Wed, 30th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

6.30am 25 degrees, strong southerly wind bringing a lot of smoke from a fire down south.

Went detecting as it was lovely and cool.

The sky cleared up when we headed home. Gary, Steve’s cousin, rang for a chat. Great to hear from him.

We had bought some Bunnings straw hats and I wanted to keep them from being crushed to I made an elastic rack to hold them in the cab. Steve bent me up some hooks to hold the elastic tight – works well. We are always finding things to improve even after all these years.

36 degrees at lunch time but the wind is blowing well. Did our quiz – first time we got a question wrong – oh no.

I did the washing and worked on my jigsaw while Steve went for a drive to find new detecting spots.

Had a dip in the pool, very refreshing – filter cleaning out the dust etc well.

Got the old ute going and we drove down the track slowly picking up rubbish along the track. Our bit for Clean Up Australia, we are bit early!! Can’t believe how many bottles, new and old we picked up and we only did half the track. A few tyres, old corrugated iron and other bits of rubbish. Will do the rest another afternoon.

Sat in the shade for drinks then had BBQ dinner after the sun had set. I watered the grass with the hose as we don’t want to use to much water using the sprinkler – the well is getting low again. The fly catchers are doing well though they are starting to stink so I have moved them further away from the cottage.

Such a lovely evening watching the stars appear until the pesky mozzies started buzzing about.

Inside for a movie and some of Kym’s yummy homemade icecream.

10.30pm 32 degrees, takes all night to cool down again. Forecast for 19 degrees at 5am!!!

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 29th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

7am 28 degrees, clear sky and gusty wind from the north.

Sent Andrea a happy birthday message.

Carried on with our track grading. Continued on out to the front fence – another oops as one of the bottom rails broke its weld too. Still heavy enough to do the job so we continued on and finished the track.

Home for late lunch, 40 degrees at 1pm, no wonder ‘Pat’ was getting a bit hot.

Watched a 4x4 DVD about Fraser Island.

Cuppa in the pool then continued with my jigsaw. Steve back on the tablet again!! Making the most of it as when we travel we only have the dongle to provide internet which is only for the laptop.

Saw dust coming up out of the fire pit then a claw and head of the small goanna ‘Charlie’. I had thrown in some paper towel that I had used to wipe up the corned beef juice etc from lunch. He was munching on that then he came out with a corn cob. He climbed over the top and plopped on the ground and proceeded to swallow the corn cob whole. Always something interesting happening around here.

No wind at 5pm and it is still 41 degrees. The pool filter working well but it doesn’t make the water cooler!!

Late dinner as we sat outside enjoying the twilight coolness before going into the hot van.

Movie again – so glad we have our hard drives. Glen has more too which I will have to copy.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 28th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

7.30am 27 degrees, clear sky and gusty wind.

Towed the grid again to smooth out our track. We are wearing it out as the top iron bar that we tie the chain onto broke its welds – oops. Did the first third then came back home for a cuppa. The wind has stopped, 33 degrees but it feels hotter with no breeze.

Drove out to St Patricks Well to collect the water pod we are using as a tank for that water point. We need more water in our well so Steve connected it up and ran the water back down the well so it could pump up into our tank.

Had lunch, 35 degrees in van, then took the tank back again to refill with the windmill. Unfortunately the wind has stopped but it is forecast to start blowing again this afternoon so it won’t take long to fill.

Quiet afternoon working on my jigsaw and Steve pottering about. Cuppa in the pool with our waterfall from the filter.

Steve getting the hang of the tablet and is having fun, since with have internet access here, to be able to watch gold detecting videos, research info about diesel engines and check out any motor racing.

Nice breeze while we had our drinks in the shade of the cottage.

Easy dinner then watched a movie. Lovely temperature with a nice breeze.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sun, 27th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

7.30am 26 degrees, cool gusty wind – great sleeping temperature.

Steve swapped the new tyre he had put on last night with the spare off the caravan – all wheels interchange. As he had two new ones on the truck he wants to keep them and put them on together when we leave here and head north.

He then did the oil service on the generator – he always has jobs to do while I just do my bit of cleaning and then relax – what a life. Actually I got a lot of pieces in my jigsaw!!

I cleaned out the pool filter and Steve connected it up to the trough’s outlet and then the water pours in over the top like a fountain. That should get that dust etc out of the water that I can’t get with my stocking covered fish scoop.

