Early this morning Greg received a text message from a cycling buddy suggesting we have a look at Old Halls Creek. We had actually intended staying there, at The Lodge Van Park, but changed it to the town van park because of the dirt road. Wendy is not keen on riding in dirt with her touring bike as the tyres are fairly narrow. With our busy schedule in town and the crater visit we forgot about Old Halls Creek.
So, first up we jumped in the Cruiser and headed out there. It is such a shame that these types of places have not been maintained properly. Most of the plaques telling you what this 'thing' was have been "removed", (aka, stolen) damaged or worn out, so it really could have been very interesting. Although what is left of the old post office has a new roof over it and is enclosed in a chain wire fence. Lots of creepers had grown all over the fence, hence it was a bit hard to see inside. We managed to get a few photos and had a good wander around before heading back to the van for breakfast.
By 8:30 am we were heading West'ish out of Halls Creek. The road today was excellent - smooth and wide. There must have been a mass exodus of nomads from the area we are in now, as the majority of vehicles coming towards us were towing some kind of home on wheels. A conservative estimate, there must have been at least 100 heading East, and those were just the vans we saw while we were driving (we stopped for mornos and lunch).
We arrived at Fitzroy Crossing, where we initially intended setting up camp. However, it was only just past midday, so we decided to have lunch, a quick drive and keep going. We ended up at the Ellendale Rest Area, which is a free camp about 170 km from Derby. There are about 30 vans here tonight, and of course there are always the people who don't think much when parking so it reduces the number of vans that can fit in. But that's OK, we found a spot, made ourselves level, had a cuppa, relaxed, went for a walk, then settled in for the night. No pub out here so home cooked meals tonight that beat most pub meals anyway. What is amazing in WA is the Telstra coverage; out in the middle of nowhere, including tonight, we have reception.
After dinner and a spot of star gazing, it was time for bed.
More car bonnet art work
Street art at the High School
What a pharmacy looks like in Halls Creek
This morning at the van park at Halls Creek
Checking out Old Halls Creek
The sight of the old Halls Creek Hospital
Commemorating David Carnegie and his party reaching Hall's Creek on Dec 4, 1896 after a courageous crossing from Coolgardie of the Gibson and Great Sandy Deserts
What's left of the Old Halls Creek Post Office
Reflections on Halls Creek
Mornos stop
Traffic on the highway
Wedgie, and others having breakfast/mornos
Scenery
Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing
Ant beds
Our spot at Ellendale Rest Area
Wild flowers on our walk from the rest area
Majestic Pub meals, lamb chop and salad, and steak and salad, no chips to be seen
Sunset at Ellendale Rest Area
