Saturday, June 30, 2012

Day 5, Monday 25/06/2012, Mt Ive Station to Loche Claypan


We got up too early today because Col’s iPhone had reverted back to Newcastle time. This was a bonus as I saw a lovely sunrise. Michael and Jamie had another melt down this morning. They can’t handle cold, early mornings.  Col took Jamie to see the baby goats, but I had to go and save her because Col can be a bit ‘scary’.




It is a lovely hike up a creek bed to see Cath’s Castle. Kangaroos were watching us from rocks just above. Passed several waterholes and if you look backwards an amazing view down the valley. Peter didn’t do this trek as he couldn’t manage with his broken foot, although most of the time you wouldn’t even realize he had it.



Poor Jess! Not a happy Williams family. Jess accidentally deleted all of their trip photos so far.

Lake Gairdner was as spectacular as ever! Wow. Amazing white glow with perfect reflections. This time we walked out which was an experience we missed last time. I was amazed by the thick, rock hard salt crystal floor. The white had a real glow to it, and the water was crystal clear and freezing. Just step out and your foot instantly dries white with a coating of salt



As soon as we left here I downloaded my photos and backed them up on a flash-drive.
Williams volunteered to run the keys and mud maps back to the property once we were back through the locked gate, and Jordan had another hour long drive from Mt Ive Station.



We found our amazing bush camp site at Loche Claypan (Salt Lake). The T-Van managed the sandy bush drive without a problem. It is perfect. Isolated with amazing views across the claypan, where the kids were instantly running wild. There were emu, kangaroo and wombat prints everywhere and 3 huge wombat holes. The adults hiked out into the middle trying to get to the water. It gets muddier as you go. Clay feet. Great sunset shots here, and then the best bonfire. Bruce went for a walk to check the wombat holes, but all still asleep.









Sadly the rain chased us to bed prematurely.

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