuppa time we are nearly ready to put the heater on as we are now in long pants, socks and jumpers.

I worked on my cross-stitch for our new grandbaby. Steve decided to have a snooze and keep warm in his bed.

The rain stopped at last and the temp didn’t get over 18.3 degrees.

Drinks and a few games of Rummykub for a change then a few sprinkles of rain again.

Dinner and movie and no more rain.