Tues, 26th Aug, 2025 Bush camp on pending lease near Errols Mine, south of Meekatharra to Peter Denny Lookout Reserve, east of Sandstone, WA

7.4 degrees min, on with the heater. Clear sky to the west and clouds to the east. The wind is back!

Packed up and headed back to the main road. The rain didn’t affect the track or the main road which was good. Checked a couple of other pending leases as we made our way south but no easy access to them.

Stopped for a cuppa at the Rabbit Proof Fence info. Puffy white clouds are coming over with the cold wind. Forecast for only 16 degrees max again today.

Continued south then turned onto the Sandstone-Wiluna Road and headed north-east. Turned off that into the Lake Mason Homestead reserve. The station has been destocked and water points shut off though there is still a windmill providing water for the ‘camping’ area. We have stayed here before - fabulous ‘donkey’ shower near the old quarters. People have collected ‘bits’ and have left it in the old kitchen for others to see. The shearing shed is still standing but there are signs about ‘asbestos’ everywhere now. Not much has changed though the homestead appears to have a new roof and the outdoor area has fallen down.

Drove back out to the road and continued northward towards old Gidgee mine area to check out some pending leases. Found a big white bus parked up just off the road but no one was about. We found a track in and followed it along but didn’t find any interesting ground. We stopped and I made lunch while Steve took the detector for a wander. No joy so we turned around and headed back out.

Back down the gravel road and into Sandstone then onto the bitumen and headed east towards Leinster. Turned off into the lookout reserve where we have parked up before. The wind is cold so we just set up camp, took a photo and went inside for a cuppa.

The cold weather will continue for another week - down to 5 degrees and max of 18, it is nearly Spring so what’s with the cold weather.

Another vehicle came in and parked up further along. Too cold and windy to go out chatting.

Cards and drinks as the sun changed the colours over the escarpment. No buffalos here like we saw in NT, not even a kangaroo or a donkey!

Put the heater on for dinner and watched a movie.

 

 

Mon, 25th Aug, 2025 Tom & Sandy’s camp, south of Meekatharra to Bush camp on pending lease near Errols Mine, south of Meekatharra, WA

11.1 degree min - put the heater on. A shower of rain during the night woke me up. Cloudy now and another light shower while we had breakfast. It is cold and windy outside.

Packed up and said goodbye to Tom & Sandy. Hopefully we will see them in Perth if they are home from Exmouth. Steve will pick me up from the airport at 10.30pm so we will park up on their driveway for the night.

Drove down to the main camp to say thanks and goodbye to Ross & Lara. Myles was there too and he and Steve got chatting about speedway. Cheryl wandered over to have a look at the camper. We got moving and headed back out to the main road. Turned south then turned off for a cuppa at Baaralangi Rock which had little shiny streams coming down it from the morning shower.

The main road has a good gravel surface so no problems driving on it. There are more dark clouds coming across from the west though and it looks like they will meet us further down the road. The wind has picked up too.

The rain got to us but moved across swiftly with the wind.

We turned off onto the track to Errols Mine then continued south onto the pending lease. Found some quartz blows and parked up as the sun came out. Blue sky to one side but still clouds to the other with the wind still blowing. Feels like 10 degrees outside but it is 16 in the camper.

Steve went for a wander and found an old shaft further along.

After lunch a shower of rain came over quickly. The sky cleared again so Steve went for a detect, I decided it was nicer in the camper so I sat and typed up my blog.

Another heavier shower came over and got Steve. When he came back wet he said he had found a tree to stand under. I had put the heater on and made him a cuppa as he put on some dry clothes. We read our books then played cards when we had our drinks. The sun shone then another shower of rain would cross over us. The wind just kept blowing but not as strong as yesterday.

Another shower of rain when we went to bed - hopefully that will be the last of it.

Sun, 24th Aug, 2025 Tom & Sandy’s camp, south of Meekatharra, WA

13.8 degrees, windy with some puffy white clouds in the blue sky. No more rain overnight which was good.

The wind picked up bringing more clouds over.  

After a cuppa we went for a walk to check out the areas we wandered over back in 2017.  

Back to camp for lunch. The wind has gotten very strong so it was good to get back inside where it was a nice 22 degrees and no wind.

We played 3 to Kings as the camper rocked in the wind. Might have to put the legs down!

Daniel sent a text to see if we had phone reception for a video chat but we have only limited reception here then the phone reception dropped out altogether. Maybe the wind has damaged a tower or something.

Dave & Cheryl arrived in their big bus with a couple from Vic who know Tom & Sandy too. They had no problems coming in the track so we should be right to leave tomorrow morning. They all came up to Tom & Sandy’s for drinks and we had a great time chatting. The wind has settled and the stars are out - we even spotted some satellites. A sliver of moon (New Moon) was just above the horizon in the west. There is a band of cloud on the horizon in the south-west and there is more rain forecast for tomorrow but only 0-3mm.

Back to the camper for dinner and a movie.

Sat, 23rd Aug, 2025 Tom & Sandy’s camp, south of Meekatharra, WA

The pitter patter of rain started in the early hours. 15 degree min with the forecast of only 16 degree max!! Dark and grey outside and the pitter patter continued while we had breakfast. I checked the BOM and overnight we only had 1.2mm of rain in Meekatharra.

We read for the morning then joined Tom & Sandy. It is cold and windy now so we have our big coats on. Steve and Tom sat under the awning chatting while Sandy and I had a game of 3 to Kings inside (Sandy won by a big margin) then a couple games of Triominos (I won those) after lunch.

We didn’t get the heavy rain which was good but it was just a dreary cold day any case. The wind picked up in the late afternoon and blew the clouds about.

Ross & Lara said to join them for fish & chips tonight which was nice so I dug out some bits of salad to take too as there was only the 7 of us this time.

