Wed, 5th Feb, 2025 Bush camp at Greenbushes Pool, Greenbushes to 24hr RV Stop, Bridgetown, WA (exploring)

Another cool morning, 16 degree min. Light breeze and mostly clear sky.

Said goodbye to Stephen and Rosemary before we headed off for a walk into town again. Going to see the mine to see the difference after the blast yesterday. The pool is very reflective this morning.

Unfortunately the gate was still locked. Supposed to be open from 8am to 5pm and it was nearly 9am - oh well. Good exercise any case.

Back to the camper for a cuppa then we packed up. Up the road then back on the highway and south to Bridgetown. Windswept clouds coming over. We turned off before town to see one of the ‘art’ trail but it wasn’t very good so we just did a drive around the houses and back out again. Along the railway road which runs parallel to the highway - the railway isn’t used any more. Found some totem poles and pretty pink flowers outside the school.

Around to the RV spot opposite the old railway station which is now the Information Centre. Used the dump point. There were two vans parked in the bays but they both left so we chose the spot under the tree as today is supposed to get to 36 degrees. 

The water tap is here too so Steve filled up the tanks while I visited the Info Centre. The lady was very helpful and suggested a visit to Donnelly River historic mill site and of course the Jigsaw Gallery. I said we had seen the jigsaws. She said they are expanding as they have received more jigsaws and the museum and info centre have now moved so they are putting in a puzzle centre which will be great.

Had lunch then put on our shoes for a walk around town. We had visited the Jigsaw Gallery and Museum last visit and of course the Blackwood River and old buildings but hadn’t walked the streets. There is an art trail but we will just wander along.

Found this plaque at the other end of this area which is has picnic tables etc.

Down the street - hilly area! Town Hall and the Freemasons Hotel (est 1907) on opposite corners.

History plaque on the post office and great photo outside the Police Station (1880) Museum.

Found one of the art trail works.

Continued on to the north end of town to the giant Peg.

Back along the road checking out the shops. Close up of those lovely pink flowers. Another art piece and a mural about the Blues Festival.

Went into an Op Shop and found a cheap suitcase ($5) for our trip home. Margaret has a carry-on one and a very big suitcase. This one is smaller as we don’t need to take too much. Took it back to the camper via ramps up the hillside then back down again to continue our walk.

Scotts Tavern (est 1876) was the Farmer’s Home Hotel.

Turned around and headed back along the other side. Another nice mural but cars blocking the view again.

The old cider factory (about 1890).

Interesting sign at the Bridgetown Pottery and Tea Rooms which is located in historic Maslin House (1870).

Interesting artwork. We saw this down south in a park years ago.

We continued along then down the side of the Rabbit Hole to check out more art pieces.

There is a big area that looks like a garden bar with all kinds of bits and pieces scattered about. The fence is made of firewood pieces with big weeping willows everywhere.

Another art trail mural.

Climbed back up the ramps to head back to the camper. Noticed the acorns this time.

Had a nice frozen icypole as it has heated up. 2pm 33 degrees and no wind. I ducked back to the Information Centre as I didn’t take my camera this morning and I saw a history think on the platform. When I went out a train sounded its whistle - ha ha. Inside there was a lot more information, time lines etc and two rooms of sculptures and paintings.

Put our chairs on the footpath in the shade of the big tree which is still providing shade for the camper. Nice relaxing afternoon.

Got up to 38 degrees in the camper then the wind picked up.

Another van pulled in as we were getting out drinks so I said to join us. Greg and Ann (ex Gippsland, Vic) had seen us at Greenbushes but they had left to get their truck serviced in Manjimup. We had a lovely time chatting till dinner time when it had started to cool down again.