Tues, 28th May, 2019 Malcolm Dam, near Leonora to Bush camp near Jundee Mine, east of Wiluna, WA

7.30am 15 degrees, overcast and no wind. A few drops of rain fell on the roof of the van.

Drove into Leonora to top up water and fuel tanks. Rang Mum and Dad for a quick chat to say we are on the move again.

Headed north towards dark clouds and more drops of rain. The rain got heavier as we neared the turn off into 10 Mile Outcamp. Kym and Glen will be leaving there soon too.

Topped up with fuel at Leinster and bought a hot chook and buns for lunch as the rain has found us here too. Not enough to wash all the dirt off the van though.

Continued on to Wiluna where we stopped for a cuppa near the Alfred Canning silhouettes marking the start of the Canning Stock Route. It was just over a year ago that we were here about to start the CSR.

Drove east on the Gunbarrel Highway past the signs that we posed at the end of October when we came back that way. We turned up a track to Lake Violet Station then continued on into the exploration leases that Ray has permission to detect on.

Found a track that lead to a tower so we parked up for the night. Will see the geologist as the mine tomorrow.

Had a quick drink outside as the sun went down. Cold wind so we didn’t stay out too long as we weren’t worrying about a fire tonight.

Hot shower, dinner and movies – so glad we have so many to watch to pass the time.

Mon, 27th May, 2019 Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton to Malcolm Dam, near Leonora, WA

7am 10 degrees, clear sky and strong wind.

Packed up and headed back to Laverton. Had a cuppa then checked the Post Office for any mail as we had our 40E permits going there. The nice lady said she will redirect them to Nullagine for us.

Continued on to Malcolm Dam in time for a hot lunch as it is still cool and windy. Parked in the same spot as last time.

Did all my internet stuff and Steve caught up on the Supercar race recently at Barbagallo. Saw a Facebook post about the Guiness Record Erica and Terry were in. 857 RVs rolled along the road past a check point for an hour to record the longest line of moving RVs. Erica and Terry were 343^rd in the line up. They also set the record for the longest continuous line of LED lights. Will look forward to hearing all about it when they have phone service again.

Rang Jon about mail he received and had a nice chat with him and Jess.

Rang Rebecca too. She and Clive had a great time in NZ with their granddaughter, Ava and with Ingrid and Aidan. She will send me some photos soon.

As it was still cold and overcast we stayed in the van for drinks and played Skipbo – Steve won today.

Leftovers for dinner then movies.

Sun, 26th May, 2019 Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton, WA

Wind got stronger in the early morning.

7.30am 11.5 degrees, mostly clear sky with wispy clouds in the north-east.

I had said to Mum when we were chatting that she should learn how to text on her mobile so when we have bad phone reception I can send them a message or two. This morning a text came through so I replied and we went back and forth a few times so she can get some practice.

Ray and Carol went off to where he got a sunbaker yesterday. Steve changed the shafts on his detector and redid the tape around the coils.

The wind has changed to a gusty northerly now. I slowly walked up and down the track near our van and got a little slither of gold. I asked Steve if it was smoko yet as the gold fairies only seem to be giving me one bit of gold each session. He said 15 more minutes so I continued gridding. As I walked back to the van I got a signal and another little bit of gold went in my jar. The gold fairies are being nice today. (Might sound like I have been too long in the bush with all my gold fairy talk but you have do something while I am swinging my coil and I may as well ask them to take me to the gold – no harm in that is there!!)

Steve pottered about packing up as we are leaving here tomorrow. I continued up and down the track and got another signal – yeah. Chatted with the fairies again and as I headed back to the van I got one near where we stack the wood. I made another cuppa to celebrate. The wind has settled and the sun is warming so I could safely remove my flannelette shirt now.

Half hour to fill in before lunch so I tried right beside the van and was rewarded with a nicer piece. Maybe my gold fairy has been sick and is now better as the last good day I had was when we first arrived.

Ray and Carol came back with two little bits so after lunch they headed back to that spot. I did some baking and Steve went for a drive to detect a different spot.

After smoko I went for another wander around the van and got a piece near the fire place then one under where we sit. I also got one where Steve parks the truck and one on the other side of the van – pays to check your own campsite. I needed one more bit so we had a gram each, then we both qualify for ice cream tonight. As I went out to try for it Steve came back with a small nuglet so I didn’t have to look for any more.

