Day 95: Fri 21 Jun 24 - Newman to Meekatharra Rocks FC

Fri 21 Jun 24 - Newman to Meekatharra Rocks FC (400km)

It was a very fresh 6 feeling like 4 Deg C this morning at Newman, clear with no wind, reaching a moderate 19 Deg C 21km north of Meekatharra on the Great Northern Highway. The strong afternoon NE Wind from late morning to mid afternoon helped make our fuel economy look much more respectable.

After a few early chores refuelling, topping up the tyre pressure and packing up, we drove away from Newman a little later than planned at 0930. Traveling south along the Great Northern Highway, we encountered a lot of road trains, and countless wide loads (5m - 8.5m wide) transporting monster mining equipment. I have to say that all the truckies and pilots that we encountered today were the most professional, interactive and cooperative I have ever experienced anywhere travelling in Australia. It's unusual to not hear profanities from them over the UHF, and many even give a wave, which seems to be a bit of a custom driving on the excellent WA roads. Noel even took a turn driving again today, and also got more than her share of waves.  We weren't sure where we would land tonight, but after 400km at 3:00pm, we decided the  Meekatharra Rocks free camp about 20 km short of Meekatharra would suit us nicely for the night. It's a lovely free camp about 100m from the road, hidden behind a large mound of rocks. Apart from occasional passing road-trains, it's very quiet. When we arrived, we were the only van here, but at 5:00pm, we were joined by two other vans, then a third arrived at 6:00pm. There is so much room here, and they are parked a well away from us, unfortunately the smoke from their fire drifting across us is not so pleasant. 

Where we end up tomorrow is yet to be decided - hopefully somewhere the other side of Mount Magnet on the way to New Norcia.

PS. We're testing the house batteries and inverter again tonight, and all appears to be going OK. Amazing the difference lots of KM's driving and good strong sunlight makes. 

Noel's turn at the wheel

Hiding behind a mound of rocks off the Great Northern Highway

Our home for the night - Meekatharra Rocks West of the Great northern Highway

Another lovely pile of rocks

Where we came from...

Where we're heading...

Where we are...

Set up for a quiet night.

Stunning light at sunset

Sunset over the nearby dam full of water. #1 of many

Sunset over the nearby dam full of water. #2 of many

Sunset over the nearby dam full of water. #3 of many




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