Monday, 12 March 2018

Fri, 9th Mar, 2018 Bush camp, near Mount Jackson to Lake Ballard, near Menzies, WA



7am 20 degrees, clear sky. Rang Uncle John to wish him a happy 90th birthday. It is also Tracy Pink’s birthday so sent her a text too.

Packed up and headed north to the next pending area to try our luck. Found a big open area used previously as a camp so dropped the vans off there and went exploring. Hillier area but very scrubby. Nice view from the top of one hill.


I think this is the mine the haul road went to that we crossed yesterday.

Tried in a couple of places but not feeling the vibe. Steve and I found a ‘salt & pepper’ area where I found my most interesting find yet – a hearing aid!!

Had some lunch then decided to keep moving on. Through Mt Elvire Conservation Park – Camps book says you have to pay to camp there – really when you out in the middle of nowhere!! Passed a few salt lakes and lots of ‘rocks’.

Still a few puddles beside the road so we timed it well with the weather as if it is too wet they close the roads.

Stopped for a cuppa beside the road near the entrance to a big station – Riverina, which we have been travelling through.

Lots of green grass as we headed into Menzies so the cattle will be happy.

Topped up the fuel at the 24hr credit card self-serve depot – where the building is covered in number plates (took photos of that the first year we came through). I got on my computer to check my emails and got one from the fridge company stating they will only receive the fridge there (ACT) on the 14th so will let us know when they are freighting it over. I replied saying our plight and asked them to do their best quickly!!

Headed up the road (north-west) for 51km to Lake Ballard. Lots of cattle around. Mum and two bubs were in the middle of the road and one calf was having a feed so no one was in any rush to get off the road for us. After a toot of the horn they moved off.


Stopped at the information bay about Lake Ballard with picnic table and toilets.



Will have to make our own ‘footprints in the sand/salt’.

Dumped our toilets in the Dump Ezy further along the track then found a great spot beside the lake to camp. This campground gets 10 out of 10 from us. There are firepits and rubbish bins too.  Can’t get a better view than this.



Bob walked out to one sculpture and nearly ended up on his bottom as it is very slippery in his thongs – should have gone barefoot. I zoomed in a few closest to us. There are 51 around the lake and the sign said to allow 5 to 7 hours to see them all – what a shame the dam has water in it so we won’t be able to see them all!!


Settled in to enjoy the view as the sun started to set behind the hill behind us. The lake goes a long way east from here – nearly back to the Goldfields Highway.



As the sun set the water appeared to turn white.


A nice cool breeze sprang up as evening descended.



No comments:

Post a Comment