The stars appeared after dinner so hopefully that is all the rain we are getting. Lara said they measured 3mm today. We had a great night chatting again and a lovely dinner and dessert. Other friends rang from Mt Magnet so they should arrive tomorrow. We met them with Tom & Sandy in Perth so it will be good to see them again too.

Cold walk back to the camper then inside to put the heater on and have our showers.

Fri, 22nd Aug, 2025 Bush camp on pending lease, south of Meekatharra to Tom & Sandy’s camp, south of Meekatharra, WA (Arthur’s 1st birthday)

10.8 degrees min, so on with the heater. Mostly clear sky with a bit of thin cloud about.

Sent Jodie a message to wish Arthur a happy first birthday. She sent back a couple of lovely photos of him.

We packed up and drove down the track to another pending lease near some old mine shafts. After a cuppa we went for a wander. Just a few bits of rubbish for me and Steve.

Drove back to the old mine area and Steve went for a wander while I read. No joy for him when he came back for lunch. We both read for a while then we headed out to the main road and south to Gabanintha Mine area. The township was established in 1898 because of the mining leases (1895-1910) and the main mine was worked till 1944 - now it is just big open pits. There were patches of old bottles and tins from the miners camps but they have all been picked over for any intact bottles etc.

We headed back out then down to the turn off into the mining lease where Tom & Sandy are camping. We had stayed here with them in 2017. Ross & Lara have a big camp here. There are a few others here too. We parked up near Tom & Sandy’s van. They have a great spot behind some trees further up the hill slope.

Joined them for a drink before heading across to the main camp for BBQ tea (bring your own meat) with everyone. Ross & Lara still have Abra who was a pup when we were here and have 2 more dogs (their other two died from poisoned baits that the crows must have dropped), chooks and now goats. Dark clouds are building in the north - forecast for 7-20mm of rain tomorrow so we might be here for a few days till the tracks dry out. We had a wonderful time chatting and catching up

 

Thurs, 21st Aug, 2025 Bush camp near Tried Again Mine to Bush camp on pending lease, south of Meekatharra, WA

14.3 degrees, light breeze, clear sky overhead with a cloud band on the horizon. The BOM says Meeka had 9mm yesterday.

Steve went over to see how the tent campers had fared - I stayed and read my book. They had everything out trying to dry it in the sun that is now shining. Only here for a couple of days and found a few bits in the old mine piles.

The ground wasn’t too bad so we headed out with our detectors after morning tea. Unfortunately no more gold for us.

After lunch we decided to move further down the lease. Tried one spot below an old shaft area but no joy. Headed back to another spot and set up camp for the night.

Steve went wandering but I stayed and read my book. He came back with a few bits of rubbish.

Sandy sent a text to say BBQ night tomorrow as there is a lot of rain forecast for Sat. As our ‘patch’ had run out we said yes thanks and will head over to the lease tomorrow afternoon.

Got a fire going to burn our rubbish and sit beside while we have our drinks. There is a very cold light breeze when you get away from the fire. Only got to a max of 24 degrees today. The timber is shooting out little bits of burning coals which make me jump so I moved away from the fire. One flew up onto the camper roof so Steve got the ladder to make sure it wasn’t burning a hole up there. Last time I got spat at it was a little rock under the fire and it burnt through my jumper and onto my skin before I could flick it off - nasty!

Inside for dinner and a movie.

 

Wed, 20th Aug, 2025 Bush camp near Tried Again Mine, south of Meekatharra, WA

14.7 degree min, windy and overcast.

We put on the layers and headed out to grid around Steve’s smiley face. Someone else has been around it since we were here and dug a few holes. There are lots of hot rocks here - black rocks that sound off like a gold target. I put on my chain and walked back and forth trying to cover the area. Steve went for a wander. I got a sound in one of the holes that had been dug and got down to the hard base layer and the signal was still there. I left it open to wait for Steve to come back. He did with a little bit of gold. I got him to dig my target out and we were very happy to find a nice nugget.

After a cuppa Steve joined me in gridding. 

The wind is getting stronger - getting harder to stay upright!

Inside for lunch. Saw a FB post from Andrea saying her father, Ron, had passed away this morning. Sent her our love at this sad time but it was a blessing for him to now be a peace with his wife.

I stayed in the camper and transferred movies onto the TV hard drive and more TV series to watch. Steve braved the wind and continued gridding. 

The forecasted rain of 1-6mm then started with the sky getting dark very quickly and the wind still buffeting the camper.

We played Triominos while we had our drinks and we did the scoring for a change - that worked my brain!

Light showers continued into the night and still windy.

 

Tues, 19th Aug, 2025 Peace Gorge picnic ground, Meekatharra to Bush camp near Tried Again Mine, south of Meekatharra, WA

15.3 degree min, a few clouds on the blue sky and windy. Wendy and David’s wedding anniversary today so sent them a message. We used to have a joint dinner for our anniversaries when we were home.

Packed up and drove back into town. Roald rang to wish Steve a belated birthday and catch up on what we have been up to. Picked up a few groceries but the weekly load hadn’t been unpacked yet so will get some more after lunch.

As we walked out we ran into Tom & Sandy and Ross had just come around the corner too. Haven’t seen him since 2018. He and Lara are having lunch at the pub too so we all sat together. Pete was there again too. We had a lovely time catching up over a yummy lunch. As we left Ross said to call into the lease and stay for a BBQ if we are coming past on Sat night. Sounds like a nice idea.

Got the rest of our groceries from the IGA then headed off down the gravel road towards Sandstone. We only went about 20km then turned off into the pending lease near Tried Again Mine that we visited before. Steve had left a smiley face where he got a nugget so we parked near that on the ground he had gridded. There is another car over by the mine area.

The wind has picked up so we had a late cuppa inside then played cards till drinks time.

The wind dropped off when the sun set. Another vehicle drove in to where the other one was and they have set up tents. There is rain forecast for tomorrow so hope they know about that.

Dinner and movie to finish off the day.