We drove over to Mark and Heidi’s camp to say farewell. Hopefully we will catch up with them in SA to do some fishing.

Last drinks by the fire which was nice now the wind had stopped blowing.

After dinner I cooked golden syrup dumplings, a recipe I got off Carol, to go with our ice cream – yum yum.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sat, 25th May, 2019 Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton, WA

7.30am 14 degrees, no wind and cloudy to the north east.

Carol and I got our washing done. Steve used the waste water to give the truck a wash – well take a layer of dirt off poor old Pat.

Steve went wandering with his detector while I pottered around the van putting dinner in the Ecopot and folding the washing as it dried.

After a cuppa I detected near the van and got a little sliver of gold straight up then nothing else. I think the gold fairies just give me a bit to shut me up about the lack of gold around here. Steve came back with sore feet and no gold.

Got the fire going early as it is cooling off quickly with clouds blocking the sun again. As dinner was cooked we headed inside about 6pm as the others weren’t cooking on the fire tonight either.

We played a game of Skipbo – I won. Had a nice hot shower, van all closed up again. Had a yummy dinner then settled in to watch TV.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Fri, 24th May, 2019 Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton, WA

7am 16 degrees, no wind and overcast.

Drove north to check out a pending area. We followed an old fence line which slowly deteriorated as we went east. Ray and Carol stopped when we reached the west side of the lease as they have a much newer vehicle then us. We continued on and found a haul road which took us to the top of the lease then it turned north and out of the lease. We found a track heading up a hill which gave me good phone service so I rang Mum and Dad. The cold has not been nice to them with aches and pains. It has been raining again too which makes things feel colder. It is Alan’s birthday today so sent off a text to wish him a great day.

Headed back to where we left Ray and Carol who had been detecting but found nothing. We headed back to our leases and tried a couple of different areas. At last Steve pinged a tiny little bit.

Went back to camp for a cuppa then wandered around camp with the detectors. I got a little bit on the other side of the caravan – go figure. This area certainly didn’t turn out as profitable as we had hope. Mark, Heidi and gang have done a good job on it over the years.

The clouds thinned as the sun set making for a lovely photo.

Cooler evening – closed up the van again.

Thurs, 23rd May, 2019 Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton, WA

7am 15 degrees, clear sky and no wind. Text came through from Bob and Margaret, stayed the night at Southern Cross.

Went  over to where Steve got his 2 bits yesterday but found nothing else.

Lunch 27 degrees with a light breeze.

Stayed at camp and pottered about. Steve wandered with his detector but didn’t have any luck.

Clouds are coming over covering the sun around smoko but it has warmed up to 31 degrees in the van.

Had a cuppa then played 3 games of Skipbo – 1 game each then Steve won the last one by one card.

Texts came through from Bob and Margaret again, home by 1pm. When ET gets his nose pointed home he goes! Jon had texted that we had mail from this lease holder so I went over to Ray and Carol’s van and used their booster so I could ring him. One of this lease holders is managed by a tenement service and they want all the info like the last one so they can offset it on their exploration expenditure which they have to show the mines dept they spend each year.

Steve checked out Carol’s oven as it had exploded when she tried to light it – she doesn’t normally use it. He found a broken pipe at the back which had rubbed through. Luckily she didn’t get burnt. Ray will try to buy a new one or Steve will replace it with copper pipe instead.

Clouds covering the sun in the west making it a dark afternoon. Got the fire going and chatted while the stars came out. Spotted one satellite as the clouds cleared to the south east.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Wed, 22nd May, 2019 Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton, WA

Wind blew through the night making the awning flap.

7.30am 16 degrees, wispy clouds and the cold wind is still blowing from the north east.

Said farewell to Bob and Margaret. Will see them later and hopefully they will find some more gold then.

More clouds are coming over as we headed to where Steve found his two bits yesterday. We passed Mark and Heidi’s camp so stopped to say hello as they were sitting around their fire having a cuppa. No more big surprises for them and the bits are scarce too.

Steve found another little speck then I got one after smoko. Carol got two further down the slope but Ray missed out. We headed back to have lunch but they brought theirs with them and Ray is determined to find a piece of gold.

27 degrees in the van, sky clearing and wind still gusty.

Detected another spot which was by a creek. I was wandering and muttering to the gold fairies about the lack of gold when I got a signal and it was a little speck of gold. Then I got a lead shot followed by another bit of gold. Unfortunately the next 10 targets were lead shot!!

