2011-2 Murchison - New Places 2011-2 Murchison - New Places WALLISTON Safari 9.... September, 2011. MURCHISON - NEW PLACES Walliston Safari 9 is proposed to leave on Saturday 17 September 2011. (two weeks before the school holidays) and return seven days later on Saturday 24 September 2011. Bruce...oNP M: 0408 924 868 8 November 2010 email 7 August 2011
WALLISTON Safari 9... September, 2011.
MURCHISON - NEW PLACES
Hi Folks
WALLISTON Safari 9... September, 2011.
MURCHISON - NEW PLACES Newsletter 1
Hi Folks
WEDNESDAY 21ST - WEDNESDAY 28TH. We trust that the change of date to a mid-week start and finish suits most people. I guess it has it's for's and agin's.
ITINERARY (PROPOSED) Wednesday 21st Walliston - Maya 295kms (approx 30kms NW of Wubin and then inland)
Because our travels on this first day are about 100kms shorter than other years we should be able to find time to do other "things" such as a longer and better look around New Norcia. Here we will be camping on private property owned by a cousin of the Dartnall's. I believe that we will be situated at or near a lake surrounded by everlastings and wildflowers.
Thursday 22nd Maya - Noongal Station 305kms (approx 45 kms North of Yalgoo)
After getting back to the highway we will continue generally NW to Perenjori and onwards to Mullewa, this should be a pleasant drive as the crops this year are outstanding in this area. While in Mullewa we should have time to visit the Church and personally built Hermitage, both designed by Dean Hawes. At this point we will head generally NE towards Yalgoo, turning more northerly at Barnong Station and continuing to the highway that heads towards Yalgoo from Mullewa but crossing it and carrying on to Gabyon Station. At Gabyon we hope to meet with the owners and get instructions about travelling NE again towards Dalgaranga, should this road/track be not too washed out. Turning south at the Yalgoo/Dalgaranga north road and proceeding to Noongal. Noongal is a DEC owned Station. At Noongal we will be advised, "depending on the size of our group", a suitable campsite near a hill. Friday 23rd Noongal - Warroan 155kms
At Noongal we hope to be invited inside the Homestead to view the "Pressed Steel Painted Ceilings". We will then travel south to Yalgoo and then east on the main road through Wagga Wagga and Murrum (a visit to catch up with Henry and Josie) eventually arriving at Warroan from the south.
Saturday 24th Warroan - Boogardie Homestead - Warroan
Sunday 25th Warroan - Boogardie - Mt Magnet - Challa Station 110kms.
At Mt Magnet there are several touristy things to see and do, before heading east towards Sandstone and Challa Station Homestead to find out the exact location for our night’s campsite, which again will be at the base of a hill.
Monday 26th Challa - Sandstone - Atley Station Homestead - Youanmi - Red Bluff 280kms.
Proceeding back to the black top and then east to Sandstone for a look around and then travel south east on the Paynes Find Road. Hopefully at look at Atley Station Homestead which was originally a Hotel in Sandstone. Today we will have crossed the Vermin Proof Fence twice.
Tuesday 27th Red Bluff - Paynes Find - Remlap - Cleary - Koorda - Cowcowing 285kms.
We will proceed to Paynes Find and then on towards Maranalgo Station and generally south past our Remlap campsites down to Beacon then south to Bencubbin and across eastwards to Koorda and again south to a campsite at Cowcowing that has been suggested to us by David Holdsworth, who should be with us for our last evening.
Wednesday 28th Cowcowing - Walliston (via Toodyay OR Northam) 240kms.
NEW PLACES As you can see from the above proposed itinerary we will be travelling on many new to WS roads and camping in at least five new places.
PARTICIPATION We have some verbal confirmation of participation for this Safari. Can all participants please confirm by email or SMS. Of course as usual, should you not get around to doing this, just show up at 25 Carob Tree Place on Wednesday 21st, OR if you are running late, catch us up at the Bindoon Bakery for morning coffee/tea.
TWO-WAY RADIOS Call sign allocation, next Newsletter.
Plenty - all
colours
COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS ... "please" All comments and suggestions are looked at and evaluated, after all it is YOUR holiday. Sometimes it is nice to see a reply like: "that looks interesting, I'd like to see/do that".
Email Newsletter 2 ..5 September 2011
WALLISTON Safari 9... September, 2011.
