Wed, 29th Mar, 2023 Tom & Sandy’s place, Thornlie to Baandee Lakes, east of Kellerberrin, WA

Tom drove me around to JBhifi to buy the Chromecast. They had it for $59 so he asked if it had been on sale last week for $48. The chap had a look then discounted it for me to $49 - very nice thank you Tom. Back home he helped me set it up. Had a cuppa, Todd came over again and we chatted for a while. Got Todd to take a photo of us.

Packed up and headed off - no need to go early as there is too much traffic so best to wait till after 10 any case. Up the highways then up the escarpment. Stopped at the rest stop Bob & Margaret showed us a few years back and had lunch.

Been over this road a few times and I been on the train from Kal to Perth too so not much new to mention for the blog. We had explored all the Pipeline Trail on the first visit. Not sure how long the Ettamogah Pub has been in Cunderin but I took a photo any case.

Pulled up for a cuppa so rang Terry. He will pick up Erica’s ashes tomorrow - bit of an emotional time for him. David & Amanda are coming up on Friday which will be good.

Missed the turn off to Baandee Lakes lookout so turned around. We must have missed this when we did the Pipeline Trail. Geoff and Virginia had stayed here in summer and said it was great. Metal plaques last well but are hard to photograph. Interesting information about the town, lakes and the original river.

We weren’t sure how to get down to the lakes so followed a dirt track around. Should have put on the Hema 4WD map and we would have seen the track coming off the highway. Obviously they had had a bit of rain recently but the track was good except for one section where it crossed the salt lake and was a big boggy but we got through ok. Back to the highway then we turned back and found the track down to the Ski Club area and boat ramp. One chap was camped by the first hut so we continued along a bit.

Another van followed us. It is a bit windy but will be ok for a day so I can catch up on my blog etc. Don’t think we will be getting in for a swim though - a bit chilly and very salty.

Went for a walk, looking across to the next lake. Smoke in the distance - wheat farmers burning off after harvest. Found lots of broken glass so will try out our UV light tonight to see if it is uranium glass.

Along to the ‘dam’ wall.

Back up past the other campers to the boat ramp. New sign so they must still use the area.

Continued along chatting with a couple of other campers on the other side of the ski club building. Did our walk for the day so back to camp for a drink. Sat outside, sheltered from the wind but not from the flies. Got cool as the sun went down behind a big cloud band so headed inside.

Set up the TV and tried the Chromecast. We have enough reception here so I did all the passwords etc to open up the apps for the various TV channels.

Cooked dinner. Tried the UV torch on the glass but it was just ordinary glass. The wind is getting stronger so closed up the camper.

Watched a couple of movies on 7plus and checked my data balance and it hadn’t used much so that was good. No binge watching though and I need to keep Steve away from You Tube!!