Sat, 19th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 16.6 degrees, clouds rolling in over us from NW. It was a very warm night – had to kick off the blankets.

Leanne and Rick rang to wish Steve a happy birthday. Tried Amanda but she must be out having fun. Dave and Wendy’s 31^st wedding anniversary today.

Overcast day but not cold – the wind comes and go.

Over to the main camp to play ‘dice’ with Phil and Fred as the others went for a BBQ.

Didn’t stay too long as the wind has become very cold.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Fri, 18th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA (Steve and Amanda’s birthdays)

7am 12 degrees, little clouds floating across the blue sky. Wished Steve a happy birthday.

Went detecting with the joke that Steve will find a 58 gram nugget today!! Unfortunately that didn’t happen but I found a 5.8 gram nugget so that is his birthday present from me.

Another lovely surprise when we came back for lunch to find a message and photo from Kayleigh with her new little daughter, Lucy Margaret. Sent her a message back and will ring her later when she is home. Rang Suzanne to congratulate her and found out all the info of the birth.

The wind is picking up – lucky we didn’t put the awning out. Not worth it this time of the year with all the windy days.

Lara decided we should have BBQ night tonight for Steve’s birthday as they have a BBQ to go to tomorrow night at one of the stations. Had a great night and she had made a yummy chocolate cheesecake. We all sang Happy Birthday too.

It was a lovely balmy night, no wind – it was perfect.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Thurs, 17th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 13 degrees, clear sky.

More detecting. Phil arrived.

Everyone joined us around the fire tonight for drinks.

I had posted on Facebook about our wedding anniversary, 3 years on the road and Steve’s birthday so we got lots of lovely messages from our family and friends.

Amanda’s birthday tomorrow too so put a message on facebook that we will try and ring her tomorrow or over the weekend.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Wed, 16th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA (3 years on the road)

7.15am 11 degrees, clear sky.  Wow 3 years have passed since we left home. Been fun and we have seen so much and there is still so much to do and see yet.

Sandy borrowed my washing machine – she wants one now.

Sent our little tax returns off to our accountant!!

Jeff rang for a chat. He is planning a trip over next year probably going to Kunnanarra first then coming down to the goldfields so we might catch him somewhere.

The cold wind is beating the warmth of the sun today. I went for a wander with my detector over unpushed area while Steve did some work at the main camp for Lara.

Rang Brian about Steve’s gas licence and to have a chat.

Played Sequence then 3 to Kings with Sandy.

Nice fire for drinks with Tom and Sandy.

Ross’ son, Noel and Ross’ brother, Fred arrived from Kalgoorlie with two big benches to create Lara’s kitchen.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 15th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7.30am 16.1 degrees, overcast but clearer in the southwest. Still some gusts of wind so we rolled in the awning as the forecast is for more windy days yet.

Ross said we had 8 mls yesterday – sounds so pathetic compared to rain at home but it made for a miserable day yesterday though the wheat belt were happy to get the rain and I am sure the pastoralists are too.

The wind blew the clouds away and the sun is now out and warm us up and drying out everything again.

The temperature dropped in the afternoon as the wind blew over the wet ground.

Ross and Lara went into town so Sandy had Abra. She came to our camp while they had dinner and I had fun trying to wear her out playing with the rope like Bandit does.

Closed up the van as it is getting cold again.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 14th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 21.7 degrees. Overcast keeping it nice and warm overnight. The wind is back though but we decided to leave the awning out to catch the rainwater as more is forecasted for today.

Rang Mum and Dad for a chat – all good there.

‘Heavier’ rain started so we stayed in the van and played Skipbo then a few games of 3 to Kings.

The wind and rain continued. We are collecting lots of rainwater which I will put into my mineral water bottles and keep to water my herbs. They aren’t enjoying the very mineralised Meekatharra water.

The wind blows the rain so much that nothing stays dry – even over at the camp so we decided to stay in the van.

Sandy came over between showers to swap her Dice for our Sequence as they were over their games. Our vans are too small for two more chairs so 4 people can play games inside unfortunately.

Put the generator on about 4pm so we will be charged up to watch movies tonight.

Rang Wendy to see how her Dad was going. Still in hospital but doing ok.

