Thurs, 9th Jan, 2025 Talc Mine Lookout, Three Springs to Enanty Barn 24hr rest area, Mingenew, WA (Yandanooka & Mingenew history, Sophia 10mths)

Bit chilly this morning - had to pull up the big blanket as it got down to 14 degrees. Clear sky and a lovely sunrise but I didn’t get out of bed to take a photo! The cold wind is still blowing.

Sophia is 10 months old today. Only 2 months till I get to cuddle her.

Sent Kaylene’s mum, Dawn, a happy birthday message. So glad they are having a nice time in Melbourne with her.

Packed up and headed back to town then northward again on the Midland Road.

Passed Arrino - forgot to stop to read the history plaque but I had this from the info board in Three Springs.

Pulled off and across the rail line into an old soldier settlement township, Yandanooka. Not much here now - a hall (1923) and there is a little house hidden behind the trees beside it.

As there are no lights about it is a good spot for star gazing and there is a concrete slab set up with compass points and information.

Had a cuppa then headed back to the main road.

Just before Mingenew we pulled into the Littlewell Aboriginal Reserve. There is a walking path with more information and picnic tables.

Very interesting and lovely to read about how the people worked together and looked at each other with respect - all human beings. Shame that has been lost now with some - on both sides!

Into Mingenew - huge Commercial Hotel. Looks like it needs some roof work done.

Checked on the history information etc.

This area was crawling with tanks etc during WW2.

Across the road to a lovely park with a glacier rock, sculpture and history photos and a huge playground behind the info hut. Lots of reflections on the glass fronts of the photos.

Wandered up the road to a lovely brick building that was once the Post Office.

Some nice murals.

The first Store and Bank.

Chatted with a chap who said the hotel’s roof was damage from Cyclone Seroja in 2021 and it’s still waiting to be fixed.

A nice mosaic and some more murals on the bus shelter.

Walked back up the street. A couple of places to check out off this map.

Back to the truck and then turned right and over the rail line. Spotted some drovers sitting on the gate and went into the Drovers Rest picnic area below Mingenew Hill. Very nice display and information.

Continued on, across the dry Lockier River.

Turned onto the road to Depot Hill for lunch. Looking back at Mingenew Hill with the trees of the Irwin River in the foreground.

Depot Hill.

Pulled into a small parking area near the causeway over the Irwin River which is dry at the moment.

Checked out the history info. Decided not to bother with the walk - no wildflowers.

Back towards town then onto another road to Enanty Hill and the historic barn (c1870) the locals have restored. We can park here for the night. Great information boards inside though some of the word plaques need replacing.

Steve showed me where the sheep went out after being shorn - as he is after I cut his hair he says.

Another board in the shepherd's quarters.

View from the back.

We decided to continue on to Coalseam Conservation Park then we reached a sign that said we need to book online to camp there. $15 each to stay so we went back to the free spot to Enanty Barn.

As we drove back I noticed an old house further up the hill from the barn.

We set up in the shade as it is another hot day but we are comfortable in the camper with the warmer wind and our fans.

I worked on my blog. 3pm 35 degrees.

Fran posted some photos of their day out with Sophia at the Aquarium. So cute and she seemed to like looking at the fish.

Lots of flies here so stayed inside for drinks and dinner. A few vehicles and trucks zooming by but quieter after sunset.

The temperature dropped again and it cooled down that we had to close up the camper. The wind settled by bed time.