Wed, 27th Sept, 2017 Lake Mason camp, near Sandstone, WA

7am 14 degrees, clear sky, no wind – who stole the warm weather!! It does warm up through the day though, just cold overnight.

The galahs bring in the morning with lots of screeching. They are nesting in a tree near the old shearing shed.

Steve got the donkey cranked up to make me some hot water so I can wash ‘everything’ since we have lots of water on hand. Turned into a lovely day, no wind, though the clouds were passing over.

Mister Goanna wandered through for a visit after he had a drink from the water draining out of the donkey shower area. He must live under the kitchen area.

Got all the washing done and dried then started cleaning the van. It is nice to have the time to give it all a good clean. Still have the truck to do but will wait till we head to the coast after we finish detecting.

The other campers came over for drinks and another couple (who are their neighbours and just happened to be coming this way too) stopped in too.

Back into the longs and a jumper as the sunset and the temperature dropped. No phone reception today except for one minute when 3 texts came through.

Tues, 26th Sept, 2017 Lake Mason camp, near Sandstone, WA

7am 14.3 degrees clear sky, still windy. Glad we didn’t pack away the winter woollies.

Said farewell to Ursula and Marianne till we catch up with them in November as they said to stop in and stay as they have room for the van.

Nicer day for a photo of our camp beside the cook’s quarters and kitchen.

With Trish and Claude we headed to our ‘scrapes’ where I had found my first bit of WA gold last year. Lots of pretty wildflowers carpeting the ground.

Water in Lake Mason this time from all the recent rain.

Well-worn track now to our spot as Steve had passed it on to Justin and Jennifer and we had heard the caretaker that we met when we were last here had gone over it well with his 7000 but you never know we might be lucky. Steve was – back to the world of little ones now.

Back to camp for a late lunch. Sent off a text to Tom and Sandy to say we had found a bit. The phone service had dropped now the sky is clearer so only an occasional moment when it connects for any messages to go through.

The wind has picked up bringing clouds again. The boys went off detecting in another spot so Trish and I played Sequence in our van to get away from the flies. They are so bad here. Also the wind – luckily there is no loose dirt to blow into the van here.

Other campers arrived from Albany and set up in the shearing shed – they say there are no flies there.

Jon rang but of course the call didn’t come just a message saying he had called. I texted him and Dan to say we had moved on and had done well.

Drinks around the fire then we cooked roast chicken and vegies in the camp oven as the wind has stopped blowing at last. Lovely evening as the sky was clear too.

Mon, 25th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra to Lake Mason camp, near Sandstone, WA

6.30am 15 degrees, overcast. Shower of rain washed the awning side of the van for us. Packed away the last bits then said bye to Ross and Lara and Phil. Filled up the truck’s tank.

Bye to Tom and Sandy – she made us some jelly cheesecake slice to take with us.

Back to the Meeka-Sandstone Road and headed south to Lake Mason. Spotted something on the side of the road about 40km from Sandstone which turned out to be a camel. There were 14 of them and they weren’t worried about us stopping to take photos.

Trish and Claude arrived at Lake Mason yesterday and had met Justin and Jennifer who we had dinner with last Saturday BBQ night. Steve had given them directions to where we had detected as we didn’t think we would be back. They said that someone had beaten them too it and hadn’t found much gold. Probably was the caretaker who was here when we first came through – Kev had said where Margaret had found her nugget and he had a 7000 so probably won’t be anything left!!

Strong cold wind as we set up beside the kitchen area. 

Another couple and their son had pulled in to have lunch so chatted with them too.

Rang Erica to say we had moved and update her on how we went detecting. Will have to get onto the boys but the reception here is very limited – worst then last time.

Another couple of ladies, Ursula and Marianne were in a camper trailer so they joined us for drinks. They were from Switzerland but have immigrated out here and love it. We got out our map books and exchanged camp spot suggestions etc.

Claude had the fire going next to the kitchen to cook their silverside so we all sat around that and warmed up as we chatted. Was it a week ago that we said it was too hot to sit around a fire!!

Steve got the donkey shower going and we had a lovely long hot shower as the wind howled outside. At least the wind has blown the dark clouds away.

Sun, 24th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 19 degrees, cloudy, light breeze. Anita had rung yesterday so I rang her back. She was ringing Glynnis and Gail to arrange lunch and dialled mine instead. Of course I am invited but it is a bit of a drive to get there!! All well with her and Brian.

Rang Mum and Dad to say we are moving on and how we went detecting. Their neighbour Karen was there – they are planning to do some more caravanning.