 

Mon, 18th Aug, 2025 Bush camp on Killara Station, north of Meekatharra to Peace Gorge picnic ground, Meekatharra, WA (Steve & Amanda’s birthdays)

14 degree min, mostly clear sky and light breeze. Wished Steve a happy birthday and sent a message to Amanda - she is have a birthday holiday with David in Perth and enjoying sightseeing the area.

Nice messages coming in for Steve from family and friends. A beautiful message from Annalise too.

Packed up and said goodbye to Wayne & Sharon and then headed back out to the highway and down to Meekatharra.

Stopped at the Van Park and used their washing machines again ($4/load) so I could do the sheets, towels and all the clothes and while I was doing the next load the rest was drying on the clothes line in the sun and gusty wind. Walked up to the servo for my soda stream gas cylinders while Steve went around and got fuel and water then picked up the roof vent handles from the Post Office that we had ordered. Last load done so got everything off the line and wet clothes in a bag and off to Peace Gorge to park up for the night. We decided to try another spot on the other side of road before the big boulders as the wind was blowing the dust across our normal camp spot. Hung out the things that weren’t dry and the last load then made lunch.

Terry rang to wish Steve a happy birthday then Lou rang so had a nice chat with him too. More nice messages coming through.

I baked a cake to have for dessert tonight with the last of the ice cream. Got to 30 degrees today so all the windows open and the flies are out in force. My fly-swat has been working overtime!!

Played cards and drinks inside as the flies are still terrible. Clouds are building in the south.

Daniel sent through photos and a video of Sophia pretending to drive the car with Daddy. So cute. Jon called via video chat from his work and we chatted away for a while.

The wind has picked up so closed up the camper as it was starting to get cool as the sun disappeared. Home made pizza for dinner - Steve usually is in charge of this so I did it for him tonight! Dessert was good too.

 

 

 

 

11-17 Aug, 2025 Bush camp on Killara Station, north of Meekatharra, WA (13th 42nd wed anniv, 16th 11 years on road)

Mon, 11^th Aug

10.8 degrees min, clear sky this morning.

We packed up and drove back to where Steve got the half-grammer and set up.

It is windy and cool as we started gridding. There are lots of holes about and old grid lines further over from the other chap that was here last time. I worked around the camper and Steve went along the edge of the track .

Jon sent a video of Beau rolling down the grass on his ‘blocks’ trolley and laughing his head off. I am going to have so much fun playing with my grandchildren when I am home in October.

Continued gridding after a cuppa. 

The wind is settled so it getting warmer as we continued gridding. I spotted an emu walking across the flats further over. Now the cattle are meandering across too.

I sent a text to Lee-Anne to see how they went. They got 3.5g so still finding a few bits up in the big quartz rocks. Phil and Pete left at lunchtime so they have a quiet camp tonight.

Sharon and Wayne drove out to us as Sharon’s detector was making funny noises and wanted to check if it was her coil by trying mine. Steve heard it and said it was so we lent them our spare coil - a Double D one which I used when my coil played up when we first bought it. Sharon was most grateful as they still have a week here. Wayne had a good day - found a 5.5g nugget and a few others so he was chuffed. Hopefully now Sharon will pick up some with our coil. Wayne showed me where their first friends had found a 5.5g nugget with the 2300. We are near it so will go over it again as Wayne said he had wandered over it but the ground was very noisy for his 7000. Had a drink with them then they headed back to their camp and we headed inside for a game of cards before cooking dinner.

 

 

Tues, 12^th Aug

11.3 degrees min, clear sky and the strong wind is back.

The wind isn’t cold but nearly blows me over and all it got was a bit of alfoil for my effort.

Saw Lee-Anne and Daniel heading towards us with their van so headed back to the camper. They decided to move on and try another spot before heading back to the coast and ‘work’! Steve wandered back too so we chatted away for a while.

We had a late lunch then continued gridding. Only a bullet shell for me as the wind settled down and the sun got warmer. Up to 29 degrees in the camper at 3pm so I turned the fan on to stir the air.

I finished my book and Steve took the 6000 for a walk but he only found rubbish.

Got the fire going for drinks and to cook our dinner over under the millions of stars. We just love looking up and seeing them twinkle and spotting the satellites. One was very bright which we thought was the Space Station but when I checked my app it was on the other side of the world.

After dinner we spotted a few ‘Starlink’ lights zipping about just above the horizon in the west.

 

 

Wed, 13^th Aug (our 42^nd wedding anniversary)

Another year married - wow how the years are flying by. I think the time is going faster as we get older!

15.3 degrees min, clear sky and very windy again.

Packed up and moved further along to where Steve got the other half-grammer the other day on his big walk.

The wind is nearly blowing me over again but I headed to his cairn and got a little bit and a nice crystal from Nature’s Jewellery Store. I gridded back and forth and got one more bit. Nothing for Steve so luckily I got my own anniversary gift, haha.

After a cuppa we continued gridding. Steve did a big walk for 0 nuggets but got lots of exercise.

After lunch the wind seemed to be getting stronger. We decided to go back to the main area and spotted a few more vehicles had come in. We saw Wayne & Sharon and stopped to see how they were going and I said ‘did the secretary (their friend) put this spot up on the Little Ripper Gold site (they are all members) and they laughed and said ‘they did’. Other members who are down on their leases off the Sandstone Road did the drive up to have a look. One chap has his camper and then we saw another van and truck parked up in the trees so we have some new people around now.

We drove up the slope to where Steve had found a little nugget on one of his previous big walks and gridded around it but didn’t find any more. We took at the back track around and back to the hill where we had gridded with Rick etc and there are more chain marks now from the other couple who were parked along from us. Decided to go out onto the flats and try that for a change as Wayne and Sharon have been finding bits out in the open. We parked up - no fire tonight as there isn’t any wood out here and it is still very windy.