Rang Daniel to see how they are faring with all the wet weather. Got a bit of water in his shed and the low section of the house but no damage. Sadly he took Friday off to make a four day weekend with Australia Day public holiday on Monday but with all the rain they haven’t been able to do anything other than go for a drive and look at the flooding.

After lunch we headed off on our bore run. Always picking up loose fencing wire that the cattle drag onto the track and any broken tree limbs that block our way – good exercise for me getting in and out of the truck.

Steve had continued north from our north eastern bore and found a mine road, power poles and pumping station which is on Tarmoola Station. We think it must be for Melrose Station which is north of us and is owned by a mining company.

Steve decided to dig up the cable for the solar pump at one of the wells that wasn’t pumping any more water. The well had water but the pump wasn’t down deep enough. Bit of a job as whoever put it in curled up the cable and buried it but we got it out. Then we had to extend the water pipe and found out when we pulled it up out of the bore that they had used a different pipe size to the one on the outside – Steve wasn’t impressed but he kept it together and found some pipe and managed to change it around so we could get the pump and pipe down into the water. Luckily there was still enough sun on the solar panels to get the pump working so we could make sure the water was coming up ok. Packed up and continued on with our bore run.

At one of the windmill ones we counted 20 donkeys. Usually we only see about 4 or 5 together.

The big black bull was back out the 10 Mile water trough so got a photo of him to send to Ceri.

Back home by 6pm, late drinks under a clear sky. 35 degrees in the van. Watched two pigeons run along the track heading to the water trough – Steve always adds a commentary to any animals we see, even the ants. This one was “don’t run so fast darling or I will be too worn out to do the job when I catch you”.

Lovely evening with a cool wind though at 10pm it was still 31 degrees but felt cooler.

Sat, 26th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA (Australia Day)

7.30am 29 degrees, windy and cloudy.

Steve worked on the old ute while I cleared behind the shed to make an easier pathway through to the shower and toilet block – not that we use them but when the workers arrive it will make life easier.

10am 34 degrees. Clouds are clearing but still heavy in the north. Cuppa on the verandah watching Cyril wander about. He had just got in for a cool off in the bird bath when his head shot up. I heard birds tweeting in the bush and looked that way. Instead of birds there was another goanna heading towards us. Cyril wasn’t having that so he charged over to him and sent him on his way – quite funny, should have had my camera. We have named the new chap, Charlie. He sulked off towards the water tank. Cyril then wandered along the edge of the verandah and right beside me – little bit too close for my liking. He went under the van and when I went in to wash my dishes he gave me a start as he was right beside the step. He wasn’t worried, just crawled a bit further under the van!!

Had lunch in the van watching a 4x4 DVD – they were making a new track at Lorella Springs, NT. Looks a lovely place to explore one day.

The wind is getting stronger from the south east. 2pm 37 degrees. Rang Mum and Dad to see if they had web feet yet. They have been having wonderful monsoonal rain, though her clothes are struggling to get dry!!

Had a cuppa watching more clouds come our way from the north. Lots of great Australia Day posts from family and friends on Facebook. Spectacular photos of all the rain and flooding at home too.

Closed up the top hatch of the van just in case it rained though none is forecast for here. Drove down to the homestead to spend the afternoon and evening with Kym and Glen. Steve did his normal routine – fuel up, find more bits and pieces he needs for jobs etc. while I chatted with Kym. I had washed my hair at lunch so Kym braided it for me – a sideways one so the plait could come down over my shoulder. Very nice. Wish I could braid or Steve could but I think that is a bit too much for his big fingers.

Played Sequence while we had our drinks – I paired up with Glen while Steve and Kym were the other team since they had a win the other night. Glen and I were ahead 3 games to 1 but we kept playing and they caught back up so it came down to a decider and sadly ‘they won’. Great fun.

The clouds are looking heavier in the north.

Kym cooked up a feast again and we had yummy lemon meringue pie for dessert. Don’t think the scales are going to be nice to us on Monday. Lovely way to finish Australia Day.

Kym had bought a blow up pool from Kmart for $49 and it is double our one with a filter too. Amazing. It was great for the grand kids and they have it on the concrete patio under cover so it is staying nice and cool. They have plenty of water here. Glen said he found two other pumps in the shed from the previous owner who had the same pool so we took one to try on our ‘pool’.