Started packing up – not too much to do after 17 weeks in one spot, mainly resorting the back of the truck.

I baked a double batch of Anzac cookies so I could leave some for Tom and Sandy. The wind is picking up again.

Early last drinks with Tom and Sandy – they have been wonderful friends and we will look forward to seeing them later in the year etc. Might even do some line dancing with Sandy when she gets back from Geelong next year.

Made a potato bake then joined the others over at the main camp for BBQ night. Ross’ two friends were there also as well as Phil.

Cool clear night.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sat, 23rd Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA (Brian’s birthday)

7am 16 degrees – where did that lovely hot weather go!! Clear sky and no wind as yet.

Rang Brian for his birthday and heard all about the trip to Woodgate.

Back out detecting for the last time here. We finished off on a high note!!

Back to camp for drinks with Tom and Sandy and games of Dice. Still windy so put up Sandy’s tarps and settled in for Tom’s birthday dinner complete with iceblocks and Malteasers and lots of games of Sequence and Skipbo. Back into the jumpers and ugg boots again!!

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Fri, 22nd Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

6.30 am 20.4 degrees. Still windy – bringing clouds.

Back out detecting – wind howled but we managed to hear some targets.

By lunch the wind was too bad. A huge dust cloud engulfed the main camp. We have the van all closed up which was lucky.

Got a text from Trish and Claude (ex Bendigo) and they were setting up camp at Peace Gorge. We decided to drive back into town to see them as we have been trying to meet up for a year now. They aren’t having much luck in the gold department so we decided we would leave on Monday and join them at Lake Mason then travel across to Geraldton from there.

The Meeka Festival is on this afternoon but as we drove past the big marquee had blown down so I think it will be cancelled – far too windy. The Races are on tomorrow so hopefully the wind will have settled down for that.

Back to camp before sunset – the sky has cleared but the wind is still howling. Lara invited us over for roast dinner – yummy fresh roast straight from the local station.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Thurs, 21st Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

6.30am 18.8 degrees, clear sky, cool fresh morning.

We headed out early as we will go to town after morning tea. Wished Tom a happy birthday – will get him something nice in town. We are planning to ‘party’ Saturday as the others are going into the Meekatharra Races on Saturday so our BBQ night has been moved to Sunday.

The wind picked up so we are glad to be heading to town rather than detecting in all the dust. The road has been graded so it was a nice smooth ride in. Ordered ‘our usual’ from the couple with the food van in town – she has a good memory as we only come in once a fortnight. Top burgers.

Rang Mum and Dad for a chat and missed a call from Dan. He is a hard boy to catch on the phone!! While I worked on the laptop we chatted with Kaylene and Rick who were holidaying on the NSW north coast and having a good time.

The wind has persisted all day – forecast is for more wind and a drop in temperature for the next few days.

Back to camp – gave Tom a gift pack of Malteasers and we bought icecream blocks for after dinner on Saturday. We sat behind their car for late drinks enjoying the stars. Even spotted a few satellites and falling stars.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Wed, 20th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 19 degrees, clear sky, no wind.

Detecting for the morning then I finished downloading movies etc off Tom’s hard drive and gave him some of ours that he wanted.

Lovely temperature today with a cooler breeze so it was 28 degrees in the van at lunch.

After lunch more detecting. Gusty wind is making lots of willy willies.

The wind stopped at sunset so we got the fire going to cook dinner. Tom and Sandy joined us for a drink after dinner as they had their dinner early – we were a bit slow getting ours going.

Finished off with some icecream as a treat. Still night, 26 degrees.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 19th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 21.3 degrees, clear sky, light cool breeze.

The wind came up from the north east as we detected – a lot warmer wind.

We finished early so headed back to camp to do the washing. The wind is stronger but the awning is doing ok and it will only take a moment for the washing to dry!!

Phil arrived after lunch.

We had a relaxing afternoon as the wind howled. Got out our fan that takes water to make it cooler – we bought it after the 45 degree days we had at Mildura. It is 35 degrees today. I downloaded movies off Tom’s hard drive and gave them some of our TV series etc.

Had drinks on the other side of our van in the shade as the wind whistled around us.

Decided to cook inside as the shower water is heating up in the black buckets very nicely so we didn’t need a fire at all.

The wind settled after sunset though and it was very still. Our fan works very nicely.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon 18th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 20.8 degrees, clear sky, cool breeze.

Made pikelets for morning tea with Tom and Sandy for a change as were weren’t going detecting till later. Lara brought over the left-over pavlova from Saturday night BBQ – still yummy.

