Thurs, 22nd Aug, 2019 RIP Lookout, east of Tom Price to Roadside stop, south of Tom Price, WA (Tom Price & Mt Nameless)

7.30am 17.2 degrees, clear sky and windy. The strong wind blew all night shaking the van. The backpackers have disappeared – wouldn’t have been very nice in the roof top tent. Steve found some interesting rocks amongst the memorials. This white one was thin strips that could be peeled off.

Another memorial was made from Zebra rock.

As we drove down the hill we found them, still asleep in the tent. They must have packed up and moved during the night. Poor things. It was a hire car and the slogan was ‘Don’t count the days, Make the days count’. Very true.

Down the hill then turned off into Tom Price.

A big haul truck was near the intersection.

Found the Coles store and did our shopping then filled up with water. Very compact township as there are hills all around the town. From the information brochure - “Tom Price is 747m about sea level and is WA’s highest town. The town was named after Thomas Moore Price, who worked for the American company, Kaiser Steel. He arrived in the area in the early 1960s to appraise deposits of ore and was instrumental in convincing the mining companies that it was worth mining here. He also played a major role in lobbying the State and Federal Governments to allow mining to proceed and for the ore to be exported. In September 1962 at the age of 71 Thomas Moore returned to America. Sadly, he died from a heart attack whilst at his desk, only two hours after being advised of the very rich ore deposit discovered on the mountain here. In recognition of Thomas Moore Price and his efforts during the foundation of the industry, the mountain and township were named after him.”

Drove out the Mine Road to a truck area where we could unhook the van so we could do the drive up Mt Nameless. It’s aboriginal name is Jardrunumunhna, meaning ‘place of rock wallabies’. Its summit is 1129m about sea level and is WA’s highest mountain accessible by 4WD. Of course there is a walk trail for those hiking enthusiasts.

Unhooked the van and had lunch. Rang Mickey to say we will housesit for them in September. I said we might ring Joy too in case they want us to check on the station. Mickey said they will be here as Joy has a job in Dongara and she and Kayla are arriving in two weeks. Hopefully we will catch up with them too.

Followed the rough track around the base of Mt Nameless driving beside the ore rail line.

We then continued up the valley for the climb up the mount.

Great views as we climbed – looking down the valley on the west side.

The sign had said low range but we started up in high range. We came to a very bumpy section and it was down to low range from then on.

Drove to the summit and put the altitude meter on the Hema and we were exactly 1129m above sea level. Great views – lots of dust from vehicles.

Looking past the towers onto the Rio Tinto iron ore mine site and along the hill to other excavation sites.

Zoomed in on the loading area.

The photo of the mine from the brochure. It is one of the biggest in the world.

The track continued onto another ridge – looking back to the summit above the towers.

This view looks down over King Lake (the bright green triangle) and the van park first. Then the speedway and water treatment pool below us. Over the township of Tom Price and more hills.

Our van is parked on the clear area near the pool.

Further along we found a directional marker.

Mt Bruce and Mt Meharry are the 2^nd and tallest mountains in WA. Out there somewhere.

Another view of the mine site and the accommodation village.

Zoomed in on the ore pouring out of the conveyor belt.

Steve spotted a ‘little truck’ running along the ridge – looked like a little Tonka truck from here.

Headed back down – looking across to an old area with loading area.

Drove back into town for fuel and a gas bottle exchange – easier without the van on. Picked up the van and drove around to Kings Lake which is man-made though no swimming allowed. It looks lovely in the brochure.

The grass area was nice but the lake was full of weeds so the photo was misleading. This photo is the same angle as the brochure.

Looking across the grass to Mt Nameless. Nice date palms and a big fig tree around the toilets. Had a cuppa and checked the internet etc.

Headed back under the ore train bridge with its ‘highest town’ sign.

Turned right and headed towards Paraburdoo. Nice scenic drive.

We planned to stop at the Half Way Bridge but there is now a No Camping sign – due to flash flooding. Don’t think that will happen today but if it says no camping we will obey. Another couple were there who had lived in the area for many years. They said they had many fond memories of regattas held here after a good wet season. Them said there was a truck stop with a quarry behind it and plenty of area to park up about 2km down the road so we continued on. The rail line is running parallel with the road but it is a bit further over at this point so hopefully there won’t be too many trains go by in the night.

Not the most picturesque camp site but it will do for a quick stop.

Had our drinks while Steve read and I wrote up some of my blog.

After dinner the phone rang – just have reception. Kerry and Brian are near Kunanura heading home for their son’s wedding soon in Townsville. They had a good time at Old Halls Creek. They stayed in the old van park there and were given access to the guy’s three leases. They had fun in a gully and found a heap of little species. Well done. We might have to go back!!

Only one train rumbled by in the early evening.