We headed home via the haul road as usual. They had just graded and were watering it when we drove down. As we turned onto the highway Steve commented about a ticking sound. I could hear it in the middle of the truck but when I put my ear to the door it was gone. After a while he decided to pull over and oops we had a flat on the left rear. Unfortunately it was a slice on the inner wall so that tyre has had it. He changed the tyre and we got on the road again. I always text Kym to let her know what’s happening and when we get home from night’s out which is handy to know someone knows where we are and visa versa.

Back home by 9.30 – had a cuppa and watched some TV before hitting the sack.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Fri, 25th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

6.30am some annoying crows decided to have a meeting on the roof of the van. Jumping up and down on the roof and calling out.

7.15 24 degrees, clear sky and strong ESE wind.

I did some washing, worked on my blog and continued with my jigsaw. Windy morning.

Steve decided to drive back out to Grey Mare Well to check the pump was still pumping up water. It had stopped so he shut it off again. He tried a few places detecting on the way back but this area to the east doesn’t seem to have gold on the surface.

35 degrees at lunch time, hot wind blowing.

Kerry and Brian are at Gnomesville and were trying to find Noel Jnr but we couldn’t find him either so hopefully he is having a trip with someone. They brought a gnome to leave there too.

Steve finished connecting up the gas hot water for the shower block.

Quiet afternoon pottering about.

Lovely breeze – sat on the verandah for dinner enjoying the twilight colours.

8pm 35 degrees.

10pm the nice breeze was still blowing as we headed off to bed – no need for a fan.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Thurs, 24th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

What a change, a cold wind is blowing in the window and we had to pull up not just the sheet but the blanket as well.

8am 22 degrees, clear sky.

Headed off detecting since it was so nice. Had a nice morning.

Home for lunch, 29 degrees. Did some quiz games on the tablet while Steve read his Gold magazine.

2pm 34 degrees. Packed up and headed to Leonora to pick up our new hatch cover for the shower then back to the dam for a swim with the others. Kym’s daughter and two grand daughters were visiting too.There were two chaps there from one of the mining contractors in town. They had built a pontoon so we chatted with them for a while. Then a group of aboriginal locals arrived. The kids don’t worry about the rough rocks and it wasn’t long before they were climbing up on the ledges to dive into the water.

Back to the homestead for drinks and dinner then a few games of Sequence. Kym played with Steve and I had Melissa, who picked the game up quickly. We won 2 then Steve and Kym made a comeback and won the next 3 – great fun. It was a lovely evening, sitting on the verandah – no need for air conditioning tonight.

Home by 10pm, only a couple of cows near the road – we are always keeping an eye out for them. No wind here but it is lovely and cool.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Wed, 23rd Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

6.30am 31 degrees, cloudy and light breeze. Had a shower of rain at 4am.

David messaged that he might be coming to Perth to pick up a car for his boss and drive it back to Maryborough so we might be able to catch up with him in Kalgoorlie.

Headed off on our bore run. As we had the new algae blocks we dumped the water out of the troughs and gave them a good scrub clean and refilled them with the blocks in there to hopefully keep the algae at bay.

As we were driving along I spotted a brilliant blue wren but he was too fast for a photo. At another well Steve spotted a big emu in the distance.

Overcast and breezy day which was nice since we were scrubbing troughs.

Back home for a late lunch, 1pm 35 degrees.

Relaxing afternoon – very pleasant temperature.

10pm still 30 degrees with a nice light breeze. No fan needed tonight.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 22nd Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

7am 34 degrees, clear sky. Gusts of wind from the north then nothing.

Wind swung around to the east – hot and dry.

Finished packing the shopping away. Cleaned the van then sprayed with surface spray as the little ants are invading us. Bought some ant powder too to put on their tracks outside.

We bought a rain gauge too so we can compare that with the old one which we now know isn’t correct. First we need some rain to compare otherwise I will use the hose!

Steve replaced the other toilet’s cistern and seat – the frogs are not happy. We also got all the bits needed for Steve to put on a gas hot water system for the shower block – not that we need to heat water at the moment.

Bought a jumbo fly catcher – it is huge so that should get rid of a few hundred flies.

Worked on my blog etc. Little finches and scarlet wrens are using the bird bath so I put on the sprinkler for a bit as they were all sitting with their beaks ajar.  There are also some bigger birds and a willy wagtail flitting about.