The rain stopped for a bit and the wind settled as night fell but was back again about 9pm. Hope the awning hangs in.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sun, 13th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA (34th Wedding Anniversary)

7am 19 degrees, overcast with misty drizzle. Wished each other a happy wedding anniversary then got out the scales for our weekly weigh-in!! What a shame the battery has died – oh well at least we can have more cheesecake tonight and not feel guilty!!

Spent the morning reading the book Charles sent us about Bruce’s murder in the Palmer. I am reading it to Steve so we can discuss it as we go.

Checked out the maps etc for our trip across to Cairns next year. Lots to plan for that one.

Drizzly rain continued. Went over to the camp with Tom and Sandy and taught Ross and Lara how to play Sequence then we played Dice till lunch. Lara checked the rain gauge – 2mm so far.

Rang Jon and Jess for a chat which was lovely.

I played 3 to Kings with Sandy as the boys were pottering about. Then we joined Lara and Ross and taught them Skipbo. After a couple of games the boys joined us and we played in husband/wife teams. Great afternoon.

Managed to get dinner cooked on the fire then into the van for yummy cheesecake.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sat, 12th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 13 degrees, band of cloud over us which created a lovely colour for sunrise.

The ‘28s’ parrots are back for a drink. Managed to get a good photo of one perched on Steve’s shovel handle.

Cool morning for detecting as the sun can’t make it through the clouds but there is no wind so we are happy.

Unfortunately the wind picked up again at lunchtime bringing drops of rain too. Rang Charles to thank him for the book. He is up at Bruce’s and said it is hot and very dry for this time of the year. Steve Childs had just arrived so we had a chat with him too.

Dark clouds are heading our way from the west and it is getting windier. BBQ night at the camp – maybe we need to change days as it always seems to be windy on Saturday night!!

Only the 6 of us for BBQ night but we had a great time chatting under the new roof on the nice concrete floor. I had made the Nu-Bake Cheesecake for dessert to celebrate our wedding anniversary tomorrow.

The rain started but we were fine under the roof. Sounded a lot heavier on the tin then it actually is – really only mist but with the roof area Ross should get some water in the water tanks.

Back to the van for a late coffee as the night air got very chilly.

Fri, 11th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 7 degrees but the heater fixes that problem!! Clear sky and a strong breeze from the east.

Went detecting and the wind picked up some more so rolled the awning in again.

Chatted with Mum and Dad. Her arm had been feeling better but she saw the surgeon and she agreed it probably was a clot and has broken up so all should be good, if not she said to come straight back as it was an easy thing to remove. Dad’s knees are still playing up but he is getting by ok. She chatted with Linda and her dad, (Mum’s cousin) Jim, after Joanne’s funeral and he is coping ok.

Steve worked on the stove again – Lara thinks it will be heaven. I played a few games of Dice with Tom and Sandy as it was too windy to detect in the afternoon.

After smoko worked on my blog etc.

Sent a text to Wendy saying I won’t be able to do the line dancing convention the girls are going to in Hamilton Island next year in October as we will need to be heading south to do the Birdsville Track etc before it gets too hot, on our way back to WA. She replied that her dad was in hospital with mild heart attack. We are at the age now of our parents having problems and nearing the end of their lives which is sad but at least we have all been mostly blessed with healthy parents and children.

Still quite windy but cooked dinner in the camp oven but then ate inside.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Thurs, 10th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 9.7 degrees, no wind, yeah. Still a few clouds on the horizon.

Some ‘28s’ came for a drink. I took the photo through the screen as I knew if I opened the door they would fly off. Got one in the tree.

10am the clouds rolled in again but the wind has gone so we can handle it being chilly.

By lunch the sky had cleared and the sun was warming us up again. Pulled out the awning and got the washing machine going.

Got everything dry then played a few games of Dice with Sandy. Tom was working on the washing machine Ross picked up from the dump – only a small problem to get it going again – amazing what people throw out. Steve worked on the stove which needs a lot more attention!!

The boys were off getting firewood so we taught Lara how to play Skipbo. She picked it up very quickly – beating us!!

Chilly day but we are loving not being blown around.

Wed, 9th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7.30am 16.1 degrees, overcast and still very windy. It rained during the night but the wind was blowing so hard the rain barely touched the ground.

Gave in and rolled the awning in as it looks like the wind is going to blow all day. Packed our stuff that we had under the awning away as it looks like more rain is on the way.

Played a couple of games of Skipbo with Steve – he won both of them!!

