16th April 2002: Stirling Ranges National Park – Cape Richie
Broke camp in overcast conditions that saw some light drizzle. Off to the Lily Windmill – a replica of a Dutch windmill. Drove south to Cape Riche to have a look and decided to camp there as not many around (which was surprising after Parry Beach & Cosy Corner). Quick camp set up with the hiking tent & bivouac.
Started raining at about 2pm; stopped at around 8pm… 2 inches! Apparently the norm throughout the south-west WA. Boy did it bucket down; couldn’t do much but watch it. This is the first serious precipitation since we left home – all part of the experience. No water in the tent helps!!
17th April 2002: Cape Riche – Hyden
Decided to move on as it looked like being another showery day. Drive north again, almost back via the Stirling Ranges, via Lake Grace to Hyden. Wave Rock is at Hyden and we were going to look at this. Decided to camp overnight at Hyden as it was getting late in the afternoon & it was dizzling (mind you we had already driven through some pretty heavy showers).
18th April 2002: Hyden – Kalgoorlie
Had a look at Wave Rock (a rock formation as the name suggests) & the Hippo’s Yawn – this took about 45mins, including a 3km walk.
Packed up and drove to Kalgoorlie, via a dirt road north (180kms) to the highway, then east through Yellowdine & Coolgardie. The dirt road was slippery in places but ok.
On setting up the handle of our car’s barn door broke leaving it only openable from the inside (interesting with the cargo barrier!) We spend the next few days here exploring including getting the door repaired. We visit North Hannan, Mining Hall of Fame, Mining Museum, Super Pit (open cut gold mine), Boulder market as well spending some time relaxing.
We also spot Harry & Roselyne’s car while there and arrange to catch up for dinner a few nights to share our adventures since we last met.
22nd April 2002: Kalgoorlie – Leonora
Broke camp & went into Kalgoorlie for the internet, info on north roads, supplies & telephone calls. We drive north to Leonora (250kms). On the way we run into Harry & Roselyne again and travel the rest of the way together arriving in Leonora late afternoon.
We visit Gwalia while here, an old mining town (now a ‘ghost town’), 5kms away. The Sons of Gwalia still operate a mine here. Harry worked at the Gwalia mine in 1961; it was a nostalgia trip for him and made the experience a whole lot better for us.
A late afternoon trip to catch the sunset at Mt Leonora is a must.
When Harry Came to Gwalia
When Harry came to Gwalia it was 1961,
Just off the boat, to Australia he had come,
Looking for opportunity, or just passing through,
Off to Sons of Gwalia as one of the mining crew.
Now working on the dangerous slopes smart Harry soon found,
There wasn't a bright future in working underground,
A bit of a confidence trickster, Harry was able to convince,
That his talents were better suited to making ammonia prints.
So into the office went Harry to work in relative ease,
With his knack for improvisation his boss did he please,
Though some workmates were Yugoslav and most came from Italia,
There can be no doubt, our Harry is a true son of Gwalia.
Whether taking english lessons, playing two-up or drinking beer,
Harry soon had enough wherewithal to move away from here,
So good-bye to Gwalia town, it was time to shoot through,
How was Harry to know, he wouln't return 'till 2002.
Craig, 23 April 2002