Hot day, 35 degrees but the breeze is still cool.

We played games at the main camp for the afternoon after we finished detecting.

Must be fires around or it just the dust in the air as the sun sets have been blood red for the last few nights.

Malcolm had rung – we had seen on Facebook he had a good time racing at Sydney Motorsport Park. Rang him back and they were on the Spirit heading back to Tassie. Kerry had taken a pill and hit the sack as Bass Strait is going to very rough tonight. Chatted about the racing and our plans for the Cape York trip next year.

We both had easy dinners organised so we continued playing outside our van with some LED lights Tom had as the mozzies had moved in on us at the main camp.

Sun, 17th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 21.4 degrees, clear sky, cool breeze – had to close a window!!

Nice breeze all day from the south which kept the 31 degree day nice.

Relaxing day, finished with drinks with Tom and Sandy.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sat, 16th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA (3 years & 1 month)

7am 21.5 degrees, windows open – yeah, now we’re comfortable. Off with the next blanket and into my summer nightie.  Clear sky. Top of 34 predicted today.

Nice breeze to combat the sun’s warmth as we detected.

The wind picked up at lunch just as we put out the awning. It caught me off guard and nearly flicked it over the top except Steve had hold of the other end. Got to watch out for those willy willy gusts.

Jess sent through more photos of the anniversary lunch so I rang her and chatted – she loves Woodgate. Then chatted with Erica – they had a wonderful lunch and everything was perfect (except we weren’t there of course) and poor Francesca was sick which was so sad.

No detecting this afternoon so played 3 to Kings with Sandy while Steve pottered about planning the changes he needs to do to the truck before the big trip on the Canning etc next year.

Had an early shower using the water warmed by the sun.

Another couple had passed through so Ross invited them to Sat night BBQ. Justin and Jennifer are from Perth but have spent the last 3 years travelling with their ute and built-on camper (they build them). It fits in a container and they freighted it over to Russia then travelled through the continent then over to America. Sounds amazing.

Lovely warm evening with just a hint of a cool breeze.

Fri, 15th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 20.5 degrees – we skipped spring and went straight into summer. Door, windows and vents open. There is a band of clouds in the south heading our way though.

Sent Gavin a text for his birthday.

The wind came up and the clouds came over which stopped the sun boring down on us though it doesn’t worry us as there is no humidity.

31 degrees at lunch. Jess sent a text with a photo of Jon heading into the flat sea at Woodgate. So wish we could be there with them. Dan and Francesca went too with Brian, his kids and there should be 45 at lunch so they will have fun.

Detected till smoko then went for a drive to another breakaway Steve spotted to have our cuppa. Nice view from the top across to the other breakaways we drove to a while back then across to Mt Yagahong and across to the camp.

I found a pretty flower so took it home to photograph and an interesting seed pod thing.

Tom and Sandy are back from town so we joined them for drinks. She made us up a ‘Dice’ pack which was great.

Heavy clouds have moved south, now just wispy ones. Still in singlet and shorts for dinner – that’s a first. Spotted two satellites.

Stayed warm so left the door and windows open and got out the summer nightie – no need for a blanket tonight.

Thurs, 14th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA (Erica & Terry’s 60th Wed Anniv)

7am 15.6 degrees, clear sky. Erica and Terry’s 60^th wedding anniversary today. Rang them to wish them all the best. We will miss not being with everyone to celebrate this special occasion. They have received congratulation letters from the Premier, Prime Minister etc.

It is also Kaylene’s birthday so gave her a call – she was out getting some retail therapy!! It is also Alexander’s – he is on a boat somewhere on the other side of the world. I also remember Joanne who we lost to cancer.

Back out detecting.

After lunch I stayed back and stewed some not so tasty apples so I can have apple sauce with my pork chops and caught up on my blog. Sandy then gave my hair a trim.

We then played a few games of Sequence – she is going to give herself the game for Christmas.

Steve back from detecting by smoko – certainly warming up, 31 degrees in the van. He relaxed and I joined Tom, Sandy and Lara for a few games of Skipbo.

Wispy clouds came over making a lovely sunset.

Lara decided to do pizzas so we joined her and Ross for her homemade pizzas, chicken, roo and Hawaiian. Yum. I took over the last of my fruit cake and the custard we had bought for dessert. Ross loves fruit cake so that was a hit.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Wed, 13th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 15 degrees clear sky. Quite windy again.

