From the Goldfields to the Wheatbelt

Supposedly the Hippos Yawn

The Mechanic at Hyden

From Kaqlgoorlie we headed out to do a Goldfields town loop, that did take in Gwalia.  The gold mining towns of Menzies and Leonora sounded great.  The tour brochures promised heritage lined streets, lots of old buildings etc.  We found very little to excite us.  Most of the buildings are either gone (just signboards) or are closed and boarded up.   In one street, 11 of the heritage buildings were shut down with only the hairdresser and butchers now open.  Both these shops were also boarded up just the front doors open to the street.  Lots of aborigials here, not sure if thats the reason or the fact that there are huge amounts of mine personnel living in temp accommodation and Im assuming head into Kalgoorlie as soon as they have time off and spend their $$$ there.   The drive is very boring, a lot of gold mines on both sides of the road, the wildflowers still amazing though.   Was disappointed  by the whole 3 day trip and glad to return to Kalgoorlie.  Camped up for a couple days in a park in the heart of Kalgoorlie (great spot set aside by the Council)  catching up with friends and then we headed back towards Perth.  We have diverted a little south thru the wheatbelt and are now at Hyden visiting Wave Rock.   Will travel a little further south before going back towards Perth.  Perhaps we will see the Queen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!