Wed, 2nd July, 2025 Malcolm Dam Reserve, east of Leonora to Bush camp on pending lease, east of Leonora, WA

8.7 degrees min as I got up and noticed the lovely sunrise colours over the water. I put the heater on then I went outside. It wasn’t too bad as there was no wind. Got the camera and watched the ducks and swans on the water as the colours changed and then the sun peeked up on the horizon.

The info board about the dam.

Back inside where it was nice and warm. The chill had just started to get to me outside.

Kaylene is having a nice holiday with her friend Janet - travelling down the coast to Bowen then into the Whitsundays. Glad she is having fun - lots of lovely photos too.

After breakfast we left and continued east to check out a couple of pending leases to take Rick and Co to. They are nearing Laverton so we will meet them on the road somewhere.

Mr and Mrs Bustard were out for a walk today.

Along the main road a bit to the Minara Road turn off and along to another lease which will be ok for Gavin’s van. Back out to the turn off to wait for them to arrive. We had lunch and were just packing up when we saw Rick go by. We called them up and they turned around and came in. Great to see Rick again. Met Rick’s sister, Donna and her husband, Gavin then showed them the way onto the pending lease. Chose our camp spot and set up.

Rick took his detector for a walk - in thongs and shorts but unfortunately only found rubbish.

Warmer afternoon in the sun as there is no wind. Camper got to 27 degrees with windows open.

Chatted the afternoon away then Steve built his fireplace and we chatted more over drinks by the fire. I brought out the laptop and played Len Beadell’s interview about building the road across the inland SA/WA deserts. They were all very interested and will try and get his books to read.

Cooked dinner on the fire and spotted a few stars appearing as the clouds thinned out.

Late night outside for a change, 10pm. It was down to 15 in the camper so it was chillier outside! Hot shower and into bed.