MURCHISON - NEW PLACES
WALLISTON Safari 9... September, 2011.
MURCHISON - NEW PLACES Newsletter 2 Hi Folks
ITINERARY (PROPOSED)
Wednesday 21st Walliston - Maya 295kms (approx 30kms NW of Wubin and then inland) Thursday 22nd Maya - Noongal Station 305kms (approx 45 kms North of Yalgoo) Friday 23rd Noongal - Warroan 155kms Saturday 24th Warroan - Boogardie Homestead - Warroan
Sunday 25th Warroan - Boogardie - Mt Magnet - Challa Station 110kms.
Monday 26th Challa - Sandstone - Atley Station Homestead - Youanmi - Red Bluff (Narndee Station) 280kms.
Tuesday 27th Red Bluff - Paynes Find - Remlap - Cleary - Koorda - Cowcowing 285kms.
Wednesday 28th Cowcowing - Walliston (via Toodyay OR Northam) 240kms.
PARTICIPATION (drivers, passengers and call sign numbers)
Call sign 2...Lindsay Craig, Joan Brown. " 3...Bill Dalgleish, Ray Chester. " 4...Richard Young, Kathy Young, Lesley Kelleher. " 5...Bruce Cameron, John Andrews, Bill Tibbertsma. " 6...Dennis Humfrey, Carline Humfrey, Keith Powell. " 8... Steve Dartnall, first night only participant, to introduce us to our camp site host. For late entries, call signs will be allocated on the morning before leaving or at the Bindoon Bakery.
MENU
Below is a suggested cooking plan for "best" use of the oven.
Of course plenty of coals every night for lots of "HOT POTATOES".
Plenty - all colours - confirmed with a visit to Mt Magnet last weekend, hope they are still out in a couple of weeks.
RFDS The tradition continues.
THE WALLY HAT The tradition continues - will need to be dusted off !!
NIBBLES ROSTER Wednesday 21st..........Call sign 2.........Maya Thursday 22nd............. " 3........Noongal Friday 23rd.................. " 4.........Warroan Saturday 24th.............. " 5.........Warroan Sunday 25th................. " 6.........Challa Monday 26th ............... " "All in" leftovers..Red Bluff. Tuesday 27th............... " "All in" leftovers..Cowcowing.
CAMERA DATE SETTING -- WEB SITE PHOTOS I have a great job when it comes to putting photos onto our web site. I get to see just about everyone's trip photos and reminisce about the people and beautiful places that we visit. With everyone using digital cameras these days, please check the date setting. DAY, DATE, AM/PM, 24 HOUR CLOCK. These WILL be checked on the morning of departure. It will make my job much easier.
COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS ... "please" ""THANKYOU""
All comments and suggestions are looked at and evaluated, after all it is YOUR holiday. Sometimes it is nice to see a reply like: "that looks interesting, I'd like to see/do that".
CONCLUSION
Only about two weeks until we leave.
We will be contacting the various stations in the next two weeks confirming our visits and camping spots.
Points of interest have been forthcoming, researched as to their location and added to the "things" to do and see list.
WALLISTON Safari 9... September, 2011.
MURCHISON - NEW PLACES Newsletter 3
Hi Folks
DEPARTURE: Meet 7.30-7.45 for a 8.00am "mount up" at 25 Carob Tree Place Lesmurdie.
WELCOME to "the middle dartnalls" Ruth and Richard as participant inclusions for this years Safari.
Bruce...oNP. M: 0408 924 868
"don't count the days make the days count"
Email 7 October 2011 Hi WALLISTON Safari 9... September, 2011.
MURCHISON - NEW PLACES
Hi Folks This is a late update on out recent Safari to the Murchison.
We arrived home on schedule after some rainy afternoons’ and beautiful sunny days.
We certainly did visit many new places and found five new campsites, some of these private campsites of our new found station hosts. The hospitality of our campsite hosts was second to none.
As usual we planned shorter daily travel distances to be able to spend more time exploring new places as we went along, it was a good plan and at times it did work, but we still seemed to get late into some campsites which left little time for exploring the near region.
I have yet to phone or email our thanks to our many hosts, but rest assured that this will be done soon !!
