Tues, 10th Apr, 2018 Bush camp, 15km north of Laverton to Bush camp, 120km north of Laverton, WA

We woke to see a red sunrise under a band of cloud but too sleepy to take a photo!!

7.30am 24 degrees. A few drops of rain fell from the dark clouds over us. Forecast was for a storm for the next two days.

The others packed and we said our farewells. Rang Mum and Dad to let them know we are moving on and mightn’t have any phone reception. Sent the boys and Erica a text too so they know where we are heading. Steve gave Rick a call to see how he is travelling – coping.

We slowly packed up and headed off after morning tea. We went back down the road a bit then onto the Bandya Station road heading to an old mining town called Duketoun. Passed a couple of big active mines – creating huge hills. At least with the mines around the road is in good condition. We were to turn onto a fenceline road to head up to Duketoun but someone had put dirt across it but we managed to find a way around and headed up the bumpy track. A bit further on we realised why the road was blocked – the mines have made a new entrance to the road and it was like a two lane highway!!

Stopped a Duketoun Well for lunch with a couple of big bulls. There are lots of open shafts around here.

Turned onto another track to head to the pending area so we can camp. There is an live mine lease in the middle of it and it covers a heap of old timer shafts.

We found a nice spot to camp next to some salt and pepper ground so I should have to walk far to detect. Someone had been here recently though as they had left all their plastic water bottles!! We picked them up and will get rid of them later.

Still overcast and a lovely temperature 29 degrees at 3pm. Not many flies here which is lovely for a change. No phone reception at all so I got out the Sat Phone to make sure it works.

I detected the ground near camp and was pleasantly rewarded. No joy for Steve but he found an old mining camp with dead caravans, vehicles and lots of rubbish.

I heard a ute drive by but he didn’t stop. Steve saw him later and thinks it may have been the pastoralist. He waved back but didn’t stop.

Quiet night with no friends to chat with and no stars or satellites as the sky is still clouded over.

10.30pm 25 degrees – lovely.