Made a cuppa then rang Terry as he had tried to call us. He wished us a happy anniversary which is lovely of him. He had a good time at the recent caravan rally even though it rained most of the time they still had fun.

Up to 32 degrees in the camper now with the warmer wind still blowing hard.

We headed out to detect and I managed to get one bit and Steve wandered for exercise again - no gold.

Still windy and hot (31 degrees) at 5pm even with the windows and door open. Played cards till the sun set. The wind has stopped at last.

Got a message and lots of photos and videos of Arthur from Jodie. They have been very busy with work. Glad they are all doing ok and Arthur looks a very happy boy. He will be one on the 22^nd.

I cooked our celebration dinner - Steve’s favourite honey soy chicken wings and he cooked the roast veggies in the frypan. Finished off with cheesecake for dessert. We eat very well, even in the bush.

 

 

Thurs, 14^th Aug

16.6 degrees (warm!), clear sky overhead but a cloud band on the horizon to the west and south. There is a cold front hitting Perth today so our temps are supposed to drop too - max of 23 today.

There is a light breeze as we continued gridding. Steve went off on a big walk again and as he came back towards me I got my first signal so he came over so I could let him dig it out. It was a tiny bit of gold.

The clouds are building and the wind has picked up from the south-west as we headed into the camper for a cuppa.

We kept on gridding - forever hopeful. Cool and overcast, 23 degrees in the camper - BOM was correct.

After lunch we packed up and stopped to chat with Wayne and Sharon - not having much luck either. We went back to my ‘spot’ where I got a bit the other day so I could continue gridding it. Steve had got 2 bits previously further back along the track so he will grid that. Set up on the quartz rocks.

The darker clouds have moved on and more blue sky is appearing.

Drinks and cards inside. Cooled off as the sun set so closed up the camper.

 

 

Fri, 15^th Aug

11.6 degrees min, clear sky. The wind had picked up again as the sun rose.

The wind had gotten stronger as we headed out to wander.

While we were having a cuppa Sharon & Wayne stopped in. They are heading to Meeka for supplies and to pick up her Double D coil she got a friend to post up so she could give me mine back. Wayne said their friends are packing up after lunch and will leave in the morning so feel free to wander over where they had been detecting with the 2300s in case they missed any as the 2300 only has a small coil. Wayne is happy to continue on his flats so we said thanks and they headed off .

A vehicle came past and stopped to ask about someone - more Little Ripper people. They have decided to peg the lease beside this one as the rest is all crown land. Members pay a yearly membership to have access to the leases the Not-for Profit group picks up. Great idea for those who are new to detecting and those who like to detect and have a social time as well.

We moved across to where Steve had been gridding as there are now a few vehicles and others wandering around with detectors where Wayne had said to go.

Wayne and Sharon stopped by on their way back from Meeka and said I should be further down the slope but I was having fun here so I sent Steve down the slope. They headed back to their salt flat to continue gridding.

Steve came back for a cuppa. We closed up and went across to where I had been gridding now the other people had left.

Continued gridding.

Got our fire going to sit by for drinks.

Wayne & Sharon called in on their way back to their camp. They gave us a lovely bottle of wine to thank us for the use of the coil. So nice of them and it was had a great name, Miles from Nowhere, a Margaret River wine.

I will chill it and we can enjoy it on Sunday night when we join them at their camp for last drinks before we head out Monday morning. They were waiting till Tuesday to leave hoping to continue picking up more bits before they need to be south to volunteer at a Rodeo thing. We chatted around the fire for a while then they headed ‘home’. The breeze got cooler so we headed inside for dinner.

 

Sat, 16^th Aug (11 years on road)

10.8 degrees min, clear sky and windy. It has been 11 years since we waved goodbye to family and friends on the Cairns Esplanade and headed off on our adventure. Still so much to see and do we will be going for another 11 years for sure.

We continued gridding. I had just dug up a little bit when I heard the phone ring. It was Leanne & Rick ringing to wish Steve a happy birthday. I explained the date reason - Our FB page, 2Geckos Travelling needed a ‘birthdate’ so I put today as they was the start of our travels. Steve’s birthday is the 18^th but it was lovely to see all the lovely messages. I put up a post explaining it was the anniversary of us leaving Cairns on our travels. We had a lovely chat too.

I went back to my gridding.

The wind has dropped and the sun’s warmth is getting stronger so stripped off our bottom layer.

Only a light breeze now so it feels a lot hotter than the 28 degrees in the camper.

Found another quartz crystal. We will put them in the tumbler when we get back to Woodgate.

Drinks by the fire as the sun set. Nice temp outside as the stars appeared and a few satellites zoomed across. A breeze came up with a bit of a nip to it but it was nice by the fire while we cooked our dinner.

Inside to eat then while Steve was doing the washing up I watched the ‘starlink lights’ zoom around in the west. It is a good life we have and we are lucky to have good health too.

 

 

Sun, 17^th Aug

11 degrees, a bit cloud and windy, again.

Back to gridding but only one speck for me by morning tea. Steve got one bit too.

Packed up and moved down to park near Sharon & Wayne’s van so we can join them for drinks around their fire tonight and share the lovely bottle of wine they gave us. We will head off in the morning to do our washing, shopping etc in Meeka then meet Tom & Sandy for lunch on Tuesday. Forecast is for 1-6mm rain on Wed so we need to be at our next spot before that comes. They are parked where we camped with Rick so we parked where we first parked with Ray & Carol.

After lunch Steve put the Double D coil on the 6000 and went wandering. It has warmed up a lot so I decided to stay and write up my blog so I can upload it in town tomorrow.

Steve came back empty-handed for a cuppa, 32 degrees in the camper and only a light breeze. Clouds are thin now against the blue sky. I have the fan on and am in shorts and singlet for a change. Steve continued wandering.

Nothing for Steve except exercise - time to move on. It has been a very good place for us.