Back to the van. Steve went for another walk with his detector while I relaxed playing games on the tablet – word games that is. Have to work out the Sudoku one too. Ian had showed me his trick to work them out easily but I have forgotten.

Steve came back with two more bits – he is on a roll, haha, shame they weren’t bigger.

Celebrated around the fire as Ray got his two bits so everyone got some gold today. Sad when we have to celebrate about finding such little bits but gold is gold.

Ray called out as a meteorite flashed across the sky horizontally about our truck. Steve and I saw it but Carol missed out. Big bright white light burnt down to nothing.

More stars are out now the moon is coming up later. The temperature is lovely too so it is nice to be outside.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 21st May, 2019 Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton, WA

7.30am 13 degrees, clear sky and no wind.

Drove to another section to detect – no joy in the gold department but the views were wonderful. We could see across to Lake Carey to the west.

Checked out some old mine shafts – how did they get out here and discover the gold then dig these holes. Truly amazing men back then.

Home for lunch, 25 degrees in the van with a light breeze.

Caravan Shed rang to advise they had received our fridge shelf replacements under warranty from Dometic. Very good service.

Steve went wandering with his detector while I detected around camp. Carol got a couple of little bits but nothing for me.

Had a cuppa and did my blog. Bob and Margaret went off trying a different area.

I was just getting the fire started when Steve wandered in with a smile on his face. At last he has found two bits of gold. Sadly Bob and Margaret haven’t found anything here yet and they are heading off tomorrow for home. They will find us again in Nullagine later on.

Drinks around the fire with lots of stories and laughter. Has been lovely having Bob and Margaret with us again.

We were all using our camp ovens for dinner. Bob did a good job so we awarded him his ‘camp oven cooker’ certificate. Margaret is impressed that at last he is cooking dinner – ha ha.

Icecream for dessert tonight to celebrate Steve finding a bit of gold at last.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 20th May, 2019 Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton, WA

6.30am 11 degrees, still put the heater on to take the chill out of the air and our clothes. Streaky clouds in the east and the wind is quite gusty.

7am 15 degrees, time to get up and do out weekly weigh-in, another reason to warm up the van.

We all went for a drive to the top of the western lease where it showed there was Rowena Mine on the map. There was lots of exploration done in the area with acres of land being pushed and then rehabilitated. We continued on and detected a few spots but no joy for anybody. Steve found a slope that had been scraped in the old days to clear away the bigger ironstone rocks so it looked like market gardens. We all wandered over it and at last Ray found a little bit. This is getting to be hard work!!

Stopped at Mallock Well to check out the old hut, dead windmill and old sheep troughs. One was made from red homemade bricks. The flies are back again as it has warmed up. The wind is still gusty bringing more clouds over.

Back to camp for a cuppa, 29 degrees in the van. Clouds blocking out the sun. Steve drove off to explore another spot so I detected along the track just up from the van. I got 3 bits, one on each side of the track and one right in the middle. They are so little but they are slowly adding up. I left big smiley faces made from little quartz bits to mark the good spots, ha ha. Claus leaves just one bigger piece of quartz in his gold holes – very handy as it gives you a guide to where others were successful, and they might have left something behind too!

No joy for Steve again.

Jess and Jon rang while I was out – the signal comes and goes. I tried to ring them back but the signal had gone again so I sent a text. They were just ringing for a chat. Jon had a good trip but no fish unfortunately. I said, Nana will be sad, as she was looking forward to some fresh Barramundi.

Chatted about our lack of success here while we had drinks around the fire – the wind has stopped at last. Started off well with the bits near camp and seeing the nice nuggets Heidi and Mark found but unfortunately we haven’t lucked onto a patch for ourselves yet. We will keep trying as we have to wait for our next 40E permits to be sent to Laverton before we can move on.

Warmer evening though we still close up the van as it cools of quickly into the night.

The sky has cleared and the stars are out as the moon comes up again later in the evening.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sun, 19th May, 2019 Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton, WA

6.30am 1.6 degrees inside and -2 outside, clear sky and no wind. Heater on of course.

Once the sun comes up it warms up enough to head out detecting by 9am. Tried some different spots but no joy.

Drove up Jubilee Hill to check out the survey post. Nice view from up here too – looking west.

Home for lunch, 20 degrees in the van as it was closed up.