Bruce…oNP 0408 924 868
WALLISTON Safari 9 21st - 28th September, 2011. MURCHISON - NEW PLACES Diary notes and Photos of our trip
WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER - MAYA
Participants for WS 9 gathered at 25 Carob Tree Place at the appointed time (7.30am – 8.00am). Billy T arrived with gear for Bruce to pack into his trailer and vehicle, Billy D and Ray arrived shortly after, followed by Lindsay, Joan, Dennis, Carline, Keith, John - JA, Lesley, Steve, Richard & Kathy.
Colin Jobling, Julie & Danny Woodhams and Malcolm (neighbour next door) joined in the gathering to wish us ‘bon voyage’, happy travels and regrets that they couldn’t join us on this occasion.
Everyone had arrived by 7.50am and Bruce, our fearless leader, marshalled the troops with a rundown of the day’s travels and reminder regarding camera dates and medication.
Lindsay presented Bruce with a special set of gloves designed for use with iphones (touch screens don’t normally respond to “ordinary” gloves).
We departed with much excitement and enthusiasm at 8.10am.
Our first stop for the day was Bindoon, where we had to share the park and conveniences with a bus load of geriatrics, some of which were sprightlier than some of us. Ruth and Richard Dartnall joined our convoy here after Ruth had raided the local antique shop of all its valuables and bargains. The journey had just begun and Ruth was already gathering stuff!
Lindsay was presented with a “nipple greasing / lubrication” merit award for having his vehicle prepared ahead of time for WS 9.
“Mount-up” was called at 10.30am and a radio check on departure showed up 2 way problems for #4. These problems persisted for most of the safari.
We slowed down at New Norcia and idled our way around the hotel, flour mill and church and marvelled at the brickwork in the high walls and the very clean glass in the petrol pump. Bruce conducted a radio quiz for the name of the person who stole all the valuable artwork from New Norcia’s museum. The culprit was none other than Bruce Cameron, who was, in fact, convicted for his crime. I often wonder where the artwork exhibited at 25 Carob Tree Place originated.
The convoy stopped at Dalwallinu for lunch around 12.30pm. It was a bit windy, but pleasant enough. Rain was threatening but managed to hold off during our luncheon break. The Dartnall’s met up with some relations here (they’re everywhere!).
We arrived at our host’s farm (named “Udale”) around 2.00pm and were greeted by Susan & Peter Waterhouse. After a short detour to the shed (Peter had to get some beer for the evening), Peter took us around the immediate district to see some wildflowers – particularly the wreath flower and a field of ever lastings, the latter having disappeared over the week since Peter last saw them.
We saw the elaborate grave with headstone for a dog that was victim of a hit & run. We also saw the grave of an earlier settler and a cafe in the guise of an old Electrolux fridge. This self-service cafe operates on an honour system (no theft yet) and is stocked with confectionery and drinks. It turns over $600 a week! Bet this wouldn’t be a winner back in the city. We saw a big brown snake and hoped it was the only one that came out of hibernation early (especially those of us that sleep on the ground).
We followed the Rabbit Proof Fence (a bit of an oxymoron) to our camp site arriving in wind and rain at around 4.00pm. The site was on a magnificent salt lake that stretched for miles. Ruth added more wildflowers to her collection.
Wood was gathered, loos dug (easy digging) and camp set-up ready for beer o’clock and nibbles (by Joan and Lindsay) at around 5.00pm.
The oven was out for pies, but Ruth managed a gourmet fillet with horseradish sauce. I like her idea of pies!
Peter showed us pictures of wildflowers he’d taken. His camera showed plenty of pedigree and he’d recently sold some pictures to the newspapers. He also showed us some photos of some serious 4WD going on his annual father & sons safaris. Apparently he’d rattled the style-side ute body off his Nissan Navara and replaced it with a white one in contrast to the rest of his blue utility.
Our hosts stayed up very late leaving way past midnight and having to return to collect a computer before going home again.
THURSDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER – NOONGAL STATION
I rose to beautiful dawn, the rain and wind having long gone. Billy D and Joan were busy with thermos filling and I was severely reprimanded for delivering ours late.
Most of us breakfasted on cereal and toast whilst Ruth, Richard and Steve ate bacon and eggs (how very decadent).
Most were packed by 9.00am when we embarked on a fruitless hunt for a 9 foot long frilly necked lizard that Peter said lived amongst the rocks near the lake. It was a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Bruce gave his usual wrap up of the previous day and overview of what to expect today. Steve got presented with the Wally Hat (?) and Bruce hung onto the Dummy Spit, not having found a worthy recipient.