Lunch in the van, 43 degrees with a strong wind blowing. After lunch cooled off in the pool though it is cooler to stand up wet and let the wind blow on then actually sit in the water. But it hydrates us which is good. Someone else decided to have a dip in the bird bath – it is a smaller goanna which we think is Claude who lives near the old water tank.

We put the sprinkler on between us and the bird bath and when Steve moved it Claude decided he wanted it. I took a video. He gave up and went back into the bird bath.

He eventually wandered off and the birds came back. Turned off the sprinkler as the tank gets full then the well runs out of water again. The birds were enjoying the cool moist earth in the shade of the tree.

The cows wandered over too but I told them that was far enough as they had taken liberties while we were in Kal yesterday and wandered on the lawn and left some calling cards – which I will have to collect with the shovel.

As we soaked in the pool more and more birds arrived.

This one must be in for hide and seek – he looks like he is counting to 10!

The numbers continued to grow.

Steve put the rain gauge up on a post and I moved the old one near it. The wind has picked up and clouds are coming down from the north so we might get some rain to test it out.

I worked on my 1000 piece jigsaw – it is slowly coming together.

2.30pm, 45 degrees in the van with hot gusty wind.

3.30pm - Much darker clouds now in the north west and I heard a rumble of thunder. The wind picked up battering our awning and the shade cloth over the pool gets a good flap on.

The rain started but it was nearly horizontal with the strong wind. As we had been getting in and out of the pool we had left the tarp off so the fresh rain was going into it. Took a video too.

After some rain on the roof we put the pipe in so we could get some more water in the pool.

That cell passed over us so I checked the rain gauges. The old one said 8ml and the new one said 2ml. That means our 90ml we had in December was probably only 22ml but that was still a good dumping for an hour.

It is lovely to sit outside watching the storm head towards us. Some great flashes of lightning. Sat there as the drops of rain fell until they get heavier and start to sting!!

Another storm cell arrived with lots of wind and some lightning and thunder.

5pm had our drinks watching the clouds move south-east and some more lightning flashes and rumbles as it disappears.

The rain has cooled off the pool so we had another dip – much nicer. The temperature in the van dropped to 40 degrees too.

6.30 the sun peeked through the clouds then disappeared again as the clouds continued moving south.

No more rain, just heavy clouds hanging over us and the wind comes and goes. The little bird that was playing hide and seek was still hiding. He was behind Steve’s chair and hadn’t moved so Steve put some water in a dish and shooed the bird to it. He sat on the edge but didn’t do much – poor thing.

Still 38 degrees in the van at 7pm – not too bad.

Left the generator on again to help the fridges. Only needed one fan tonight as the rain has freshened the air.

Mon, 21st Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

6am 29 degrees, clear sky and light breeze. Up early so we can get to Kalgoorlie early to get our shopping done and enjoy a leisurely lunch with Geoff and Virginia.

Sent Tenille a happy birthday text. She replied she is enjoying her work as a paramedic and is now being posted to Tully.

Had a good day and lovely lunch. So nice to catch up with Geoff and Virginia again. Had lunch in the Paddy’s Restaurant in the Exchange Hotel. Hopefully we will see them later when it cools down a bit and do some detecting with them.

Back to the homestead to drop of Kym and Glen’s shopping then headed home as the sun set. As we turned onto our track in the full moon was rising in the east – lovely and big with a reddish glow.

7.30pm 39 degrees in the van. Unpacked and had an easy dinner then watched a movie using our new speakers we got from Target for $5. They are for laptops but work well for us to boost up the sound of some of our movies that are recorded too quietly.

Pleasant enough sleeping with our fan going.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sun, 20th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

7.30am 28 degrees, clear sky and gusty cool breeze. Sleeping in with this lovely cool weather.

Tom rang for a chat. Sandy is still in Geelong with her new grandchild.

More wandering with the detectors to fill in the morning.

Lunch 36 degrees, warming up again getting ready for the over 40s next week!!

Watched a 4x4 DVD and learnt two interesting facts. Use a cake of soap to stop a leak on your fuel tank – it worked for a while on Graham’s car till he went through too many creeks! Also when cooking steaks use an egg flip rather than tongs and turn the steak every 15 seconds or so till cooked to your liking. Will try that out tonight. Also he said to work out if it is cooked hold your thumb against your forefinger for medium rare and then feel the base of your thumb – your steak should feel like that when you press on it. Keep going around with your fingers for the next level and the thumb to pinky is well done – will try that too.