Steve went off detecting elsewhere and I went over my area again but I couldn’t get a signal. Nothing for Steve either.

Warmer evening, 16 degrees, so it was very pleasant around the fire for our afternoon drinks and chatting. Carol said the forecast is for 29 tomorrow – what a change from the last couple of days.

Sat, 18th May, 2019 Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton, WA (Daniel’s 30th birthday)

6.30am, 2 degrees in the van and -2 degrees outside. Clear sky and no wind. Definitely need the heater on this morning.

I got enough phone signal to send Daniel a birthday text. I had been thinking back over the years from when he came into the world – wow it only seems like yesterday but we have done so much together. He has made us both very proud.

7.30am 7.5 degrees in the van but it was ok to get up and have breakfast as the heater was slowly bringing up the temperature. Steve asked if there was ice so I checked the truck and this was a nice ice crust over the bonnet.

The outside thermometer was sitting in the sunshine and was up to 20 degrees – should sit outside and have breakfast but the cold wind has picked up and is blowing under the van.

3 layers on to go out detecting even with the nice sun shining down on us.

I kept working the area I got my bits yesterday and got a few more – only very little but they slowly add up.

Steve took his big coil for a walk trying to find a big nugget but he only got exercise.

Had a nice hot lunch sitting in the sunshine. The only good thing about winter is the flies disappear.

Went for a drive and tried detecting other spots but no joy. There are lots of old shafts and lots of rubbish too. I did spot a rabbit but he disappeared down in burrow very quickly.

Home for drinks around the fire as the sun set and the wind dropped. Lovely big full moon.

Cooked dinner on the fire. 7pm 7 degrees outside so the heater is on in the van ready for us to keep warm while we have dinner and watch a movie.

Fri, 17th May, 2019 Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton, WA

6.30am 16.7 degrees and overcast.

7.30am 16.4 degrees and we can hear the pitter patter of raindrops falling on the van. It is cooler outside with the cold wind blowing.

Ray and Carol went for a drive and found a better spot to camp – doesn’t appear to be as much rubbish around. Claus and Wolfgang’s camp is nearby so it must be a good spot.

Packed up camp and moved down the track. 

As we were setting up Claus was detecting nearby and came over to say hi. I introduced myself so he would remember we met at Malcolm Dam when they were camped near Mark and Heidi. He said his wife, Mona, had got a few pieces near here yesterday. He camped here the first time he came and they had found heaps of little bits. He found another patch so had moved over to that spot as he only has the big truck/camper so can’t drive around like us. He said it is not as good here as the first time he got 10 ounces then last year only 2 ounces but he had 1 ½ ounces so I reckon he is still doing ok. He said Mark and Heidi had hit the jackpot with a couple of lovely big nuggets. Will have to catch up with them this afternoon. He and Wolfgang were heading back to Kalgoorlie to vote and do shopping.

Carol got out her detector and got a little nuglet near her van followed by another one – that’s a good sign. Steve and I had a cuppa then I headed off with my detector while Steve made the fireplace (Margaret had found bricks and big bits of quartz from another fireplace nearby).

The mist had come in so I asked the gold fairies for one bit of gold before I head back to the van. Next swing I got a target and out came a little bit of gold. I was getting wet and cold so headed straight back to the van.

Back to the van for another cuppa as we played two games of Skipbo – 1 game each, before lunch. I made some griddle scones and reheated the sauce from last night’s dinner which made a lovely soup. Nice and warming on this cold day. Only 15 degrees in the van.

I went back to my spot when the mist cleared as I thought I had heard another target and I did. I then found another one. Headed back to the van happy with my little bits. The wind was very cold. Steve got the fire going to warm our shower water – I said you are a bit early as it is only 1.30pm!!

Played some more games of Skipbo while warming up with glasses of port.

Mark and Heidi called in – they had been into Laverton to get some shopping. They got out their show and tell which was fabulous to see. I hope we get something special like that too.

After a cuppa we went for a drive to check out the other leases. Found the old shearing shed and an old dozer. The station is now owned by a mining company but they still have cattle on it as Rob and the mustering crew came here in March to clear out some of the cattle.

As we drove around an old mine area Steve spotted something move and it turned out to be this camel. He trotted away from us then stopped and looked back giving me time to get a couple of photos before he wandered off.

Back to camp to stand around the fire. The wind is still blowing and very cold so we decided to have our drinks inside our vans with our heaters on today!

