Tues, 5th June, 2018 Bush camp, Mt Dockrell goldfields, south-west of Halls Creek, WA

7am 17 degrees, clear sky and strong wind is back.

Packed up and headed back to the burnt patch. Lovely view as we crested a rise.

I continued going over the scrapes and was rewarded but Steve didn’t find any.

Wind has gotten stronger but at least there is no loose dirt to be whipped up by it.

Had a cuppa and rang Steve’s cousin, Kaye to check when the Big Red Bash is on in Birdsville as they are volunteering there. They still need volunteers if we were interested – doesn’t fit in with our plans unfortunately. She said they are also doing Boulia Camel Races – will have to remember that as it saves a lot of money. 

Moved on to find another patch. Found Mt Dockrell Tailings Facility (that’s what it says on Tengraph). We had seen the stamper heads back at the Willy Willy tank. Amazing to think how they managed to get all this machinery out here. We think it’s rough in a 4WD.

Explored different areas following exploration teams’ tracks. Another nice view as we climbed up and down the hills.

Crossed Willy Willy Creek – took a video as I wasn’t sure if we would get through the sandy creek bed but it was all good. A kangaroo watched as we crawled by.

Climbed up and down hills looking for other mines indicated on our map but didn’t find anything worth detecting. Back across WW Ck – took photos this time. Must get a good flow sometime looking at the bits left in the branches.

Down a ridge to a flat area near a mine shaft – marked by a 44 gallon drum.

Just enough room to set up camp though I hope Steve has the handbrake on as it goes down steeply in front of us. The wind has died down thank goodness – starts to get on your nerves.

Walked over to check out the mine shaft. Mountain goat country. There were two holes. Steve wandered around with his detector – lots of rubbish about.

Looking back to the truck.

As I walked back down to the creek I heard some parrots and they stayed still long enough to get a couple of photos. They had lots of red under their wings when they flew.

Found a lease marker.

I got out my detector when I got back to the truck and checked out some scrapes nearby. Lots of rubbish but I found a tiny speck someone had pulled out of a hole and left it behind. Too small to weigh!!

Lovely evening. Steve had lots of quartz to create his fireplace. 5pm 24 degrees but with no wind it was lovely.

Played some more game of Skipbo. I have been the lucky one lately so Steve reckons we might have to change to Dice.