Joined Wayne & Sharon for drinks - they are still getting a few bits from their ‘flats’. They will leave on Tuesday. Opened the bottle of wine they gave us and chatted the afternoon away then heated up dinner and chatted some more. Wayne kept the fire going well as the warm day has been replaced with a cool breeze. Finished the night with some nice port Sharon shared with us. Lovely couple, hope we meet up against somewhere.

 

 

3-10 Aug, 2025 Bush camp on Killara Station, north of Meekatharra, WA

Sun, 3^rd Aug

16 degree min, overcast and a shower of rain at 5am.

More light rain when we got up for breakfast. Relaxing morning reading as the dark clouds moved across then the sun would shine for a while then cloudy again. I transferred more movies from the big hard drive to the one for the TV. So glad we have all these movies and TV series to watch as well as our supply of books.

After morning tea I did my baking as the strong wind rocked the camper and the clouds and sun alternated. Steve went out to continue dragging the chain from his grid lines and see what might be hidden in the ground.

A shower of rain brought Steve back inside. After lunch we both went out and continued gridding - the wind nearly blows me over and I had to get the headphones to be able to hear the detector. Steve has a speaker on his harness below his ears.

More sun then clouds now but the wind is still strong.

Inside for drinks and cards. The sky has puffy clouds now so don’t think we will get any more rain.

Lou sent a message about a 60 Minutes episode on Sunday on Bruce’s murder in the Palmer. He will give us a call and tell us about it.

The wind settled by bed time.

 

 

Mon, 4^th Aug

8.6 degrees - getting colder again. Clear sky and no wind. Forecast for only 17 max today.

Lou had rung but we didn’t have enough signal to ring back so Steve put the aerial on the camper so we could boost the phone in the camper rather than the truck. Rang him back. He told us about the 60 Minute story. Apparently a retired policeman says the Strubers are innocent and he is trying to get a new trial done. They have been in jail 15 years now - hopefully they won’t now get off on some new technicality.

Back to our gridding. Spotted a vehicle towing a van come in and it went along then around and then back towards us. I gave them a wave and they came over and when I looked in the front I realised it was Daniel and Lee-Anne who we stayed with at Cape Burney earlier in the year. They had seen the two little pending leases and decided to come in for a look as they only have a couple weeks off from managing the van park. They parked up a bit further along from us.

Continued gridding then back to the camper for a cuppa. There is a light breeze which is still quite nippy but in the sun it is very warm. Had to open the window while we had our cuppa as it was up to 24 degrees in the camper.

Drinks by the fire with Daniel and Lee-Anne. Lovely evening chatting but it was chilly when you walked away from the fire.

Back inside for dinner with the heater on. Michael rang to chat about the engine as Peter is visiting from Sydney who also put in a Cummins engine so the boys chatted for quite a long time!!

 

 

Tues, 5^th Aug

6.5 degree min, max of 18 predicted. Clear sky and breezy.

Continued gridding out from our camper.

Got to 25 degrees in the camper with the windows open - very nice.

Party time at our place for drinks tonight with the others and Steve went over to ask the single chap if he wanted to join us. His name is Wayne too. He said he met us in Nullagine Van Park a few years ago which prompted our memories and we now remember chatting with him there. He is ex NZ and a very nice chap so we all had a great time chatting.

After the others left we cooked our steak on the fire and roast vegies in the coals - yummy dinner followed by ice cream to celebrate our good luck day.

 

Wed, 6^th Aug

8.5 degrees min, clear sky and breezy.

Continued with our gridding. We have been triple layering in the morning but by morning tea we could take our coats off. The wind is strong but it isn’t cold.

Lee-Anne & Daniel’s friend, Phil, arrived. He has been detecting for many years and had a lease west of here so he will have plenty of stories to tell.

By lunch time it has warmed up that I am down to one layer now. Wayne and Sharon headed into Meeka to get some groceries and meet their friends that are going to join them here.

Drinks at Lee-Anne & Daniel’s tonight as they have Phil parked up with them. Very interesting chap.

Back to the camper for late dinner as the temp dropped with a nippy breeze which got very gusty before settling down for the night.

 

 

Thurs, 7^th Aug

9.6 degree min, clear sky and windy.

The wind isn’t too cold as we continued our gridding.

The wind is getting stronger by lunch. I saw the funny little lizard that Sharon had taken a photo of the other day and had shown me. He is called a Goldfields Pebble Dragon and has a long tail, fat little body with frog like legs and triangle head. He changes colour to suit his surrounds. He was sitting near where I was digging out a nugget and didn’t move till I nearly step on him. Very unusual looking but apparently very common around here.

Nice and sunny and warm for lunch as the sun is on our dining table side. The wind comes and goes.

Malcolm rang to touch base that everything is sorted for his trip over. It is cold in Tassie so looking forward to some warmth over here then.

After a cuppa we rang Uncle John. He is doing well for 97 and still in his own home. He loves a good chat and to hear what we have been doing etc. It has been over 10 years now since we met he and Aunty Jocelyn in Hobart when they joined Mum & Dad for a week’s holiday. We had a lot of fun with them.

Drinks with Lee-Anne, Daniel and Phil again then we all cooked our BBQ dinners on their new BBQ plate and continued chatting. Spotted some satellites then we saw the Starlink ‘lights’ in the west. Lee-Anne was very excited to see them (8.15 to 8.45pm). She will be looking for them when they get back to the beach.

 

Fri, 8^th Aug

9.7 degrees min, mostly clear sky and windy. It has been 4 years since Dad left this life.

Slowly gridding again and getting shoved about by the wind. Clouds are coming over the sky by morning tea.

Continued gridding to lunch time.

Rang Rick to catch up with his news. Tried Kev and Linda but they were out collecting firewood so we said we would ring back later.

Overcast now and the wind has dropped off . Back to the camper for a cuppa. I wanted to make savory scones to have with dinner and I needed some breadcrumbs for the meatballs so I figured one of the scones will do. Steve took the 6000 for a change but he didn’t get a very long wander with it when misty rain started to fall then it got a bit heavier. I closed up the camper and he got back in time to pack the chairs etc away in the truck.