Had a lovely chat with Mum and Dad then baked some Anzacs and pumpkin scones for morning tea as we aren’t detecting this morning.

After lunch headed out detecting. Nice and warm in the sun but the wind is still cool.

Wind settled in the afternoon so we played a lot of games of Sequence with Tom and Sandy while we had drinks. Girls rule!! Easy dinner tonight for both of us so we didn’t have to worry about getting it ready.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 12th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 16.9 degrees, clear sky. Still have the windows closed at night though and are still under the blanket but it certainly is warming up. The days are mid 20s which is nice.

The birds are running back and forth on the roof of the van trying to get us up so they can have their ‘breakfast’, bread or cornflakes!!

Nice temperature for detecting – down to one layer though that is long sleeved and long pants to keep most of the dust off us. Will need some tanning up after this as I am white compared to my normal brown skin.

Open up the van at lunch time but close it up again when we go out in case of ‘willy willies’.

26 degrees in the van at 5pm. In the shade the breeze is quite cool so still need a cardigan after the sun goes down.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 11th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 18.6 degrees, clear sky.

Back detecting – wind back again by morning tea.

Big day detecting – we only got back as the sun set (about 6pm). Got sorted then had drinks with Tom and Sandy after they had finished their early dinner. We had our later.

Cool breeze but very pleasant so enjoyed sitting outside looking for satellites – Steve spotted one.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sun, 10th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 19.5 degrees, much nicer. Clear sky. Took the second blanket off!!

Sent texts to Louis and Ian wishing them happy birthdays.

10am and the wind is back.  Did some more detecting.

After lunch we stayed in the van as the wind is howling and played 3 to Kings with Steve – poor boy, got a flogging. Into shorts and t-shirt for a change which is nice.

Then Steve pottered around and I did some blogging. Sandy came over for a few games of Sequence with me. We are evenly matched.

Wind settled down a bit so we got dinner cooked in the camp oven.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sat, 9th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 20 degrees, clear sky.

Woke with sore shoulders and the rain had made the ground like concrete so I bailed out of detecting and just helped Steve. We chipped out a target I marked yesterday so I had my one bit for the day!!

Very humid this morning after the rain. Lara said they registered 5 mls in their rain gauge.

We had a very good morning working together.

Lunchtime the wind gusts were back bringing white puffy clouds.

Finished off detecting then got ready for BBQ night.

Played a few games of Skipbo before we cooked on the BBQ pit. Ross had some t-bones from his station friend and we all had a taste. They were very nice as he said the meat tastes better when they are from around here in preference to those down south that are on pastures.

Tara made dessert – yummy vanilla slice with passionfruit icing. She has lots of passionfruit she brought up from Kalgoorlie so I will give her my yummy passionfruit coconut tart recipe.

A lot warmer tonight – no need for boots and only needed a light jumper.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Fri, 8th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7.30a 18.9 degrees. Sun coming in the window but dark clouds are still on the horizon to the west.

Tried ringing Wendy but she was out with her Mum shopping so will have to catch up another time about their trip south in their little van.

Updated the Camps 7 book while Steve read his new Gold Gem & Treasure magazine.

Made a cuppa then went for a chat with Tom and Sandy. Watched a storm head our way from the west with a few lightning strikes then a drop of rain as it headed southeast away from us.

The sun came out and not much wind so we played Sequence – the girls ruled for a change.

Back to the van for lunch and the wind picked up making the awning flap and my wind chime make a racket.

Went out detecting then more black clouds headed our way this time with lots of rain in it. We thought it would just pass over like the last one but it didn’t so we dashed into the truck and headed back to camp. The water had made puddles everywhere already.

While the rain came down (not Queensland style but a good storm for here) we rang Kev and Linda. They have been in Mandurah doing their house/dog sit so have seen a lot of Bob and Margaret.

Steve and I played 3 to Kings card game as more light sprinkles came over after the storm had passed.

Lara invited us over for roo steaks tonight so I made a potato bake.

The clouds parted on the horizon for a lovely sunset.

Had a great dinner and chat with the others. Still a bit chilly.

Thurs, 7th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 17.4 degrees. Clouds are back and a few spits of rain.

Rang Dad – forgot it was Mum and Val’s pokie day so had a lovely chat with Dad. His knees having been giving him pain – been rubbing WD40 into them (that’s our joke as we read it on the web – 101 uses!!)

Packed the empty water containers in the truck and checked at the Post Office that the grog order had arrived from Dan Murphy’s – that has saved us a lot of money.