Quite day pottering about. Got some more pieces in my jigsaw puzzle.

Cuppa in the pool as it is up to 39 degrees.

Rang Mum and Dad for a chat.

Drinks in the shade of the cottage – lovely breeze.

Dip in the pool at 7pm as it was still 37 degrees in the van but lovely outside.

Had BBQ dinner – Steve tried the regular flipping of the steak but this BBQ is a covered one so it wasn’t as easy. Can’t beat the steak we have been getting from Woolies – so tender. Put our chairs out on the grass to enjoy the coolness and watch the stars appear though the moon is quite bright as it will be full moon tomorrow night. Steve spotted the first satellite then the space station zoomed over us. Watched it for a long time disappearing to the south east.

No breeze as we headed into the van but we are comfortable enough with our fans.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sat, 19th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA (Jess’ birthday)

7.30am 28 degrees, clear sky and breezy.

Rang Jess for her birthday – off to get her hair done and friends are coming over for games night which will be fun.

Made most of the cooler morning and wandered around with the detectors again – lots of exercise happening – hope it shows when we weigh in on Monday!!

Checked out the demountables left behind by the mining company that had the lease here a while back.  Round Oak has an exploration lease over our area so they might want to use them. The toilets and showers will need a fair bit of work to get functional again.

Steve swapped the pipes around to see if the pump will push the water from the well up to the high tank. It did as long as it has full sun on the solar panels. He found a 3 way tap and connected the pipes so he can direct the water to our main tank or up to the high one, or both. Will see how much water we have in the well of course as to how long this idea will last.

After lunch we headed off on our bore run. All good. Back home by 5pm, 36 degrees. Lovely summer’s day – I like this temperature best.

I burnt all our rubbish and remembered to take a photo this time.

Lovely evening, the mozzies seem to have disappeared so we ate dinner on the verandah watching the cattle come and go and the sunset colours. Lots of birds tweeting too and cicadas buzzing.

34 degrees in the van at 8pm while we watched our movie. No need for fan tonight again as the breeze is lovely.

Fri, 18th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

A strong wind from the south east started blowing during the night which cooled things down.

7am 23 degrees, clear sky and the wind is still blowing strongly. Only a top of 35 degrees today which will be nice as it is heading up over the 40s again on Monday.

Kerry and Brian texted from their camp near Margaret River – they want to borrow our diesel heater as it is only 5 degrees there!!

Filled in the morning getting exercise with our detectors!!

Rick texted for advice about gas in his van so we rang him and Leanne back and had a great chat.

Lunch in the van – still very windy. The sky looks very dusty to the east where all the wind is coming from.

Our water tank is full at last and Steve is sending the excess back down the well so hopefully we will be fine now.

Steve made a cover to block up the old fireplace in the cottage. I worked on my blog and the online orders for our trip to Kalgoorlie on Monday.

Drinks outside in the shade – lovely temperature, still very windy though. The awning and shade cloth is getting a workout.

Nice evening with the wind settled a bit – no need for a fan tonight.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Thurs, 17th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

7.30 am 29 degrees, clear sky and light breeze.

We did one of the Quiz games on the tablet this morning while we had breakfast as we didn’t have any photos from 2 years ago to look at. Keeping our brains active!!

Drove out to Granite Well to see if that drill rig was still there. It has gone, we could see their tracks go out another track then turn around and then head back to the highway the way they came in. Maybe they were just lost.

We continued out to Wandery Well, the next one to be fixed up as a water point for the cattle. Shifted lots of fencing wire that was on the road from when the track was repushed last year.

Back home for lunch. Watched one of the 4X4 DVDs while we had lunch in the van.

I worked on my grocery and the Bunnings orders as we are going to Kalgoorlie on Monday. Will catch up with Virginia and Geoff then too.

I decided to look up the name of the company on the drill rig vehicle and got a chap in Kalgoorlie. He said they were contractors for ‘Golden Mile’ and were doing auger work around that area. At least we know it wasn’t stolen or anything suspicious – I think they were just lost as there is no exploration leases along that area.

Drinks in the pool – Cyril decided he wanted to cool off too and got back in the bird bath – still didn’t have my camera.

