Wed, 24th May, 2023 Bush camp on Valroc lease, east of Nullagine to Bush camp by Running Waters (Davis River), east of Nullagine, WA

10.9 degrees, heater on again. Clear sky and light cool breeze.

Continued eastward along the road. No maintenance on the road so it was a bit rougher in areas that had washed out from the recent rains.

Zooming budgies and some galahs as we pass Hay Springs area. We tried to find the springs last year but no joy.

Three dingoes were wandering along the road as we got nearer to Running Waters. They weren’t afraid of us at all so got some nice photos.

Turned down the rough track to get to Running Waters. On the new map from the shire it says this is also Eel Pool but on the Hema it is shown further back.

We stopped at the top spot where another couple in a camper had parked up - we had parked the van here the first time we came. They said it was very wet and rough walking down to the pool and there was only one other camper down there. We walked for a bit down the track and it was definitely wetter than last year but Steve was happy no trees had fallen so he went back and got the truck and drove down to me at the first water section. I guided him over a couple of big rocks then got in for the rocky section which had lots of little pools of water. At the pool we turned right to where we camped last year. The other campers are to the left. With a bit of guiding Steve managed to get over the big rocks - a bit eaten out from last year and there is a big tree down too but our spot was clear and we got parked and set up for a few days relaxing.

There is more sunlight so the cyclone obviously cleared a lot of top foliage and this big tree came down too which has let in more light.

Certainly is a special place.

Lots of fish hanging around - there are catfish in here too so will keep my feet up when we got for a swim!

Had lunch - no wind here so it is quite warm 30 degrees. The other campers wandered past and said hello. They are German descent but now happy Aussies with a accommodation place at Bremmer Bay and just love the bush lifestyle. 

Got the togs out and blew up my floatie.

Steve put out the mat and a rope to make it easier to get in and out as the bank drops straight down.

Steve first in - the fish didn’t attack him like they did his corn he threw in!!

We floated to the end where the warm water bubbles out and more water is running down from the other side and the end from all the extra water laying about. It is very pretty looking down the pool with the paperbarks reaching across the water making a lovely arch. Back for a float in the sun to get a bit of a tan so Steve got hold of the camera.

Put the hammock up so I had a nice relaxing afternoon reading.

Steve went off looking for firewood from some gums as the paperbark doesn’t make good coals and we want to cook on the open fire tonight. He found some good bits further back up the track.

It stayed warm till 4pm when the sun started disappearing through the trees. Steve got the fire going and we had our drinks watching the fish and the beautiful reflections on the water. 

Amazingly there are no mosquitoes or bugs so it is very pleasant. A few cows are moaning in the distance and the birds are saying goodnight to the sun.

A couple of Bobook and Barking Owls are now calling to each other which sounds wonderful.

Cooled off so took our dinner inside to eat - nothing better than steaks over a fire and potato bake in the camp oven.