Lindsay’s riddle of the day was whether being only half-dead twice amounted to being fully dead. (Sorry, I forgot the riddle for day 1).
We left camp at around 9.30am with much thanks and farewells to Steve who was going back to Perth. He apparently had a fishing trip to the Abrolhos lined up and couldn’t get a second leave pass for WS 9. Bruce also asked Steve to convey our thanks and appreciation to Sue and Peter for their hospitality.
We found the bitumen again and headed north to Perenjori and onto Morawa. We stopped at some pink ribbon markers to discover wreath flowers by the dozen – they’re starting to become quite common (as muck). We had morning tea and had a pre lunch judging by the amount of cake and biscuits offered around.
We headed off at 11.30am and arrived in Morawa at 11.50am. We sought directions and found the Dean Hawes church and Presbytery, the latter being too small to swing a cat. JA commented that the altar in the church wasn’t level.
We were on the road again (to Yalgoo) at 12.20pm and stopped for lunch at 1.15pm in a carpet of wildflowers.
After lunch we headed for a gravel pit where our host for this evening was to be operating a bulldozer. We found the pit, dozer but no driver at 2.15pm. We stopped at a nearby cemetery and headed for Gabyon Station (Bruce's grandfather on his father's side worked as the station cook in 1917-18) where we met Helen and her 2 very friendly pups.
We left Gabyon at 3.15pm and headed for our campsite just off the road that leads to Yalgoo at the Noongal Station Road intersection. We arrived just after 5.00pm and selected a better site than the one suggested by the absent dozer operator.
JA’s new knee wasn’t the best and a search of the convoy couldn’t find a bottle of “Betadine”.
Nibbles were supplemented by a platter of oysters and marron, compliments of Ruth and Richard (I’m in awe of what will come from the trailer next).
Joan, Lesley and Carline were busy setting up 60th birthday decorations for Kathy. She turns 60 on 16/12/11. Balloons, poppers, sparklers, streamers, birthday cake with 60 candles and presents were thought of for the occasion. Kathy was very emotional and appreciative of the thoughtfulness of Joan, Lesley and Carline.
It was “wally burgers’ night for some. I think fish and risotto for Ruth and Richard.
We enjoyed maestro Ruth and her clanging spoons for a bit of a sing-a-long. The tunes were there, pity we couldn’t remember more of the words.
FRIDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER – WARROAN ROCK
I rose at 6.00am – too late to beat the early risers (Billy D and Lesley). The usual morning ritual of thermos warming and filling; followed by more eating (cereal & toast for me), pack-up, loo demolition, etc.
We had a visit by the Noongal station caretaker who noticed our campfire the night before.
Bruce again briefed / debriefed us on our wanderings yesterday and itinerary for today. Lindsay’s puzzle was about which word had the most letters – apparently it is “post office” (but isn’t that 2 words?).
The Wally hat went to Kathy (milestone birthday) and the Dummy Spit to Ray and Billy D (bitching).
We headed out at 9.30am for Noongal Station arriving there 20 minutes later to be greeted by Coral who was most accommodating and allowed us into the homestead to view pressed tin ceilings. We wandered over to another very dilapidated home and browsed through it. Ruth scored a huge bunch of silverbeet, compliments of Carol. Kathy gave up her balloons to the small children. The older ones were very shy and didn’t engage in any conversation. I got the impression that this station was in a state of decay that would not be halted. It is Heritage Listed and supposed to be restored for tourism. A display of times gone by.
Coral offered a tour of the station’s bottle dump, but we couldn’t find one. Others did, but the pickings were very poor.
We had morning tea just beyond the station’s gate – more cake, more sharing and more wildflowers to check out.
We then headed for Yalgoo, arriving there at 11.45am. Bruce, JA and Billy T headed for the nursing post which Joan directed us to having found it before us. JA was treated by the nurse after receiving direction remotely by a doctor. RY 2-wayed that the pub was open for counter lunches. We didn’t dine there but made a sandwich just to stave off our hunger pains.
The convoy left Yalgoo at 1.10pm heading to Wagga Wagga Station where we called in but no one was home. We headed another 7.5km further down the road and turned left looking for Boogardie’s southern gate, which we found 4.1km further along the track. Bruce managed to raise Phil (the courier, and ex Dalgaranga Station) on the 2 way. He had written his truck off a few weeks earlier and was now awaiting delivery of a bigger truck. Phil couldn’t make David Jones’ funeral because was convalescing from his own injuries.