Bob put on his generator for his freezer so we plugged in too to top up our batteries as there wasn’t any sunshine for the solar panels today.

Forecast is for -1 degree tomorrow morning – ouch. So glad we have our diesel heater. Hope we find lots of gold to make up for being so cold.

I put one of the thermometers outside and at 6pm it was 11 degrees. Nice and warm in the van of course.

The clouds have disappeared by 10pm and the near full moon is shining brightly. It was only 2 degrees outside then!

Thurs, 16th May, 2019 Malcolm Dam, near Leonora to Bush camp near Jubilee Hill, 50km south of Laverton, WA

6.30am 6.9 degrees, clear sky and no wind – on with the heater again.

Rang Mum and Dad as we mightn’t have phone service at the next spot. Packed up and said farewell to Kerry and Brian. They will head off to do their sightseeing and hopefully we will see them at Nullagine or Marble Bar later on, otherwise I will see them in Cairns in October as they will be back there after the wedding to celebrate her Mum’s 90^th birthday.

Drove into Leonora and topped up the water, fuel and to put in the next lot of 40E permits for Nullagine area.

Headed east with the others to Laverton. Had a yummy burger and chips from the Deli then headed south to Burtville then into the exploration leases where we have our 40E permits for. Lots of old shafts around. Found an open area and parked up for the night. This must have been the old camp for the mine nearby as there is heaps of rubbish about.

It was a warmer day, 28 degrees with a nice westerly breeze this afternoon. Hard to imagine tomorrow is supposed to only get to 9 degrees because there is rain predicted. 

Bob got a flat which he repaired – Ray has had two so far. Hard country on tyres as the trees are very brittle and the quartz can be razor sharp too.

Got the fire going – always lots of firewood easily available. Cooled down quickly as the sun set behind a cloud band in the west. There is cloud coming up from the south too.

I had put lamb shanks in the Ecopot this morning before we left so our dinner was ready to go. There is heaps of sauce left over so I will keep that for soup to warm us up tomorrow.

Wed, 15th May, 2019 Malcolm Dam, near Leonora, WA

7am 8.6 degrees, heater on. Clouds coming over.

7.30am up to 12 degrees – perfect for breakfast.

Checked the weather forecast and we are in for some rain on Friday and some very cold mornings. Friday is only supposed to reach 9 degrees as the maximum!!

Sent Michelle a text for her birthday today and to pass on best wishes for her twin sister, Annette too.

Headed up Old Agnew Road with the gang to try some pending area there. The sky has cleared and is warming up again. Ray found a small specie before lunch so we all headed out and tried to find some more but it wasn’t forthcoming.

We decided to head off to Laverton tomorrow in case the rain comes down and stops us getting into our next detecting spot. Got the other gas bottle exchanged as it ran out this morning and grabbed some more milk and another ice cream container from the Coles Express then headed back to camp to get my washing done. Will refill the water tanks and fuel tomorrow then we head east to Laverton.

Probably won’t have phone and internet reception for a while so will update my blog one day when we get reception again.

Rang Daniel to wish him a very happy 30^th birthday for Saturday. He was busy finishing off Jon’s dog cage for the ute before he heads off tomorrow for his fishing trip. He isn’t taking the dogs but he wanted to put the fridge in it etc. Hope they have fun and catch some fish.

Lovely evening chatting around the fire while our dinner cooked in the camp oven. Bob had his first camp oven cooking lesson so it was a camp oven cookout as everyone happened to be using their camp ovens tonight. Ray brought out his homemade butterscotch snapps and cherry liqueur to celebrate Carol and his 48^th wedding anniversary today – Congratulations. Sadly 10 years ago today Ray found a 10 ounce nugget on this day but no such present for Carol this time. Carol and Kerry took photos with their Ipad of us all – will have to get a copy.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 14th May, 2019 Malcolm Dam, near Leonora, WA

6.30am 6.6 degrees – on with the heater again. Luckily it doesn’t use much diesel to get us warm in the mornings.

7.15am up to 10 degrees.

Rang Mum and Dad for a chat. A very late cyclone has formed, Ann, and is headed for Cape York so Jon might have rain to contend with on his trip to Marina Plains.

We did our 40E permits for Nullagine – a lot of paperwork involved to detect for gold and then you have to report what you find too – well if you do the right thing that is. There are still heaps of people who say ‘we’ve been coming here for years so we don’t need to fill in forms!’

