Sun, 30th Dec, 2018 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

6.30am 27 degrees, clear sky and gusty wind.

After breakfast rang Mum and Dad – still raining there – so lovely says Mum. Nice and cool too. A cyclone might form next week too.

Rang Griffo to wish him happy birthday. They are heading home from their road trip to Hervey Bay. They were in Rockhampton and the sun is shining there but they aren’t sure what lays further north regarding flooded rivers. Chatted to Wendy too, Sarah is in New York with friends ready to bring in the New Year with the big ball drop.

Decided to do some exploring as it is cooler in the truck with the air conditioning going. I forgot my camera so no photos. Found a big open cut mine (Wonder North Mine) and walked in for a look as it is unused at the moment. There are lots of exploration sample bags everywhere so maybe it will reopen. It is further down to the water than Jasper Dam so we won’t be going down it for a swim!! All the dirt from the hole is now a big hill beside it.

Drove around it and found some old shafts where the old timers dug with pick and shovel.

On the way back we checked out Teutonic Mine which was a couple of shafts. They filled with water so the pastoralist put in a pump and built tanks next to them with troughs for this sheep. Someone has a mining lease over them now though. These are all on Tarmoola Station.

Followed an old exploration track back home then had lunch in the pool. 38.2 degrees in the van. The water was cool as last night was a much milder night.

One thing being out here on our own is you don’t have to worry about what you wear or lack of clothes. Only the goannas and cows visit us.

I worked on my blog while Steve finished connected water to the old shearer’s quarters. There is a kitchen on one end and Rob has his gym gear set up in the other section along with a couple of beds.

Rang Kym and arranged our New Year celebrations. They went exploring to try and find a track up to the top of Penzance Hills which Darren had mentioned. They didn’t find a track – Darren has a helicopter so he probably just landed on top. It is a breakaway escarpment. Kym and Glen did climb up one spot which had a lovely sandstone cave and a great view across to the west which will be great for our sunset photos tonight.

Had our cuppas in the pool, again. North wind is very hot. 4pm 40 degrees in the van – late afternoon is always the hottest.

Relaxing arvo trying to keep cool. Both goannas, Cyril and Cedric, wandering about without a care in the world – getting very friendly. I am glad we have the screen doors on the cottage now otherwise I think they would move in.

Puffy white clouds coming over. Certainly nicer sitting on the verandah then inside the van at the moment. Had dinner outside till the mozzies drove us in.

10pm, 35 degrees with occasional breeze. Still comfortable sleeping with the evaporative fan blowing on us.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.