6 MONTHS ON THE WALLABY

ESPERANCE TO KALGOORLIE WA

We left Esperance and drove as far as a freecamp called Mt Thirsty Rest Area just passed Norseman.  There was only our two vans there but that was okay. The next day we got to Kalgoorlie and booked into our caravan park.   The following day we went to all the tourist sites.  Firstly we went to the mine called the Super Pit.  There is a lookout there where you can look down into the pit, albeit behind a wire fence.  Part of the fence was like reo with large squares big enough for the camera to fit through so you can photograph without a "chickenwire" effect .  The pit is huge - and it was awesome. If you look closely you will see a lineup of 4 wheel drives.  It should put the size of the pit into some sort of perspective.

Arnold and I are standing in the bucket of a huge "Kato" type machine.

From there we went to the Super Pit Shop in the main street of Boulder (which is another part of Kalgoorlie) to watch a short movie about  the workings at the mine.  It was all very interesting.  We also found out that there was going to be a "blast" that day at 1.00pm and as it was about 11.30am, we went to the Mining Museum but didn't do the tour as it would have taken too long. 

 We got back to the Super Pit at 12.45pm.  Just as well we were early as there were two blasts, one a few minutes after the first but they started at 12.50pm.  It was quite spectular.  I didn't actually get a photo of the blast - just the smoke and dust.  However, Arnold took a couple of small videos with the camera and they came out great.  I wish I could put videos in the blog but it doesn't allow me to.

The next shot gives you an idea of the size of the pit in comparison to the residential area.

After taking some more photos around the area we decided to go back into the main street of Boulder to see a special stage curtain which is housed in the old Town Hall.  The whole curtain is covered by a handpainted scene - one of only a few left in the world.  It is beautiful, as is the building itself. 

Of course a couple of other places on the tourist list of things to see are the "Houses of Ill Repute" (brothels).   You can actually pay to take a tour of the rooms.  We didn't take this tour but we spoke to people who did and what they told us was very  "interesting".

We had a great time in Kalgoorlie and would love to come back one day.  We were so glad we decided to go there rather than just go to Norseman and then across the Nullabor.  So until my next entry, which will be after we have .... crossed the Nullabor ....  bye for now. 

WoW!!! WoW!!! WoW!!

8:25 PM, 14/8/2007 .. Posted by Cindy & Aidan

Hello Mum, Dad, Tori - Granma, Grandad, cuz!

What can I say, they photos are just fantastic they look like you have downloaded them from the net, they are so breathtakingly perfect - you have captured the very essence of what was in front of you.

I'm also glad this is only my 2nd or third time hitting your blog and even though it is so well written and presented it is still very hard to see you on screen with out getting a lump in my throat.

I'm very much over winter and being cold and look forward to a ocean sun set, your photo's were overwhelmingly perfect - Mum you definetly have a talent with the camera (sorry dad)!! You should frame and sell!

I know, not long to go, it's kinda strange this is the longest in my life with out any physical contact from my family. "my arms feel empty"

Happy travels and return home safe - we'll be waiting!

Take care, love and miss you, Cindy & Aidan

p.s Got another postcard today thanks - Big Truck!
p.p.s Aidan's dropping teeth left right and centre - my little roughie!