|
|
Trip Report
Coal Seam
September 2002
We left the Gull Roadhouse (Gingers), @ 7.00am with the great anticipation of 3 days 'away from it all' . After all the usual preliminaries we all headed off down the Gt Northern Highway via Moora taking in the picturesque scenery of green and cropping fields sprinkled with wildflowers on the verges. UHF banter included the AFL grand finals being held that afternoon, with headlights and tailights (or lack there-of) becoming the weekend teezer between Daintree(up the Royals!) and Gaz man. Most had the quiz question sheets well underway by the time we turned off the blacktop at the Marchagee Track and onto Jingemia Cave, Watheroo National Park for morning-tea stop. Onto the Yarra Yarra Lakes, a group of salt lakes covering a total of 119sq klms, with the largest lake l5 by 7-8 klms. The 'impassable when wet' sign at the commencement is one to be well heeded -(ask Fleckerel!) With bright pink everlasting groundcovers and big groupings of geraldton wax bushes, we made a welcome lunch stop and updated AFL scores - close game!! Then onto Three Springs and then up to Mingenew. After fuel ups and icecreams it was onto our campsite at the Banksia Springs farmstay.
The campsite was excellent, after setting up and a quick tea, we were back in our cars and were on the road to view the nearby Laser Ranging Station which Bootlegger had arranged for us .It was a totally amazing, with technical detail which really got the 'boys' interest. The laser beam travels to a total distance of 21,000 klms out into space tracking specified satellite targets as part of a world wide network, which Gaz man managed to 'shut down' for a whole minute by just leaning on THE MOST IMPORTANT BUTTON in the very cramped control room, with the operator then having to boost the laser beam back up.
On Sunday 9 vehicles left at 9.30am and headed towards Coalseam via a route taking in panoramic views of the 'breakaway country' and the Irwin River winding its way across the expansive and majestic landscape. By the time we got to Coalseam it way quite hot, but most still went for a walk up the Irwin River in search of 'fossils' , but instead came across 'All Tracks 4WD Club, in their cars, in the dry riverbed. Hercules 2 boys Thomas and Louis and their 2 friends who came for the weekend also, Samuel and Rebecca, had great fun exploring and sliding down embankments. We then returned for lunch under whatever shade could be gained from trees. Coalseam, discovered in 1846 by the Gregory Brothers is WA's first coal discovery with open mineshafts still existing. However the quality of the coal was low grade and was soon abandoned. After lunch we drove around the park, taking in visible coalseams in the rocks and had a closer look at some 'diggings'. It was then on to Mingenew and a wildflower reserve, where several quandong trees were fruiting. Unfortunately the wildflowers here we nearly 'all spent',and orchids which can usually be found here had finished. Icecreams, and fuel stop in town then onto Mingenew Hill, a scenic lookout overlooking the townsite and surrounding area. Jan found evidence here of extinguished wreath flower plants.
A mid afternoon return to base to get firewood for the campfire for the camp oven cooking that evening, The fireside evening was a great success with the comfort of the fire helping to keep the cold evening at bay. Dinner was cooked by a variety of means, Daintree's traditional pancakes to top off, and with tummies full we settled in for a comradery evening of poetry reading by Hercules and Jan (Gemacorn's) original poetry reading, quiz answers, limericks, jokes and funny stories. The children had a great time doing a variety of things and made melon faces with lights (?!) inside, had toasted marshmallows and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Monday morning some, especially the children, went across to watch sheep shearing on the farm. We left camp around 9.30am and headed to a very popular picnic and swimming spot called Allendale Pool, part of the Greenough River system. This Morning-tea stop was extended as several people including Robert, Brendan and his 2 boys enjoyed cooling off in the clear water and doing 'bombies' off a rope. This spot is truly fantastic and it was agreed one to be returned to with more time next time.
Time for us to head south for the 'run home'. Here again Bootlegger had researched a scenic and interesting route off the black top taking in wildflowers on verges, picturesque fields of blanket colours of purple from the blooming Patersons Curse and yellow from the dandelions. Lunch was had at Wilsons Nature Reserve and Cockatoo Canyon. Back on the road again winding ourselves back home in a south westerly direction, stopping at a panoramic spot to inspect two massive oil wells pumping away in a nearly field. More gravel till we eventually reached the Brand Highway at the Mill House roadhouse. Once again icecreams and fuel (creating a bad habit here!)
Usual run from here to Reagans Ford where the convoy broke up. Here we expressed our hearty thanks to Bootlegger on what had been a well researched and organized, interesting and fun filled weekend.
Report by Pegasus
Last updated 14Nov04
Back to Top
|