Breezy day and only up to 40 today – should be having a cool change tonight as they forecast only 23 for tomorrow morning!!

Still needed our fans while we watched TV.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Wed, 16th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA (4yrs 5mths)

8am 31 degrees. At 5am it was 29 degrees, much nicer for sleeping. Shame it takes all night to drop to that temperature though. Cloud and no wind. I woke to hear a light sprinkle of rain during the night.

I helped Steve with the other water bore as the sun was out so we could see how much water there was down there. Unfortunately only what was in the pipe so we tried the other bore and it was the same. While we were shifting I heard a scratching sound coming from the first bore and looked down to see Cyril trying to climb back out. We didn’t see him go down it but realised he might need a hand getting out. Steve poked a branch down it so he could get a grip on something and eventually he climbed out. Slowly walked back to the cottage, sulking!! We put a big rock over the hole so no one else tries to go down there.

We took the pump back to the original well and shifted and angled the solar panels so they get the sun better. Will see how it goes now it hasn’t been used in a few days and we will just have to turn the pump on and off depending on the quantity of water available.

Cooled off with lunch in the pool, 40 degrees in the van and there is only a light breeze.

I worked on my blog in the cottage while Steve worked on fixing the second hand gas hot water system so he can install it on the shower block.

I heard banging at the screen door and Cyril was trying to climb up the door. I scared him away but he came back a few times. I had cooked our lamb chops in the Ecopot so maybe he could smell that. He eventually gave up and climbed into the bird bath and laid there for a while – shame I didn’t have my camera with me.

Dark clouds and thunder rumbling as a storm heads from the north down the east side of us. Lots of strong northerly wind now too which is whipping up the dust.

More dark clouds building in the west too so we sat outside for drinks as the sun was hidden and it was quite pleasant. Watched all the cattle wander in for drinks – spotted a big black bull I haven’t seen before.

Steve went to check the well again – still pumping water up to our tank. He also noticed fresh wheel tracks that had just driven in and turned around near the well – wonder who that was! As we aren’t sure about the vehicle being left up at the other well we decided to take the old ute for a drive out to the highway to see where this ‘visitor’ went. The sun was setting under the band of clouds so I got some lovely photos as we drove along.

The vehicle appears to have just driven in, turned around and went back out. We headed back home. I checked Tengraph to see where that drill rig was and it isn’t on any mining land so maybe it was stolen. Will send Rob an email about it with a photo of the vehicle.

All still again now at dinner time, 37 degrees and cloudy. Got the fans going while we watched our movie. Turned off the generator tonight as it should be a bit cooler so the fridges should be ok. We put our van one onto gas so we are ok.

Tues, 15th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

7am 32 degrees, overcast with dark clouds and no wind.

Rang Mum and Dad – they have had two days of good rain and are enjoying all the tennis on TV.

Found our shower roof vent cover online but couldn’t get the order to go through. Rang the company and had a wonderful time chatting with the guy about travelling, caravans & tow vehicles, photograph & blogs etc then got around to ordering the cover.

Rang Jon for a chat – work is quiet at the moment as the rain is holding up the new houses.

A few drops of rain fell and the dark clouds are hanging over us.

Lunch, 38 degrees with a light breeze.

Rob had to head back to Perth so we headed off to do the bore run. As we arrived at one bore we saw a wedge-tailed eagle and heaps of crows. We noticed tyre tracks of two vehicles which stood out after the rain yesterday. They turned around there so we went for a wander in case they were shooting something and left the carcass behind. Couldn’t find anything. Followed the tracks back then at the next well we found one donkey – normally there are a few so we thought the vehicles might have been after them. In the end we found a vehicle just off the track. It was a small drill rig so obviously they just came in to drop it off ready to start doing exploration work here for the mine nearby. So much for our theory!!

Back home by 4.30pm, 41 degrees in the van and the sun is out again though there are dark clouds building in the west. Cedric has been digging in Steve’s shed and he was still there. Another one has been digging around the generator – cheeky things.

Drinks in the pool – still hundreds of little flies about even though our fly catchers are getting fuller by the minute.

Dinner then movie. The storm passed over us but gave us no rain or relief.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 14th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

7am 32 degrees, clear sky and light breeze. The esky fan worked well all night giving us a nice cool breeze.

Steve and Wendy rang for a chat – selling their pop-top caravan and upgrading to a newer one.