Had a cuppa then decided we might as well go into town and do the shopping as we can’t do much here. Rang Angela and Ron who are staying out at Peace Gorge to let them know and agreed to meet up at the Royal Mail Hotel for lunch. It was established in 1899 and the young chef is doing a great job creating very flash meals and beautifully presented. Had a great time catching up with Angela and Ron and we might see them on the coast in November. Angela took a photo of us and sent it to my phone but I can’t get the Bluetooth working on my laptop again so I can’t get the photo off!! Ended up taking a photo of it.

Topped up the water, got the gas bottle exchanged and got our groceries. Also the book Charles posted us had arrived. It is a story about Struberville in the Palmer and about the murder of Bruce so we are looking forward to reading. Back to the park for a cuppa so Steve tried ringing Charles to say thanks but he is up the Palmer so chatted with Sue instead. Then we rang Rick and Kaylene – glad to hear he is improving.

Still blowing but at least it isn’t as dusty in town and the clouds have been blown away. Headed back to camp for late drinks. The wind has settled a bit after sunset and the temperature has dropped too. Dinner inside tonight.

Tues, 8th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 17.6 degrees, warmer night which was lovely. Overcast now though.

After lunch the sky cleared as the wind got stronger.  Leanne rang for a chat. They had big car problems on their way back from the Big Red Bash and had to get a new engine so she cancelled the trip to Fremantle in November so we won’t catch up with them. I said we are heading home next September so maybe she should plan a trip to Cairns and they we might do Bathurst again which she said she would do with us if we did.

Ross & Lara went to town so Sandy and I were on puppy sitting duties. Real hardship!!

Back to camp from detecting and into the camp lunch room for a few games of Sequence with Tom and Sandy.

The wind continued to blow and it is overcast.

Spits of rain about 10pm.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 7th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 11.7 degrees, clear sky. Much nicer morning. Top of 26 predicted today.

Sandy and Annette were leaving this morning but they were still digging out some targets. We headed over to another area as we have finished all ours.

Back for lunch. Said farewell to Sandy and Annette.

Finished off the scrapes and back to camp for a late cuppa. 29 degrees in the van.

David had rung to see if I could get Jon to bring down the wedding cake decoration that was Erica and Terry’s to put on the cake for their 60^th wedding anniversary in September. Unfortunately it is boxed up but will see if Jon can find the right box otherwise they can put a photo of it on the cake or I suggested they cut out a photo of Erica and Terry and put it on a stick to stand on the cake. Shame we can’t make it but it is a bit hard at the moment. We will celebrate next year when we are all together in September.

Steve and Tom helped Ross erected some roofing beams so Ross can finish off the rest of the roof over the camp.

Late drinks as the sun set.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sun, 6th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 9.1 degrees, clear sky.

Steve did the spare scrape which unfortunately has a lot of dozer swarf. I continued on my new section that we cleared while Ross was away. Unfortunately there is still a lot of rubbish buried. We both had nothing by morning tea with Tom and Sandy. They are nearly finished their area too and said to go over their holes with my 2300 (I can hear the little ones better).

Steve walked back to camp to do some more plumbing. I found a nicer bit which I prompted walked over to show the others. Also I had twinged my back with all the bending and needed to stretch it out.

Back for lunch. Happy with my nugget so treated Steve to toasted sandwiches instead of the usual salad.

I headed back to the scrapes by myself as they had finished. I continued on and was rewarded for all my work. My biggest yet but I can’t say too much on here but it was very exciting!!

Lovely evening with the moon rising. Saw a falling star that took ages to fall but couldn’t think of a wish quick enough!!

Icecream for dessert tonight – that tells you I got a nice one.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sat, 5th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 8.3 degrees, clear sky. Phil left early. Kev packed up and closed down his roof top camper once the sun had dried off the morning dew. Said our farewells – will catch up again in December.

We went back detecting. Lovely warm day 20 degrees. Maybe I won’t cope with Cairns’ summers anymore!!

Lovely afternoon – drinks around the fire. Kev texted that he had arrived home safely – such a good boy!!

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Fri, 4th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 9.5 degrees, clouds coming over from the west so no sun to warm us up this morning as we headed out detecting.

The sky cleared up by morning tea so all was good.

Kev went wandering with his detector and found a few little bits. He and Phil are leaving in the morning to we are having BBQ night tonight instead.