Into town with the dark clouds hanging but no more rain or wind. Did the water, got the grog then had lunch. The lady is very good remembering our fortnightly order!!

I uploaded my blog and sent Stephanie a birthday wish on Facebook. Steve chatted with Rick. He is improving which is a blessing and looking forward to December. Maybe Wendy and David might join them which would be wonderful.

A chap was having electrical problems with his camper so fix-it Steve couldn’t help himself and had to see if he could help – what a good chap he is.

Got the groceries then headed back to camp in time for a cuppa. No rain here but Tom said the spikes were driving the detector crazy.

Set up the table beside our van as there is no wind and played a few games of Sequence – the boys ruled then a couple of games of Skipbo in which the girls rule.

Raindrops started about 8pm – not much in the scheme of things but it is what they call rain.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Wed, 6th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 15 degrees, band of cloud coming across from the northeast.

Headed out detecting though the dark clouds obviously had lightning spikes in them as they were making the detectors ‘ping’ again.

Overcast day, quite windy but not too cold.

Finished detecting early in the afternoon so joined Tom and Sandy in collecting firewood. Handy having the tip up trailer to load and unload it with.

The wind stopped and heavier clouds are hanging over us – rain is forecast for tomorrow.

Steve and I had a few games of Sequence outside – Steve 2 me 1!! Sandy joined us.

Tom and Ross joined us around the fire after we finished playing Sequence. Clouds moved south as the sun set so we sat around fire waiting for our roast to cook and watched the full moon rise.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 5th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 12.1 degrees, clear sky.

Rang Tuckshop to see how the girls were going and wish them happy holidays in a few weeks. Chatted with Jenny and Rochelle and passed on my hellos to the others. Seniors are doing their exams. Dot is due in tomorrow. She had a fall a couple of weeks ago and cut her face – poor darling. Hope she is feeling better.

The wind has picked up again but it isn’t as cold as before. Back to one layer of clothing at lunchtime.

Nice temperature in the afternoon but it cools off quickly as the sun sets.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 4th Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 10.2 degrees, clear sky. Heater on again.

Decided to do the washing and spring clean the van (boy did it need it) as we aren’t detecting today. Nice wind and warm sunshine to dry the clothes though the wind is still quite cold. As I was mainly in the sun I got down to shorts and t-shirt to get some sun on my white skin. Hasn’t seen sun for a few months now as we are always in long sleeves and long pants.

Sandy made some choc chip cookies and came bearing gifts for smoko as the boys were off wandering around the area.

After lunch I worked on my blog then played 3 to Kings with Sandy.

Made some more ‘nuts & bolts’ for nibbles then joined the others for drinks around our fire.

The wind settled down after sunset so we enjoyed watching the moon rise as our dinner reheated in the camp oven.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sun, 3rd Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA (Breakaways)

7am 9 degrees (5 degrees outside) – heater on. So much for Spring. Clear sky.

Rang Dad and Terry for Father’s Day. Will see if the boys remember!!

Gave Steve a haircut – it was a bit chilly in the cold wind though.

Said bye to Merv and Sally then headed off to detect. Mum had said how her friend’s son was having a baby and his wife was 36 and due in a month. So was Sally’s daughter so I checked if it wasn’t the same person but it wasn’t – what a coincidence.

After lunch we went for a drive out to the Breakaways.

Steve climbed up for a look around and to see if he could see the camp from here. I could just make out the hill with the tower on it on the other side of the camp area.

Lots of quartz everywhere on the other side.

These twisted trees look good for a photo.

Pretty little flower but the leaves looked nasty.

  

No emus today, just a few cows and kangaroos. This guy couldn’t be bothered getting up when we stopped – his mates bounded away.

Checked out a few mine shafts etc on the way back.

We had put the Hema on as there are so many tracks out here and we saw a marked road from one of the wells so headed for that to take us back to camp another way. But unfortunately that road has long gone so we had to backtrack any case. Can’t trust any maps out here.

Played a few games of Dice with Tom and Sandy then sat in the sun enjoying the warmth as we had our drinks. Phil is heading off tomorrow.

Back to our camp to put a lamb roast in the camp oven – yum.

The wind had settled but then came up again from another direction so we ended up eating inside as it was quite chilly.

Sat, 2nd Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 13.3 degrees, clear sky. Suppose to only get to 18 today but the sun is shining. The birds are singing for their breakfast.

Outside and the sun might be shining but the wind is biting cold. On with the layers as we head out detecting.

Warmed up a bit by smoko so I could remove the flannelette shirt!!

After lunch Steve coloured my hair – was getting a bit scary!!