Worked on my blog – very still now so feeling quite hot.

Rang Jess for a chat to see how her new job was going.

Had our cuppas in the pool – still refreshing enough.

Worked on my jigsaw in the cottage. Steve used the old ute to collect old pipes etc and piled them in the ‘store’ area.

Had lunch in the van as the little flies are back in the hundreds. A storm is building, 42 degrees in the van. Put some cold water in the evaporative fan to keep us cooler.

Rob arrived so he and Steve wandered around talking about the wells, yards to be built for the cattle etc. They removed the solar pump and put it down one of the other bores and shifted the solar panels but the clouds have come over so it won’t work till the sun comes out again. There is a big tank on top of a stand so they are going to see if it is ok by pumping the water into it – also it was a bit smelly so Steve didn’t want it going in the main tank yet.

I took the evaporative fan into the cottage and continued working on my jigsaw.

The wind has picked up blowing into the storm. Some rumbles of thunder and then a few drops of rain fell.

More rumbles then a 10 minute downpour with the wind blowing in from the north then whizzed around and blew in from the south so I closed up all the van. I went to close the shower hatch and the cover has blown off – will have to order a new one now. It was very nice getting wet in the rain but it was only just enough to settle the dust.

Chatted while the storm passed over – a couple of good flashes of lightning. Eventually the sun came out again and they were able to check the pump was working ok.

More dark clouds came so Rob headed back to the homestead but will be back tomorrow to do the bore run with Steve so they can work out what to do with the other two dry wells.

Wind picked up again as another cell passed over us but only a few drops of rain. Checked the rain gauge – 13 ml but Rob says it isn’t the correct measuring cup in there so it is probably reading too high. Waiting to get a proper one from BOM.

Refreshed ourselves with another dip in the pool while we had our drinks.

Very windy evening but no more rain. Cooked dinner in the van and watched a movie. Rob said he has an internet connect thing for the TV in the cottage so we will be able to watch Netflix etc when he brings it up next time.

Once the flies had settled we emptied out half the dead flies as it was nearly full – boy does it stink and there were maggots, probably from the big blow flies that had invaded us recently.

Nicer evening for sleeping with just the normal fan blowing.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sun, 13th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

Very hot, sticky night. The storm didn’t bring any rain. Didn’t sleep too well.

8am 35 degrees, breeze from the north, high thin cloud.

Kym said to come down there to play games and have dinner in the air con since it was going to be such a hot day and Rob was arriving today so we can meet him there.

Rang Bob for his birthday as I forgot to mention it yesterday. He thought his birthday was on Tuesday – must be looking at last year’s calendar.

The wind has gotten stronger and hotter. Even the birds are trying to keep cool by the cottage. Steve felt bad for them so he filled up an old lid to make them a bird bath.

The flies have moved in too, hanging around the bottom of the screen doors. Steve made up another fly trap using a mayonnaise jar and we poured in a bit of the smelly water from the dead flies in the other one. Will have to empty some of the dead flies out soon as it is starting to really pong.

I worked on my jigsaw after I moved it into the lounge room onto the white table. Where I had it there was too much flow through the cottage and it was blowing the pieces off the table.

Had lunch in the van as the flies are very bad then a cool off dip in the pool.

Packed up our stuff and headed down to the homestead. Rob had arrived but was having a snooze as he drove through the night to get here. We played Sequence – sad to say the boys won 5 games to 1. Showed Kym and Glen how to play 3 to Kings.

A storm is building up and the wind has gotten very strong. Glen had dug up the ground near the homestead to put in an orchard so it was a dust storm outside. We were fine inside with the air conditioning. Unfortunately the air cond decided it had enough of the hot air outside too and packed it in.

Met Rob and chatted about what we have been up to at 10 Mile and what plans he has for there.

Helped Kym with dinner, lovely chinese chicken and vegies and fried rice. We sat outside as the storm passed over with a few flashes of lightning, a rumble or two and a few drops of rain. Not enough to register in the rain gauge. The wind stopped then so it was quite pleasant. Lovely full rainbow as the storm headed south east.

Had apple sour for dessert and homemade icecream. Need to stop eating all these yummies – weigh in day tomorrow, reckon it won’t be good!!

