Not long on the road this week. We returned from Quairading on Sunday night to Gingin in just a day and a half; probably would have been less had Navman been able to distinguish between a road and a fire track!
Monday’s first stop was Cunderdin. We saw an Ettamogah Pub replica which caused us to pull up for a photo. Right across the road was a far more interesting destination; a very large folk museum. The main structure was the old Number 3 pump house on the Kalgoorlie water pipeline. But the pipeline/pump memorabilia was only the start; there were railway and farm machinery sections; a display, including a Tiger Moth, on the WWII flying school; and a large section about the 1968 Meckering earthquake. We hadn’t heard of it either – but it destroyed the whole town with a plate movement of up to 1.5 meters a few km from the old town site. No deaths, something to remember when you see the photo!
By the time we got away from there we had time for only a brief cruise through the historic town of Northam, then it was on through Toodyay and a search for a campsite in the Avon Valley National Park. We eventually found a beautiful bush camp spot. Cool, cloudy, still evening, no one else in sight, a great camp fire. We spent longer sitting in front of that fire than Geoff can stand sitting in front of commercial television (except football).
Next morning it was a bit challenging to find our way on to the correct road for Gingin. Navman worse than useless, had to rely on Geoff’s sense of direction and a far from detailed road map. Anyway we arrived at Nathan’s place in time to get ready for the school band concert where Owen was playing baritone tuba. And a good effort it was by all concerned.
Since returning here we have also been to a school assembly, played mini golf, had a couple of BBQs and spent time clearing the block Nathan and Brigitte have bought close to their current rental property. Dave and Mel came up Friday evening and left after a counter lunch at the local pub today.
We hope to catch up with Dave and Mel again on Tuesday. They have a small flat in an inner suburb. We thought we had better see the city centre sometime, can not always be yokels. So we will take the opportunity to see them again.
Next week off to the southern coastline of WA. It is four weeks from yesterday that we have to be on the boat home. Oh dear.
Sue has got the hang of the Picasa program to process her photos. Even allowing for those out of focus Sue has built an album of over 700 flora photos. Now she has to prune it somewhat severely so that we can put something up on the website. Could take a week or two! Geoff is also building some travel albums which he should have ready perhaps sooner than that.
Cheers
The Ghans
