We had intended to leave Perth and head back East on New Year’s day, but heard on the grapevine that one of my cousins was flying in from Sydney to visit his brother, soooo whats a day when it meant I could see both of them for a short time. Lots of photos and catching up. Great way to start the New Year.
So we left Perth on the 2nd, heading South East, through the southern wheatbelt, stopping for a break at Newdegate.
A very strong south easterly wind was blowing so we pulled into the little town of Varley for the night. Well done to the town of 40 residents who provide the Chicken Ranch campsite for travellers. There is also a rabbit cemetery there, for the rabbits that lost their lives to the rabbit proof fenceš¤£(look up rabbit proof fence, if you havnt heard of it). Well maintained BBQs and amenities .
I even cooked a cake in the chicken coop! It had electricity, a microwave and even a small washing machine. Well worth a donation to keep this fun stop open.
It’s been awhile since we did rock climbing, so we tested out our fitness and the Triton. Nothing frightens the Triton, but my legs ached that night.
The rocks are actually called dams, they have walls around the base that channel the water run off into storage tanks, that provide water for the small towns. Built many years ago by the first settlers, one of these is still being used today.
Driving on the next day, we past many salt lakes and wandered around more rocks, it fascinates me that the growth on the rocks looks completely dried up and dead, but springs to life again after rain.
Farmers over west have a great sense of humor, came across this on the way to Lake King.
Also a tractor museum with DIY tractors. Quirky but interesting.
The grain silos at Ravensthorpe, yes they look abstract, but true to the bushland that is covered in banksia bushes around this sandy area. It’s lovely to see some bush flowers still out as we travel.
Oh, did I mention that Ravensthorpe has a yummy lolly shop. Hmmm, a must to visit.
We arrived in Hopetoun, and the wind was blowing a gale, so we nestled in behind the sand dunes for an overnight stay. We would’ve stayed longer, but its not beach weather. Very choppy when we arrived and overcast and quite cool this morning.
We left early this morning and headed North again towards Norseman. We stopped along the way so I could do a walk amongst these beautiful treess that are in full bloom at the moment, also some wildflowers and banksias at different stages of bloom.
Hopefully it won’t be the last time I get to wander through the wildflowers of WA. Now out of the Mallee country, we are overnight in Norseman before heading across the Nullabor over the next few days. Hopefully the wind will drop, or get behind us. Guess thats it, from WA for this trip.