Rang Kev and Linda back but only chatted with Kev. Steve asked if he would like a visitor as he thought NZ Wayne who loves detecting and fishing might like to meet Kev as he is an ex Kiwi too and loves his fishing. He said he would love to meet him so we will pass on his number and address in case Wayne goes south that way. He usually goes to Esperance to fish over the summer.

The rain stopped and by 5.30pm we headed over to the others for a chat with our drinks by the fire. It is still overcast so no ‘light’ watching tonight.

Back to the camper for dinner - much warmer night so we didn’t need to put the heater on (17 degrees).

 

 

Sat, 9^th Aug

Still overcast and no wind. 13.3 degree min so didn’t put the heater on this morning.

Annalise sent through photos of Beau after his hair cut - handsome boy and looks so grown up now.

We continued gridding our areas.

The clouds have headed east so more blue sky appearing and a light breeze.

It is hot in the sun now though only 28 degrees in the camper as there is a nice breeze blowing inside.

Sharon had picked up a nice specie at the end so I wandered over for a look. I said we were joined the others for drinks if they wanted to join us. She said they would and would check if their friends wanted to come over too.

Got our drinks and chairs and wandered over the Lee-Anne and Daniel’s camp. Sharon & Wayne had arrived but their friends didn’t come. Phil’s mate, Pete, had arrived so we had a great time chatting. Full moon tonight and the temperature was lovely. We left them chatting as we had to go back to our fireplace to cook our dinner - steak and potato bake in the camp oven. Spotted a couple of satellites zoom through the stars. No ‘dancing lights’ tonight as there is a cloud band to the west.

 

Sun, 10^th Aug

14 degrees min, mostly clear sky with that cloud band in the south now. Max of 27 today and we might get a shower of rain this afternoon.

Nice breeze as we headed off to continue gridding.

Back to the camper for a cuppa.

I walked back to a spot where I had picked up a few bits when we were here with Rick. I managed to find a little bit I had missed and a big hunk of quartz that sounded off. Steve was gridding up towards me along the side of the track but didn’t get anything. He carried my big rock back and smashed it and out came a tiny bit of gold. He got 2 more bits from a couple of other rocks he had been picking up. It all adds to the total. He keeps the other bits and will use the dolly-pot when we get back to Woodgate and then pan it off in case there is tiny bits of gold in the quartz - like the old hard-rock miners used to do.

The wind is getting stronger and bringing more clouds while we had lunch. I decided to stay in the camper and work on my blog while Steve took the 6000 for a long walk. I gave Linda a call too as I didn’t get to talk to her when we rang Kev back the other day.

The wind has blown the darker clouds away so we mightn’t get the predicted rain. Only a few puffy white ones about now.

Got a message from Jenny and Warren who we met at Native Dog Flats in Vic in 2015 when we hiked into the source of the Murray River. They are in WA and wondered where we were. We missed them by a day when we were in Meeka - they left the day before we arrived there recently. What a shame. They have a place at Nambucca Heads now so hopefully we can catch up with them when we start crawling through NSW next year.

We read for a while then joined the others for drinks. The wind is cold this afternoon. We said bye as we are going to move further along as we have gridded everywhere here. Wayne said farewell too as he is heading on. I hope he calls in to see Kev & Linda as we think they will get on well.

Back to the camper for dinner. I always close up before the sun sets to keep the warmth in. It was still 20 degrees inside which was good. It felt like 10 degrees outside.

 

 

 

 

Sat, 2nd Aug, 2025 Peace Gorge picnic ground, Meekatharra to Bush camp on Killara Station, north of Meekatharra, WA

10 degrees, clear sky and windy again. Jon rang using video chat again as he was out at Centenary Lakes with Beau - Annalise was doing a weekend shift at work. It was fun watching Beau run and climb up the steps to go to the slippery slide then down and then up and around again. So cute.

Rang Mike and Anne as they had rung the other day. They are heading across soon to go exploring through Vic/NSW and asked about Tibooburra so we were able to tell them what Rick found etc.

Had a cuppa then packed up and headed back into town to the water point and topped up our supply. Headed north again and into Killara Station to our detecting spot again. Sharon & Wayne were our wandering so stopped to chat with them. Kevin & Denise had left this morning - must have gone the way we used to come in as we didn’t meet them.

We tried another spot further around - noticed a vehicle further over in the trees but when Steve went over there was no one around.

Late lunch then went wandering. 22 degrees and still very windy but it isn’t a cold wind.

I got one specie so headed back for a cuppa. While I waited for Steve I had a lovely chat with Terry. He is doing well - his foot has healed up and he is looking forward to the next caravan rally.   

We drove back to where Steve had finished gridding on Thursday and parked up on his chain lines where he had found a few bits. We aren’t too far again from the other chap but he is working on the quartz rocks while we plan to work the open flats.

Got the fire going for drinks. Wayne and Sharon joined us for drinks.

The wind has stopped so it was pleasant out side while we cooked our BBQ dinner. A few little clouds coming over. Forecast for 0-4mm of rain tomorrow.

Warmer evening so didn’t need to put the heater on. Still 17 degrees when we went to bed.

 

Fri, 1st Aug, 2025 Bush camp on Killara Station, north of Meekatharra to Peace Gorge Picnic Ground, Meekatharra, WA

7.1 min, clear sky and windy again. Forecast for rain on Sunday so we decided to pack up and go into town to pick up the inverter remote and stock up on food and water so we can come back out before the rain comes. These tracks aren’t good when there is rain and we don’t want to muck them up for the pastoralist.

Sent Joan and Roz happy birthday messages.