We arrived at Warroan Rock at 3.00pm. Loo digging was easy and camp setup was quick. Billy D dragged in some logs for firewood and chopped them up with his chain saw. Thanks Billy.
The lawn hadn’t been cut (too much feed elsewhere) so I camped on the upper side of the track nearer the rock. I climbed the rock several times to phone home, but Dianne had her phone switched off (couldn’t have been missing me).
Richard and Kathy provided a feast of nibbles and we settled into another night of social bliss.
It was oven night with casseroles, but Ruth and Richard had roast chook and polenta.
Janet and daughter Simone, from Boogardie Station arrived around 7.30pm and we managed to find something for them to eat. Janet bought us up to date with family and coping with David’s death. Henry (snr) is undergoing further cancer treatment. Simone is finishing her studies to become a teacher and excited about embarking on her chosen career.
Bruce, LK and Simone climbed the rock to phone Paul, but couldn’t raise him. He arrived eventually at around 9.30pm. He left late and I’m glad he stayed on the track when he went home.
SATURDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER – WARROAN ROCK
It was a cold clear night and I slept on a slight slope that made me fall off my sleeping mat (or was IT the alcohol?). I intended to re-locate the tent later in the day but that didn’t happen, so I got to fall off my mat 2 nights running.
I rose at 6.00am and managed to extend breakfast for 3 hours because we didn’t need to pack up.
At around 9.00am Bruce held his briefing session and suggested that he conduct a reconnaissance mission to determine a good vantage point to view the Australasian Safari. He together with JA, Ray and Billy D went off whilst Lesley, Billy T, Richard, Kathy, Joan and Lindsay walked around the rock.
Bruce returned and said he met up with a safari checkpoint and thought maybe the safari would be making the same creek crossing that we’d come over yesterday on our way to Warroan Rock.
Some of us headed out to a natural soak not too distant from the campsite. The soak has been fenced and flora and fauna are recovering with much insect and bird life (finches and budgies).
We returned and prepared a picnic lunch and then headed out around 11.00 am for the creek crossing hoping to watch the vehicles and competitors in the Australian Safari as they passed. The footy commenced at 11.45am – sad day for the Eagles, who were denied a berth in the grand final by Geelong (who took out the premiership a week later).
Bruce, Ray and Billy T go to check another possible location for the race but there is no evidence of any rally cars/bikes passing. Bruce tried to raise officials at checkpoints, but no one’s answering (wonder why).
Around 1.00pm it became evident that we were at the wrong location and so we head out for Boogardie homestead. On the way Richard Young climbed a windmill but couldn’t see anything to do with the safari so we continued on, arriving at the homestead (where the race ends) at 1.30pm.
We have lunch and talk with race officials at the finish line (Richard Young knows one of them) and wander on down to the finish line in time to see the race leader home. We wait for 3 other riders to finish (no cars yet) and head back to our campsite for a 10 minute pit stop arriving at 2.30pm.
Bruce wants to check out another possible race route near a broken down fence line and he strikes the jackpot. We settled in to watch some bikes, quads, Mitsubishi Pajeros and Nissan Navaras race past us with one breaking down not 50 yards from our vantage point. We heard some colourful language directed at the navigator, saw a quick repair of front brake pads / callipers and the Pajero resumes the race having lost 10 or so minutes.
We didn’t see any buggies.
We stayed out till 5.30pm before heading back to a camp that was overrun with 9 young Watpac mine workers and young Henry ready to party. There were 3 x Irish Paddys amongst them. It was #5’s turn for nibbles but Ruth saved our bacon and did the honours with a feast to satisfy our young revelling guests.
Henry managed to get them going and leave us in peace. I was sitting in my tent when they went by and heard one of them say that it would be fun to drive over it. Not so much fun if I’m in it. Maybe I relocate elsewhere less vulnerable next time.
At around 7.30pm we gathered to enjoy our roast that RY, Carline, Joan and Kath had slaved over all afternoon to prepare. We enjoyed a sumptuous meal of roast pork, beef, lamb, shanks, pumpkin, potatoes, onion and mixed vegetables and peas. We extend our very sincere thanks to the very gifted cooks.