Great fun chatting around the fire pit at the camp.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Thurs, 3rd Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

Brrr – 7am only 5.1 degrees in the van so it is 1 or 2 degrees outside but we aren’t going out to find out!! Put the heater on and waited half hour before getting up and it had only got to 8 degrees then!! Lovely sunny day and the sky is so clear out here.

The strong wind has gone for a bit which is nice – I can handle the cold but not that horrible wind. Unfortunately we will have a bit of that throughout August and September.

Continued detecting.

Kev helped Lara and Ross put up the roller doors as walls. Unfortunately someone didn’t measure correctly when they were putting in the window to go over the sink as it ended up too low and Steve’s water pipes are now in front of the window. Oh well everything is adaptable around here and Steve is good a fixing things.

The others joined us for a drink to ‘wet’ the wall construction – of course.

Lovely dinner by the fire with Kev – looking for satellites. He always misses the ones I point out!!

Wed, 2nd Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 7degrees in the van so only 3 degrees outside. Taking a while for the heater to get the van up to a reasonable temperature this morning!!

Kev was up trying to warm himself in the sun so we called him in to our nice warm van. Texted Linda to let her know how things were going. Three layers of clothes for today. Forecast for a top of 16 degrees today!! At least the sun is shining.

The wind was howling over our detecting area as it was coming from the other direction – should have put my leggings on too!!

Still have the awning rolled up so the sun has warmed the van up nicely when we came back for a nice warm lunch. 20 degrees in the van.

Went back detecting then Steve and Kev went off looking for bigger dead trees so Kev could cut them up with his chainsaw.

Mum rang to say Doc says she has a blockage in her arm and she needs to see a vascular surgeon next week.

The wind has settled so we can have a camp oven dinner. Another cold night predicted, 2 degrees then it is supposed to warm up again.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 1st Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 10.5 degrees, clear sky and no wind – well so far.

As we had finished our areas Steve went over my area, only found two in the dump!! I went onto Tom & Sandy’s area to check their jack-hammered holes and found some little bits. I got a signal in one of their holes so Steve got the hammer and chisel and we got one bit out then another – it is amazing how many little bits can come out of one cap-rock area.

The wind came up so we didn’t get any layers of clothing off. Only 19 degrees in the van at lunchtime.

Steve did some more plumbing – slowly slowly he is getting it all sorted. Sandy and I played cards – 3 to King, good fun. The sun is coming in through the door and is just lovely if you are out of the wind.

Made Steve a cuppa then chatted with Lara for a bit. Back to the van to work on my blog.

At 5pm I headed over to see how Steve was going. He was getting Lara’s sink sorted so Kev and Ross can erect the west wall. They are using old roller doors. It’s amazing what you can make-do with in the bush.

The wind is biting cold, 13 degrees on Ross’ thermometer but it felt like 5 degrees. Forecast is for 2 degrees overnight!! Yeah!!

Stood around the fire for a bit while we had our drinks then headed inside to warm up with a new hot shower.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 31st July, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

The thermometer has a flat battery so no temperature for today but it is cold enough for the heater!! Clear sky again – can handle anything as long as the sun is shining.

Steve headed over to the camp to help Kev and Ross with the next batch of concrete for the other half of the slab. I followed and took a few photos.

They are even going to pour ramps across to the dongas.

Cute little Abra.

10am and the wind is back – strong and gusty. I finished off detecting my new area – still lots of rubbish.

More photos after the concrete was poured. Lara thinks she is in heaven having a concrete floor but will be totally excited when the west wall goes up to stop this wind from howling through.

My Anzac cookies are very popular.

I worked on my blog for a while.

After lunch the wind got stronger so we decided to roll in the awning. Allows the sun to shine in the van so the van is a lot warmer which is good.

Rang Lou to see if he is keeping his site for Bathurst but he has let it go. We thought we might go again next year on our way back as the new generation cars will be ready, turbo V6s instead of the V8s.

I read some more of the book Linda left me – very good one, Bryce Courtney’s “The Persimmon Tree”.

Rang Mum to see how she went at the doctors – all good but she now has a funny arm. Maybe a pinched nerve or something.

She said my second cousin Linda had run to say her Mum had had a big stroke. So sad for all the family and Jim. Sent off some texts to them.

Steve and I went for a drive to collect firewood.

Wind is still howling so changed our dinner plans to leftovers as it is too windy for the bushcooker.

Had a drink with Tom, Sandy and Kev then into the van for dinner and a movie as the wind howled outside.