Met Tom and Sandy for games at 3 then joined Phil and his friends for a BBQ at the main camp.

I decided to do a savoury damper. All good but we put on too many coals and burnt the top. Chopped that off and it turned out ok.

Back to the van by 8.30 as the wind was very cold and you can’t escape it in the open camp area.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Fri, 1st Sept, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

First day of Spring – forecast is for a top of 18 and 6 overnight – something has gone wrong with the weather!!

7am 19 degrees in the van so 15 outside – band of mackerel clouds on one side and clear blue sky on the other. Cool breeze outside as the van is all closed up again.

Did some detecting for the morning.

Continuing to read the book about Bruce’s murder to Steve. So much gossip we heard is now proven to be only that and other things we heard were fact.

I worked on my blog as I am so far behind again. Not much to say though. Will get more interesting when we start sightseeing again later in the year.

Clouds coming over and the wind is getting quite gusty and cold. Will have to keep an eye out when I leave windows open as willy willies are starting to whiz around us.

Internet connection no good so will try tomorrow to get the latest blog uploaded.

More clouds and the wind has really picked up. Went for a drive with Steve to an old camp area where there is old dry blowing equipment and Steve cut out a bit of one of the screens to use as a BBQ grill over the frame where he put the camp oven. We will be leaving all that here as he is collecting too many bits for the fireplace!!

Cooked dinner but went inside to eat as the wind has gotten very cold.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Thurs, 31st Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 16 degrees, clear sky.

Sent Valerie a happy birthday text. She is relaxing at Mission Beach. I think Russell is enjoying retirement.

Warmed up quickly, 28 degrees at lunch. Saw a big (2 inch) orange centipede – luckily it was dead. Not very nice apparently especially if you are bitten by it.

Mackerel clouds came over but still sunny with a gusty wind.

Phil’s friends arrived, Merv and Sally from Albany, though they used to farm near where Phil lives. They all joined us for drinks in the afternoon.

The clouds provided a perfect canvas for the sun to cast its amazing colours on at and after sunset. Should have got up to take a photo but we were enjoying the moment instead.

Nice evening, for the last day of winter, by the fire waiting for dinner to cook. The clouds are patchy so we could still see a few stars and the half moon was shining down on us.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Wed, 30th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 14.2 degrees, clear sky, no wind. Glad we didn’t take the extra blanket off.

Warmed up quickly though so only need one shirt on for detecting. Sticking with long sleeves and long pants to keep the red dirt off our skin. Our gloves are great too. Love my pull on boots as the dirt doesn’t get in them unless if step into a soft dirt dump!! Steve is over his as they are like a sandshoes so his white socks are all red now.

The wind picked up after lunch but not too bad.

Lovely afternoon chatting by the fire though the breeze gets chilly as the sunsets so we still need to pull on a jumper.

Had to close up the van as the night chill came in.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 29th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 18.7 degrees, rained on and off during the night. Cloud band in the E/NE and all clear to the west.

More black thunder and lightning cells passed by us upsetting the detectors but no more rain.

Wind picked up about 11 so we went back to camp to roll in the awning as there hadn’t been much rain in the end.

The wind blew the storm clouds away by the afternoon and then it just got windier. Came back to camp to find buckets halfway up the hill etc.

Settled down after sunset so managed to cook outside but we didn’t stay out for long as it has cooled off quickly. Fancy it getting cold again when spring is in a few days!!

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 28th Aug, 2017 Bush camp, near Meekatharra, WA

7am 20.3 degrees, cloudy with thunder rumbling in the distance. Rain on and off during the night.

We had bought a new battery for the scales so moment of truth again as we weighed ourselves. Not bad – went down which is good.

Dreary day with showers on and off.

I decided to use the time off to bake some Anzac cookies, date slice and will do my 3 ingredient fruit cake as I have mixed fruit that needs using up.

Steve did an oil change on the truck and I worked on my laptop.

Lunchtime and the sky had cleared and the sun was shining again. Still some dark clouds going west to south with lightning flashing but on the other side the sky is clear and blue.

We went for a drive out to the fence line to check out a spot and spotted an emu all by itself.

Went detecting as the dark clouds rolled back over us again. The lightning making the detectors scream – amazing how many strikes you don’t see but the detector tells you they are happening. As another cell passed by we saw two beautiful rainbows.

Eventually another cell came over the top of us making it dark and the lightning was getting a bit close so we headed back to camp as the thunder rolled and a few drops of rain fell.

Decided to cook inside tonight.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.