I noticed the corners of two shelves in our new fridge from last year have cracked so I rang the company and the lady said to take photos and email them to her so she can put in a warranty claim for us. Hopefully they will replace them as each shelf is worth about $110 as we had to buy one for the previous fridge.

Steve put in the new rear vision cameras we just purchased. He will put one on the back of the van one day when he gets some more cable.

The sun is warming the van – thermometer on shady kitchen side says 25 degrees at lunchtime and on the sunny side the thermometer says it is 31 degrees.

We went into town to get our gas bottle exchanged. While we waited for the chap to arrive I rang Rick. Still getting treatment for his back – hopefully things will improve soon. He said a lady was walking with her Dad and their dog, Lucky on Mother’s Day, in Victoria and walked over a big nugget which is worth $30,000 and they weren’t even detecting. Makes my Mother’s Day nugget seem insignificant but I love it just as much as a big one. As I say you have to have your name on the gold to be able to find it.

Drinks around the fire, cools off quickly once the sun goes down. Brian and Carol were the victors today with a little bit each.

I cooked an Impossible Pie to use up some eggs and the gas as we have another gas bottle nearly ready to be exchanged. Margaret had given me some fish called ‘Skippies’ that they caught recently so I cooked that up for dinner. Very nice to have fish for a change.

Steve is heating the shower water on the fire again so we have nice hot showers and as we will be moving on Friday we can have long showers. Still working our way through the TV series.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 13th May, 2019 Malcolm Dam, near Leonora, WA

6.45am 7.3 degrees, heater went on.

Detected around the area we found gold last visit here but we couldn’t turn up any more nuggets.

Tried another spot and I thought I heard a vehicle coming towing a trailer but it was a willy willy slowly working its way through the trees. There was no dust with it just a few twigs so I stood still and watched it till it came over me – weird feeling. Then it continued on its windy path.

Nice warm day – got to 25 degrees. Feels hot after having such cold mornings.

Lovely evenings chatting. The space station crossed overhead this time and was very bright.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sun, 12th May, 2019 Malcolm Dam, near Leonora, WA (Mother’s Day)

6.30am 6.6 degrees, heater on of course.

7.15am 9 degrees, clear sky and no wind. So nice to be able to warm our clothes with the heater on these cold mornings.

Rang Mum for Mother’s Day. Roald, Joan and Linda called in on their way home from a funeral in Millaa of one of the old locals. Steve rang Erica but no answer then she rang back. They are at a caravan rally and were having the communal morning tea. They are heading to Barcaldine for the longest line of moving caravans and motorhomes on the 23^rd of May.

Got a nice text from Jon then more from Fran and Jess – so lovely to know the boys have such lovely ladies.

Headed east towards Laverton and turned into the top section of Minara Station. Drove past an old wool shed and a couple of buildings which we will check out on the way out.

Steve stopped where we spotted some salt & pepper ground with a slight incline and we all headed out with our detectors. I was chatting to the ‘gold fairies’ as one does when looking for gold and asked if all the Mums today could find some gold. It worked for me but no for the other ladies unfortunately.

Tried another spot but no joy to went back to the original area and worked further along from me bit but still nothing else. We are all mystified how one piece can be sitting there all alone. I reckon an old prospector lost it out of his pocket or a cow had it stuck in his hoof and it finally fell out there since I was near a cattle track. So weird but I am not complaining that it had my name on it.

Headed back out. Stopped at the wool shed and checked out the shearers’ quarters and main house then the wool shed. Huge big gum near the water tank towers over everything else.

Shearers’ quarters.

In the main house there were still a couple of stoves in the kitchen which were too old.

The ‘donkey’ to heat the water for the showers.

Over at the wool shed there was a huge loading platform out front made of some big hunks of timber.

Inside we spotted a wool press and scales.

The shearers’ clippers were connected to these and powered by this engine.

The wool rack where they spread out the fleece.

Certainly still smells of sheep in here.

There was another small building further over and all the pens for the sheep while they waited to be shorn or to be let out again.

Headed back home. Dan had tried to ring so rang him back. Told him of my special Mother’s Day gift from the gold fairies. I said it came to me since I received such lovely texts from everyone for Mother’s Day and their good wishes made the gold.