Home to the van by 9pm, 37 degrees. A bit of dust in the van and we had a few drops of rain here too. Steve got the esky cooler full of frozen water bottles and connected it to the battery so we had nice cool air blowing on us while we had our cuppas and watched some TV. Will leave it run through the night blowing on us in bed so hopefully we will have a better night’s sleep.

Sat, 12th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

7.30am 28 degrees, lovely cool wind blowing, clear sky.

Sent Malcolm a birthday text – relaxing at their beach house in Tassie.

Hooked on the grid and graded our track out to the highway and back again. Getting better at it though when it picks up a big rock we have problems getting it out of the grid, then it leaves a gouge in the track!!

Strong hot easterly wind blowing at morning tea. Time for a colour in my hair. The water is so hot in the hose you don’t need to worry about heating up the water in the shower.

Steve turned the pump back on for the well hoping it has recovered a bit to be able to put some more water in the tank. Got it nearly to the top before it started sucking air again. There are two other bore holes which have water so when Rob arrives he will see what he wants to do. If we got some more rain the well would be fine again.

Played 3 to Kings after lunch – Steve happy, he won for a change.

2pm 40 degrees, the wind still very hot and it comes in strong gusts. Unfortunately it blows in the dust too. A big willy willy roared down the open area beside us and luckily the van and truck were just on the edge of it. Time to clean the van again!!

Had our cuppa in the pool – 43 degrees in van. Steve had emptied some of the water out trying to flush out the dirt off the bottom and then he topped it up with the rain water we had in buckets from when we had the big down pour in December.

The clouds are building in the east – hope we get a storm.

Rang Kerry and Brian to see how their trip is going so far. They are at Northcliffe and have enjoyed themselves so far. We were doing the same area but in the reverse direction two years ago.

Rang Margaret for a chat – Bob has been good getting a lot of her New Year job list done.

Dark heavy clouds have now built in the west which is blocking out the sunset. They slowly headed our way and we got a few flashes of lightning and a rumble of thunder but that was it.

Very hot night, 10pm 35 degrees and it will only drop to 30 by 5am then turn and head up to 46 tomorrow – oh joy!!

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Fri, 11th Jan, 2019 10 Mile Outcamp, Tarmoola Station, 60km north of Leonora, WA

7am 29 degrees, clear sky, light breeze.

Off early on our bore run. Removed this tree from the track with the winch.

Tidied up around North Well area – putting old pipe, wires etc in piles.

Two wells have dried up so Steve turned off the solar pumps as the tanks are full. Will check them in 4 days when we do the run again.

Removed another tree which had fallen onto the track after a fire there. We have been driving around them so this time we decided it was time to clear the tracks.

While Steve was cleaning the 10 Mile trough, Cedric was under the hay trailer. He then headed straight for the truck, not worried about the fact it was going etc but just as he reached it he heard Steve on the other side so he turned around and headed back. Obviously he was coming to the trough for a drink.

Home for lunch, 37 degrees at 12.30pm with the wind blowing strongly from the south-east. Sent Steve Allard a happy birthday message – he is enjoying his day with family, crabs and pizza.

I worked on my blog etc while Steve shifted the hay trailer as he noticed the cattle must have turned it around to get at the hay underneath. He also turned off our solar pump too as that well is dry again but the tank is nearly full so we are all good. He dragged an old windmill frame from near the creek over to the ‘steel pile’ and had a general clean up again of old bits and pieces – slowly clearing more and more of the leftover rubbish.

I got my shovel and wheelbarrow and cleaned up the manure the darlings had left near the grass by the cottage – really, nibble but don’t poop and it was splatter ones not nice neat piles! At least it dries hard so it is easy to scoop up.

We enjoyed our cuppa in the pool at it was 39 degrees in the van. Killed more flies with my flyswat when the flies come in for a drink – there are some big ones lately that are more like blow flies so they don’t get to live long!! The vegemite fly catcher is the centre of attention now after I put a bit of water in the bottom and it is filling up with flies. That probably draws more flies to it as they die and it is getting smelly.

We then played Skipbo in the cottage where it is a degree or so cooler. I won, 2 games to 1.

Breezy afternoon. We had drinks in the cottage and we answered quiz questions from a game on the tablet.

After the sun had set Steve put the quartz rocks he collected around his fire pit.

He had a big flat piece which he decided to use as a tombstone for the old Chev. RIP.

7pm 37 degrees while we had dinner then we watched a movie.