Took a different track down past Quartz Well that Wayne & Sharon had come up on. It is nice a straight and no bog holes. Reached the next well and water is overflowing it down the track so we had to make a new track around it. Continued on till we hit Mooloogool Road which is still dirt. It was a pastoral station but no has been destocked etc. Straight track over two grids till we met the highway. Had a cuppa then continued south to Meekatharra.

Steve went to the Post Office and I got our groceries from the IGA. Four oranges Chamberlain tractors towing vans pulled in near us so we went over for a chat. They are from Dongara and Geraldton and have done a few trips - one was from Steep Point to Byron Bay - furtherest west to furtherest east of Australia. They are heading north and across the top then down to Alice Springs to the Transport Hall of Fame anniversary celebration - raising money for RFDS along the way. Steve checked out the new motor one chap had just put in his and examined the leaking fuel tank - one of the baffles has let go so that will be a problem for the long trip ahead. Very interesting chatting with them. We need one of the Mt Augustus stickers as we have climbed that one too.

I swapped our books at the Library’s community book swap then we topped up the fuel tank - the diesel heater supply needed filling up! Sharon had said that the van park only charges $4 a load for washing and they do gas refills so I got a load of washing on and Steve got the gas bottle refilled, only $17, costs us $23 at Bunnings.

Out to Peace Gorge to hang out the washing. Steve put the new remote in for the inverter. I uploaded my blog and did our banking stuff too while we have good phone service.

We had lovely chats with our darlings via video - so nice to see them playing etc. Nice chatting with our sons and their wonderful wives too of course.

Wonderful chat with Wendy and David too. They had a lovely celebration of her mum, Heather’s life.

Lots of travellers coming in and parking up. The wind has dried our clothes so I packed them away.

The wind settled down as the sun dropped - drinks and cards inside before dinner and a movie.

 

Thurs, 31st July, 2025 Bush camp on Killara Station, north of Meekatharra, WA

6.6 degree min, clear sky and windy again.

I worked on my blog and Steve took the 6000 for a wander for a change.  

After morning tea I went wandering too. Slow and steady, not sure I would call it exercise but it is better than sitting reading I suppose. 

After lunch I put a stew and savoury scones in the Ecopot for dinner. Wayne & Sharon called in to see if we needed anything in Meeka as they were heading to the PO to pick up new skid plates - Wayne has worn his out on his 7000. Kevin and Denise are back in the shrubs over from us. Wayne said they had a big win, finding a 5.5g nugget so they are all enthused again.

I went back to my gridding with renewed enthusiasm - might be a nice one out there for us.  

Jon and Annalise rang - he is home. We arranged to video chat when we go into town. 

Took off my jumper as the sun’s warmth was beating the wind - just 2 layers now. Continued gridding. It was quite pleasant to be out wandering.

Drinks inside as the sun has dipped and the coolness is coming in and we didn’t have the fire ready to go.

The wind settled with the darkness.

 

Wed, 30th July, 2025 Bush camp on Killara Station, north of Meekatharra, WA

8.4 degrees min, max of 18 forecast. Overcast again and no wind.

Lingered in the nice warm camper reading. I sent my cousin Chris a happy birthday text - he is 81, the oldest of all the cousins. Got a call from Carmel & Merv - she rang the wrong Sharon but we had a lovely chat any case. They had a nice couple of weeks out fossicking at the Willows. They fossicked for many years with Terry & Erica. Merv was rewarded this time with a lovely sapphire while specking along the track. We tried that with Erica using a mirror to shine the light down on the ground so you can see the stones. After rain the locals head out to do it as the dirt is washed off the top of the stones. 

After morning tea we warmed up our clothes and headed back out into the cold wind to continue gridding. There is blue sky between the puffy clouds.

More sunshine and the wind has dropped off which is nice. We continued gridding to afternoon tea and were rewarded. While we were having our cuppa we got hit with a willy willy and it gave the camper a good shake as it roared over us. Luckily I didn’t have any windows open.

It got warm enough that I had to take my jumper off and just have two layers and one set of gloves - probably only 18 but after the cold wind that actually feels warm!

I messaged Virginia & Geoff in NZ to update them on our visit next year and ask their advice on a couple of things. Looking forward to seeing them again.

 

Tues, 29th July, 2025 Bush camp on Killara Station, north of Meekatharra, WA (Jon & Annalise’s 2nd wedding anniversary)

4.1 degree min and BOM says 16 degree max so will be putting another layer on today.

Sent Jon & Annalise happy anniversary texts for today. Jon is still at work but should be home on Thursday so they can celebrate over the weekend. Annalise replied with a photo of the beautiful bouquet of flowers she received from Jon.

Clear sky and the wind is back when we headed out after warming my clothes up with the heater. I am even putting an extra pair of gloves on. Even Steve is wearing gloves.

The others are back in their spot. The sun is warmish if you can get out of the wind. We gridded all afternoon.

One of the couples called in to ask about the track. They only have an on road van and we had mentioned before about the track being ruined by someone in the rain. We showed them the other way up and around that we took the first time we came in here with Ray & Carol. They will go for a drive and check out the creek crossing and then decide on Saturday as they need to head out before the rain on Sunday. We are heading out Saturday too as we need to get water and more food. The other couple are staying here.

The wind is coming over the fireplace now so we went back inside for drinks. The sun is on the dining side of the camper so the heat is coming in through the window which is nice (19 degrees) while we play cards. Once the sun goes down though the temp drops and the heater goes on.

There were clouds building in the south again and are heading our way but there is no rain predicted. The wind settled down by 8pm which is good as the vinyl flaps about when it blows hard.

 

Mon, 28th July, 2025 Bush camp on Killara Station, north of Meekatharra, WA

9.4 degrees min, overcast and very windy again.

Rick texted to say he is near Charters Towers and will be home tomorrow. So glad he had a great time and safe drive home. He is very happy to have found some gold at Clermont too so had a nice little collection now.

We sent a text to Ray and Carol as they should be home now from their detecting time at Kurundi Station in NT. They replied that they were home and had a good time there. Will give them a ring when we get back to town. 