Back home again for drinks around the fire. 5pm still 23 degrees in the van as it was closed up all day. Some clouds have come over giving the sun something to shine on as it set which was very pretty. The space station then came across but went in and out as it disappeared behind the clouds but it was still very bright for so early in the evening.

I get icecream tonight too and Steve can have some for putting me on the right spot. Cooked dinner on the fire tonight.

Sat, 11th May, 2019 Malcolm Dam, near Leonora, WA

6.30am 7.8 degrees, heater turned on.

7am 11 degrees, clear sky and no wind.

The others headed off to detect the pending area nearby. Steve and I drove up to visit Kym and Glen at 10 Mile. Had a great time chatting, catching up on what has happened over the last month or so. ‘Roo’ the little Euro wallaby is growing well. Kym and Glen will head back to Perth in 3 weeks to spend time with their daughter and grandkids then head across to Alice Springs and Ayres Rock as they haven’t climbed it and want to do so before climbing is stopped in October. They will then head for Queensland so I might see them in Cairns when I am home. Had a lovely lunch as always when Kym cooks.

Headed back to camp after lunch. Steve went off looking for firewood while I did some computer work. Fran texted about what she thought to get Daniel for his 30^th birthday next Saturday so I rang her back. I will transfer her the money so we can be part of that present. Had a chat with Daniel too, he still has a cough but is feeling better. Fran now has a chest infection. Shame to get sick after having such a great holiday.

Ray and Bob were the victors today with a little bit each.

Karen and John from NSW joined us around the campfire. No wind so it was comfortable to sit out chatting.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Fri, 10th May, 2019 Bush camp near Mertondale Mine, north-east of Leonora to Malcolm Dam, near Leonora, WA

6.45am 7.6 degrees – on with the heater again. Clear sky and light breeze.

7.30 11 degrees. Got up and started packing up to head back to Leonora.

Topped up the water tanks and got our mail etc. Got our postal votes for the Federal Election next Saturday and the new rear view cameras we ordered as ours have died after 4 ½ years.

Found a different spot to park at Malcolm Dam with the others. The Victorian group from the pending leases got under ‘our tree’ before we got here! The dam’s water level has dropped a lot.

Plugged in the wifi and uploaded my blog, checked emails and Facebook. I had an email from a company saying I ordered some product for $486 so checked my credit cards and luckily nothing has been taken out. There was a phone number so rang them and said I didn’t order it. The lady said she would get the online dept to check it out and send me an email. The email did arrive and it said they had identified it as a fraud and the money refunded to the credit card – very strange scam. Maybe they were hoping I would give my card number over to receive the credit so they could steal the money then but they didn’t ask me for it so hopefully that will be the end of it. I will keep an eye on my credit cards for a while just in case.

Everyone had a quiet afternoon. Steve took Bob and Margaret out to the pending area so they knew where to go tomorrow. Both Margaret and Kerry downloaded The Happy Prospector App so they will be secure in knowing where they can and can’t detect.

Warmed up around the fire with our drinks. Steve saw a falling star so hopefully that is a good sign for us.

Arranged to visit Kym and Glen up at 10 Mile tomorrow for lunch.

Checked the weather, lows of 7 and only up to 20 during the day for the next week!

Dinner, hot shower and movies. Haven’t fixed the aerial so can’t try to get TV reception yet but Free to Air is only rubbish nowadays any case.

Thurs, 9th May, 2019 Bush camp near Mertondale Mine, north-east of Leonora, WA

6.30am 9 degrees – on with the heater!

7am 14 degrees – ok to get up now. Clear sky and no wind.

9am the wind came up while were we detecting bringing across clouds so one minute I was getting hot in the sun (as I still had my flanny on) then the cloud would come over and the cold wind would get you so I was glad I had my flanny on.

Margaret got a little bit so everyone has found a little bit of gold from here – not bad considering how many people have just been over the place.

Home for lunch. Steve coloured my hair – I can see too many greys!! I put on a stew in the Ecopot for dinner then swapped TV series again with Ray. Got my blog ready to upload when we get to Leonora tomorrow.

The sky has cleared but the wind is still cold and blowing. Jon rang to wish me a Happy Mothers Day. I said it was Sunday so he was early. He confessed he saw a sign with the Tableland Scarecrows and thought he had missed it. Lovely to hear from him anytime of course. He is getting excited about his Marina Plains fishing trip – hope they catch some Barra etc as there has been a lot of rain up there recently.