We had a visit by a huge stick insect – not enough meat to roast though! JA got out his guitar and we enjoyed his music and songs of his own composition. We all enjoyed a shower. Lindsay read us an e-mail about the “perfect” Brian who happened to be a former husband of the author’s current wife. Richard Dartnall had a joke about a Polish pharmacist selling deodorant to a fellow countryman (not roll-on or aerosol but for the armpits).
SUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER – CHALLA STATION
The day commenced with usual happenings of breakfast and packing for the next leg of our journey.
Bruce gave us a wrap for yesterday and outlined our journeys today. Ruth got the Wally Hat for saving the day (nibbles) yesterday. The Dummy Spit was returned to Bruce pending a suitable recipient. Lindsay’s mind bender was what happens if you fail a survival course.
First order of the day was to visit the grave of David Jones and pay our respects.
We then had morning tea and learned of failing tow-bar on Dennis’ car and called on young Henry for assistance who got brother John to do a welding repair.
We refilled our water jerry cans, had lunch, conveyed our thanks to the Jones’ for their continued and generous hospitality and headed out of Boogardie around 1.00pm.
We travelled to Mt Magnet arriving there around 1.30pm and stopped to shop (too late IGA was closed) and refuel. We left at 2.00pm for Warramboo lookout. The lookout provided a vista over a huge open cut gold mine operated by Ramelous Resources.
We then head out on the Sandstone Road to Challa Station arriving there about 3.30pm. We were greeted by the station owners (Ashley and Debbie Dowden) who now operate a contracting business (Caterpillar machinery and trucks) as the station is progressively being overtaken by wild dogs. The new shearing shed is in limbo (referred to as a trellis work). Our hosts were very switched on and most accommodating.
We obtained directions to 2 alternative campsites – one on a breakaway and one behind the dam (empty). We settled on the first suggestion leaving Ashley and Debbie around 4.00pm and arriving at the breakaway around 4.30pm.
The ground was rocky everywhere and sinking toilets was a real bother! Bruce pitched in and we dug and heaped 2 suitable holes. No tent tonight for Billy T who was offered JA’s stretcher for a night alfresco under the stars.
Nibbles were excellent again and I really enjoyed the natural coconut, which I hadn’t tasted in ages.
BBQ dinner was around 7.30pm with a salad of bubble & squeak from yesterday’s leftover potatoes and vegetables.
Bruce continued the tradition of Russell’s (Heath) jug and related the story of how the tradition came to be. We all drank from the jug in honour of Russell, together with a toast to absent and departed friends.
Billy D provided the music from his vehicle; Lesley supplied Tim Tam sweets as did Ruth with a pot of mixed lollies.
MONDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER – RED BLUFF
An early rising saw me up at 5.05am with Billy D stoking the fire. I saw the sun up – magnificent!
Usual breakfast, a visit to a “cave” with chimney, pack up and wrap up by Bruce. There were some clouds in the sky! I got the Wally Hat for just doing stuff! Lindsay supplied another mind twister – do you shoot a mime with a silencer? It seems Lindsay discovered a second chin whilst shaving and viewing his face from a different angle.
We left Challa shortly after 9.00am arriving at Jundoo Dam (water supply for the loco's on the railway to Sandstone) around 10.00am. It would make a very good camping site with wood supply being the only drawback.
Back on the road at 10.45am headed for Sandstone arriving there at 11.20am. We couldn’t refuel because “Safari mob cleaned us out”. Did some shopping and headed out at midday for a tour of Sandstone. We visited the Sandstone Brewery then London Bridge and stopped there for lunch.
We then headed to the state battery and moseyed around there for awhile. The next stop was a well where Billy T extracted 3 springs for Ruth from an abandoned folding chair. Lindsay suggested there were springs at the well after all!
By 2.30pm we were on the road to Paynes Find. Bruce found the turnoff to the “Dromadeers” (cameleers) staging point / hostel arriving there at 4.30pm. The wind was up and the sky black. We fossicked around the site and found some spent shells and old bottles with Ray taking a liking to four of them.
At 5.00pm we headed back down the same track in search of a campsite, which was selected 10 minutes later and down came the rain.
Some of us got a little wet setting up trailers and latrines. Lindsay and Joan waited a bit but decided to have a night in Paynes Find as the weather continued to look ominous.
The ground was extremely rocky but Billy D managed to get some decent holes with his shovelling skills ably assisted by Bruce. Once the loos were up, the wind died and the rain retreated.