Blue sky is appearing through the clouds but the strong wind is still blowing. We stayed inside and read for a while longer with the heater going.

Steve spotted the one of the group wandering off over the flats from us. When we went outside we saw their vehicles on the other side of us and the others wandering through the trees there. Everyone wears bright shirts so it is easy to spot people in the bush.

After lunch we ventured out and continued gridding now there is more sun shining. The wind is still blowing but we have layered up and it isn’t too bad.

A small misty shower came over so we headed back to the camper for a cuppa. 

Steve went back out while I rang Rebecca back. Had a lovely chat with her - nice and hot in Cairns, 28 degrees today. Their winter is over.

Inside for drinks and cards with the heater on as the wind hasn’t let up.

By dinner time the wind has died down and there is more blue sky than cloud now.

Sun, 27th July, 2025 Bush camp off Ashburton Road, north of Meekatharra to Bush camp on Killara Station, north of Meekatharra, WA (Wendy & Matthew’s birthdays)

5.4 degrees min, clear sky. No phone reception here so will sent birthday messages later.

Cold breeze when we went out wandering. Only a bit of rubbish for me. Steve came back with a pretty polished rock with stripes to add to our collection of special rocks.

Had a cuppa then packed up and headed back out to the highway. When I got phone reception I sent off birthday messages. Wendy replied that she is having a lovely day so far.

Decided to give the crown land with small pending lease one last go as it has been a good spot to us so far. Got to the second water point and someone must have come out when we had that ran as they have dug up the track. Water is still laying in the grooves they left but we found dry ground around the wet areas. It’s a shame when people do that as it makes it harder for the pastoralists as this is low red soil country. We always watch the weather forecast and know if it going to rain to get out before or be prepared to wait a while till it dries up.

After we turned off at next water point some emus joined us for a jog along the track.

Back into where we were camped before. Saw two vans a bit further over so drove over to meet them. Two couples from Perth Wayne & Sharon and Kevin & Denise . We told them where we had found gold etc. They have been lucky and had found a 3.4g nugget and a quartz specie with gold in it already so they were happy. That’s a good sign at least that there might still be more out there for us.

We went back to where Steve and Rick had down some chaining on the flats and set up camp over some of their chain lines. There is a quartz marker at the front of the truck. Hope that’s a good sign.

While I made our late lunch Steve got some firewood and made his quartz fireplace. He found a beautiful clear crystal rock too. I added it to the pretty one he found earlier.

It is still windy but the sun is shining as we went for a detect. We decided to continue chaining this area as the gold is well spread out and you have to be lucky to find them by just random wandering. We attach a rope off our harnesses and it has a small bit of chain at the end which drags along the ground marking where we have walked so we can cover the ground more effectively.

The wind has gotten stronger and clouds that were building in the south-west are starting to come over us. Forecast is for 1mm of rain tonight or maybe in the morning.

Steve had set up the fireplace on the non-wind side of the camper so we were able to sit outside for drinks but after the sun set it got too cold.

Spag bol for dinner - I miss our family dinner nights with Mum & Dad. We have plenty of memories of all the laughter while we all played cards etc.

After dinner a sprinkle of rain fell then the storm front hit us with strong wind. Feels like more wind than rain - or we hope so at least. It went on for a hour or so then settled down.

 

Sat, 26th July, 2025 Bush camp on pending lease to Bush camp on pending leases off Ashburton Road, north of Meekatharra, WA

2.9 degrees min in the camper at 6.30 - no wonder I was cold even with the blankets etc. It is probably 0 outside as there are ice crystal forming on the aluminium surround of the roof.

The ice melted, then I dried it off with a towel, as the heater brought the camper up to a nice 20 temperature for breakfast.

Clear sky and windy outside as we packed up and headed back to the highway. We turned north to check out some more pending leases further up off the highway on the west side.

No luck there so after lunch we headed back south again to Ashburton Road and out to the pending lease we visited with Ray & Carol. I had found one little bit near a big quartz blow so we thought we would try our luck again. Some one has been through and fixed up the creek crossings.

There is a mine at the end of the track so we drove on to check that out first. No name or red markers on Trilobite. We saw a drilling company’s sign and as we approached the mine area we saw the drill camp. They must have fixed the road to bring the drill rig in. Makes us think of Jon as this is the work he does now but he is drilling for water. We don’t think it was a gold mine as there is a lot of small ironstone piles. Only a few bits of rubbish about to show that it was a mine site. It is a live lease any case so we headed back to our turnoff into the pending lease.

Followed our old wheel tracks back to the quartz blow and set up camp.

Steve went for walk with the 6000 for a bit. I read my book.

No joy for Steve so inside for drinks and a game of cards before dinner with the heater on of course.

 

 

Fri, 25th July, 2025 Bush camp on pending lease, north of Meekatharra, WA

4.6 degrees - ouch but not for long once I got the heater on. Clear blue sky.

We ventured outside after morning tea into the cold wind to take a photo of our campsite.

We went for a wander with our detectors. There is a bit of warmth in the sun when you face it but the wind is biting. I gave up after a while as it was so cold and I found no targets. Forecast for only a max of 13 degrees hence I wasn’t too keen on being outside. Steve did a big walk and came back with nothing too.

After a nice hot lunch we packed up and headed back to one of the spots Steve found gold in 2016 - before I got a detector.

I put a stew in the Ecopot for dinner while Steve took the 6000 for a walk on squeaky over his old patch. He came back with the tiniest bit of gold yet. The wind has settled and there is some warmth in the sun but I was happy inside.

After a cuppa Steve went wandering again and I worked on my blog and read.

Steve set up the fireplace so we can burn our rubbish and enjoy a drink outside. Willy Wagtail joined us, hopping around the firewood eating the termites.

6pm, it was down to 14 degrees in the camper so we put the heater on so we were warm for dinner after being warmed by the fire.