Thurs, 6th Nov, 2025 72hr RV Rest Area, Norseman, WA (Terry’s birthday)

14.4 degree min. The sun is shining with a few clouds on the horizon when I got up but by the time we had breakfast it was overcast again.

Tom & Sandy messaged that they left Perth at 7am so hopefully they will be here late this afternoon.

We packed up and continued south for a drive. First we went up Beacon Hill to the lookout. I had photographed all the history info in 2016 when we first came over to WA. I had looked back at the photos and the view was blocked by trees then too. We did spot a rabbit who was madly trying to find a burrow to disappear into.

Rang Terry to wish him a happy 92^nd birthday. He was over at Phil and Brenda’s place for morning tea which is nice. He had a lovely lunch with David, Amanda etc on the weekend.

Back down the hill with views over the mine area. We had checked out the Decline previously so didn’t got down that track this time. The erosion on the ‘slag’ heap makes it look like it has columns.

We had explored the heritage trail from here down to Dundas Rocks but haven’t been any further towards Esperance. As the weather isn’t going to bright and sunny we won’t bother with Esperance - not nice to be a the beach in bad weather.

Onto a new road to mark off in my map book as we continued south. Blue sky trying to peak through between the clouds. The road is quite bumpy from all the grain and other trucks going back and forth from Kalgoorlie to Esperance.

Through salt bush and dead tree area then Lake Gilmore comes into view. It covers a big area according to our map.

Into woodlands now with views of grain fields here and there. The sun has disappeared again.

Into the little town of Salmon Gums for a cuppa. Some signs in the park. Great playground tractor.

In a hut nearby is more history information and photos.

Back to the CWA hall then we wandered around the block checking out the signs which stated what businesses were here in 1930s. The hotel is for sale.

A few spits of rain so we headed back to the camper and turned around and headed back towards Norseman.

Turned off into Bromus Dam - plenty of room to free camp here which a few people are doing. The dam was built in 1925-26 so 100 years old now. The government built it to serve as a water source for the steam trains operating on the line between Norseman and Salmon Gums. The railway was completed in 1929.

Walked up the slope to the top of the dam wall and around the top then down to the spill way.

Back to Norseman. Topped up the diesel and got a $2 token from the Woodland Centre to get 60 litres of water to top up our tanks. Back into the RV site and into the same spot. Put out a stool to mark a spot for Tom & Sandy when they arrive - they had texted they should be here at 4.30pm. Had a cuppa and I wrote up another day of my blog.

Right on 4.30 Tom and Sandy pulled in so we got out the chairs and settled in for a drink and catch-up. We had our jumpers on as the wind is still cold and there is no where to hide from it.

Back into our warm camper for a hot shower and dinner. Forgot to take a camp photo with Tom & Sandy’s van.