11th and 12th August – Meekathara to Newman

Got away at 7:30 again.  Had a good run.  Crossed the 26th parallel at 8:30.  The only wildlife we saw was wedge tailed Eagles, risking their lives by eating dead kangaroos in the middle of the road.  A few poor creatures have not survived this behaviour.

Saw more wild flowers, the different species seem to be in small areas, then we don’t see them again.  Some are very widespread -  such as the ptilotis species

Decided to stop at the Kumarina Roadhouse for coffee and break.  There were 8 road trains pulled up.  6 of them carried massive tyres.  They could only fit 6 to a vehicle.  I  went up and asked one of the drivers about them.  Apparently they were for the big mining trucks, they cost $25000 each and they have 8 loads delivered a week.  Destined  for BHP.

Got into Newman about 2:00 and went straight to the information centre.  Huge mining truck there for the tourists to look at.  Got the gen on the caravan parks and went to sign in.   Michael and I took a ‘motel’ room for the night.  We felt that we needed a nice comfortable bed and convenient shower/toilet.  The camp kitchen was right behind us and so nice and convenient.  And….big surprise, the washing machines and dryers were free – usually $4 per machine.  Needless to say we did laundry- not exciting I’m afraid folks.

David had his back window repaired and M and I went to look around.  Went to the lookout just on the edge of town.  this looked towards one of the large mines (as well as over the town) and there was some information on some of the mining activities about.

Apparently BHP holds the world record for the following:

2001 WR longest ore train, 7.353 km long

Hauled 99,732.1 tonnes of ore 275 kms.  The ore could be weighed while it was on the track.

At the information centre we came across a mobile butcher, he travels in a loop around the area, appearing in each  town once a month, he was well stocked and had some interesting cuts of meat.

Left Newman about 12:00

 

Saw wildflowers spasmodically, but didn’t stop due to time, I’m hoping we see them again on the way back.

Got to Karigini around about 4