Mon, 18th Nov, 2019 Chris & Mickey’s place, Sandstone to Fig Tree Crossing Rest Area, north-east of Geraldton, WA

31 degrees at 6am, clear sky. Woke early as we had rolled in the awning and I forgot to close the blind. Decided to get up early and hit the road as it was going to be another very hot day and we have 500 km to travel west toward Geraldton.

The dogs came in for their last visit. Mickey reckons they will pine for Steve when we leave. Said our farewells to Chris and Mickey. Might meet up somewhere travelling once they have sold this place and are free to hit the road in their van.

Left at 7.30am with the temperature outside climbing but it was nice and cool in the truck.

Stopped for a cuppa at Mt Magnet – found a tree to park under. So hot in the van but it wasn’t too bad in the shade as there was a breeze blowing. There was a big sign flashing about oversize vehicles passing through the area for 3 weeks soon. Heard two guys on UHF saying the vehicles will be carrying wind turbines and blades for the new wind farm at Agnew which is west of Leinster.

Continued on and spotted a few goats by the road. This area has hundreds of them.

A big wedge-tailed eagle stood his ground as we drove up so Steve slowly drove around him hoping he wouldn’t decide to take off and fly into us. But he just stood there and then went back to picking at his breakfast.

Further along we spotted 10 emus sheltering under a shady tree – even they are feeling the heat.

Passed the turn off into Yalgoo then further along we went over a rise and the land changed to wheat/grain fields.

Quick lunch near the Pindar grain silos as it was 42 degrees in the van. Opened up the windows to let the wind blow through but it was very hot too. Heaps of sticky bush flies followed us into the van but they didn’t live long once I got my fly swat out.

Continued on through all the grain fields – we remember seeing them when we flew over with Jon for the Australian BMX Titles. It looked like a patch-work quilt.

Through Mullewa where the grains bins are filling up.

17km before Geraldton we turned north onto a smaller road. Past Fairfax Farm which had interesting garden statues.

Erica rang as we approached our camp site for the night at Fig Tree Crossing. We have stayed here before. Steve found a spot under a shady tree and parked up while I chatted with Erica. They are fine and Woodgate was saved as the wind was northerly so it just took the fire down to Walkers Point instead.

Very windy here which is quite cool too. Opened up the van and watched the thermometer (39 degrees) drop quickly. Much nicer. Must be the sea breezes.

Steve dumped the toilet in the dump point and found 2 five cent pieces for his trouble. I remember hearing that they were thinking of taking them out of circulating too like the old 1 and 2 cent pieces.

Had a cuppa, temperature down to 32 degrees now. We are the only ones here.

Looked at maps and made some phone calls about Shark Bay camping etc which is where we will head towards once we do our shopping etc in Geraldton. We had explored Geraldton, coast and Kalbarri etc two years ago.

Played two games of Skipbo over drinks. Decided one game each was a good place to stop.

Easy dinner with the wind cooling the van down so much we had to close the windows. Watched a movie.

9pm it was down to 25 degrees – what a difference from last night. Will sleep well tonight.