Looked at areas to detect in Nullagine as we will have to put in some 40Es for up there too. Chatted with Kerry about places to visit north and west of here as they have already done the Kimberleys so only have the Goldfields and coast area to explore. Hopefully we will meet up again in Nullagine or Marble Bar before they head back to Cairns for their son’s wedding in September in Bowen.

Cold wind is still blowing as we gathered around the fire – Steve using up all the bigger logs he collected as we will head back to Leonora tomorrow. The wind settled about 6.30 which was nice.

8.30 15 degrees in the van, another cold night ahead. Had a nice long hot shower as we will top up the water tanks tomorrow.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Wed, 8th May, 2019 Bush camp near Mertondale Mine, north-east of Leonora, WA

6.30am 6 degrees – heater on.

7am 11 degrees and warming so got up for breakfast. Clear sky and no breeze.

Took Bob and Margaret detecting – they share a 4500, similar to Steve’s. Tried a spot near Telstra Hill – where the others go to get phone reception as they don’t have my little phone or aerial. Bob got a nice little flat nuglet but we got nothing. Hardly any rubbish either but lots of ironstone ‘hot rocks’ making our detectors sing.

Back to van for lunch, 22 degrees. Warm in the sun but the breeze is still quite cold.

Tried another spot with no luck for any of us.

Went back to our area for smoko and one more go. Bob managed to snag another nuglet so he will be king of the fire tonight as no one else is having much luck.

4.30pm 22 degrees in the van so closed it up to try and keep some warmth inside.

Steve got the fire going for drinks time. Lots of chatting again – great hearing everyone’s stories.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 7th May, 2019 Bush camp near Mertondale Mine, north-east of Leonora, WA

Slept in!! 7.30am 11 degrees, clear sky and no breeze.

Ray and Carol went for a drive to check out the other pending areas. We went back to our spot and Brian and Kerry kept working their area. I got a little bit in the first 10 minutes then nothing after that – this could appear to be hard work, but we all love it.

Back to camp for smoko then Steve wandered off from camp while I did the washing with my music up loud – we don’t have a speaker on the outside of the van anymore. The sun was shining on where I was working so I could get about in shorts and singlet for a change.

Brian and Kerry are doing well with their little bits, slowly adding up – not bad for beginners.

Late lunch, 21 degrees. Margaret and Bob texted that they were in Leonora. Had decided to leave early. They will come up here and join us.

The two chaps we met from Victoria called in to see how we were going. They only have one bit of gold from their area.

Went back to our spot again but only found lead shot. Back to camp for smoko so we are there when Bob and Margaret arrive but they had beaten us and were already setting up camp near our van. Margaret had picked up some fruit and vegies for me and of course my wine so I will be good for a while now.

Great afternoon catching up and introducing Bob and Margaret to the others. The wind is a lot colder so Steve put on some big logs so we had a lovely hot fire to sit around. He has two pits either side for coals for those who are cooking their dinner on the fire each night.

6pm the wind stopped so we cooked our dinner on the fire then went into the van where the thermometer said it was only 15 degrees. Watched a few first episodes of some of Ray’s TV series to see if we want them. So far they are all good so will copy all the episodes later on.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 6th May, 2019 Bush camp near Mertondale Mine, north-east of Leonora, WA

7am 17 degrees, clear sky and light breeze.

Went back to where Steve got a little nugget yesterday. Detected for a while and I was about to give up and was headed back to the truck when I got a scream in some pine needles. Dragged it back thinking it was rubbish and I spotted a nice gold colour which was a lovely nugget. I was very excited and no one was around. I even put it in my mouth to clean it. When I spotted Steve coming back I wandered over to him which the nugget in my mouth so I could give him a golden kiss. He was most impressed as he hadn’t found anything.

Had a cuppa then I put on my chain so I could leave drag marks of where I walked as it gets very confusing going around the little bushes, trees and fallen branches. I marched back and forth but only got rubbish.

Back to the van for lunch, 25 degrees with a gusty wind.

The others all had spots to detect so we headed back to that spot again determined there must be more there. I got two more little bits – one is so small it barely registered on our scales.

Steve got one a little bigger but it is all gold and slowly adds up.

Back to camp. Brian had his second bit so they are both addicted now.

Breezy afternoon. 4pm still 25 degrees in the van. The breeze is cool from the south-west as we had our afternoon chat over drinks. Closed up the van as it is supposed to get colder again.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.