I thought about alfresco or a night in Bruce’s trailer when he asked where I was going to pitch my tent. The threat of rain put paid to sleeping alfresco so I managed to pitch my tent with 50% of the pegs exposed – but, thankfully, they held for the night.
Bruce and JA prepared the nibbles whilst I pitched the tent.
We enjoyed the last of our pre-prepared meals – again too much food and too much rice! A decision to postpone the RFDS auction was made with Kathy offering to hold it at their place after the safari.
Bruce did his “Archibald Act” which he keeps perfecting more and more every time I hear it.
Dennis read some risqué poetry about a young man’s first date with Mary and the rat in his pants.
Lesley seduced us with Tim Tams.
Above, there were clear skies, the stars were shining and there was no wind around. Billy D decided to setup his trailer and not sleep in his car with Ray.
TUESDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER – COWCOWING
Billy D and Lesley were up doing thermoses when I rose at 5.30am. We were missing 2 from our party, but things seemed to be less busy through breakfast and camp breakup. The skies were threatening, but the rain stayed away.
Keith turned 83 today; he has a trapdoor mind and has kept a daily journal for the last 10 years at least. He was awarded the Wally Hat.
Bruce gave his summation of the previous day and rundown of our travels today. He mentioned candidates for the Dummy Spit and there was no mind bender in Lindsay’s absence.
We were on the road to Paynes Find by 9.00am and met up with Lindsay and Joan 5km out.
We celebrated Keith’s birthday with the cutting of the cake, song and streamers.
Fuel was taken on by Dennis, Lindsay and Richard Young – in between failures of the generator powering the bowsers. Fuel was expensive at $1.90 a litre.
Ray and I chatted about his “Bush Tracker” caravan – like the fuel it too is very expensive.
Bruce took a small detour to the battery and back, added some air to a suspect rear tyre and we were on the road to Remlap by 11.15am.
Bruce raised Rebecca and Roger of Maranalgo Station on the 2 way but reception was poor and the conversations short.
Lunch was at 12.00 near a windmill and goat yards.
By 1.00pm we were on the road again to Beacon. Station country was giving way to broad acre farming country. The crops were looking good with the prospect of a bumper year hopefully.
We arrived in Beacon at 2.30pm. Billy D and Bruce had to put a splash in the tank. We got to look at the Men’s Shed (25m x 15m, very well equipped and only for 3 men) where some serious men’s business is in production.
At 3.00pm we left for Bencubbin in the rain and onto Koorda. The wind was fierce and it seemed that Bruce was chasing the rain again.
We arrived in Koorda with only a short drive to the wheat silos at CowCowing and our campsite.
It rained a bit during setup and then stopped as did the wind.
Nibbles were a huge spread, which was added to when David Holdsworth arrived with his platter of goodies.
We enjoyed BBQ tea and I got suckered into being the auctioneer, ably assisted by Carline. Never again, but RFDS is $1,200 plus richer – a good result. Imagine how much more could have been raised by Carline alone! The auctioneer managed to buy stuff he didn’t need, but what the heck. Billy D paid handsomely for an exquisite patchwork made by Kath and Lesley.
A very late night – the last for WS 9.
WEDNESDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER – HOME
I was up at 5.30am to find Billy D, LK, JA, and RD already up. Thick frost covered cars and tables. Hopefully the crops escaped damage.
All packed and raring to go by 9.00am. Bruce summarised the previous day and what could be expected today. Billy D got the Wally Hat for being a good bloke (wood gatherer and cutter, fire starter in the am, expert shovel operator, top bidder at auction, etc.) 10.00am arrive Wylkatchem for a photo shoot of Keith outside the hospital (place of birth some 83 years ago) and David Holdsworth (place of birth, some years ago, and local councillor). Some took in a visit to the hospital and were supplied with pictures of the hospital as it was in the past.
We said goodbye to David Holdsworth at 10.50am, drove past his yard (D & D Transport) and headed for Dowerin arriving there around 11.20am without stopping. We drove onto Goolmalling and said our farewells to Ruth and RD – I hope to have the pleasure of another WS with them as I do with you all.
We drove onto Red Hill for lunch and our final farewells.
Thank you all for everything – I enjoyed every minute!
That's it folks for Walliston Safari 9..2011. ## don't count the days ... make the days count ##
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The Safari >
2011-2 |