Entries about webber

Another day off into the bush to camp by a large lagoon in the Mt Webber station countryside.
Prior to leaving Weeli Wolli, we climbed the banded iron cliff face to wander along the tabletop that was littered with rocks. One of the group, who had been walking along the top previously, had found three pebble mouse nests all within the one area. He did find another nest earlier, which appeared to be more active, but was unable to find it again. This species of mouse is endemic to the non-coastal, central and eastern parts of the Pilbara, and while it may be prolific we didn't see so much as a scratching!
We were however not short - changed as the rock people amongst us found very lovely specimens of banded iron and commenced to bring back with them the results of their finds.
On leaving Weeli Wolli we arrived at our next spot within a couple of hours and set up camp against the back drop of the passing road trains hauling the ore to the railway siding way off into the distance.Those that sleep more lightly than us said it went on throughout the nite. On our way in we were held up for around five minutes while we waited for one of those very long iron ore trains to pass by. No such thing as wilderness!
On arrival we were greeted to the wonderful site of a pelican taking flight alongside two or three white spoonbills. The bird life was fantastic and the camp stood still while everyone grabbed cameras and the like. We were lucky to witness the evening parade as birds came down to the water and a flock of corellas squawked its way into settling on a large beautiful white gum. Movement by one of us sent the whole flock off into the sunset and the deafening roar by the birds told us in no uncertain words what they thought of us!
We were able to wander down the waterway further and found the site where early Afghans must have camped with the evidence of a very large palm tree embedded in the water course.
Later into the night we were serenaded by a couple of packs of wild dogs or dingoes who howled away eerily into the night. This didn't make one feel overly comfortable whilst having another cold shower which was located some distance away from the crowd clustered around the camp fire. We decided to bring in the rubbish just in case.
Day 16
We woke to the sounds of camp chatter, one hour later than the normal 7.30am, and much warmer than we had experienced earlier; made for quick exit from bed. With all the bird life around us we eventually decided to spend the day at camp checking out the wild life. A list of the birds would reach over 20 varieties but the corellas, galahas, budgies and weerios made the most noise while a dozen odd cormorants, darters and herons gracefully perched most of the day in one spot providing a great opportunity for photographers. We were delighted by nesting families of zebra and painted finches, who visited our campfire coals for a nibble, while the odd whistling kite flew overhead sending all and sundry into panic modes.
It was a great day and one that we needed. just relaxing, reading, bird spotting, washing etc. One soul braced the water in the lagoon but I continued being brave and subjected myself to a kettle of hot water mixed with a bucket of cold. Who needs glamping!
Having rested up a day we then decided to go out and try our luck with a bit of gold prospecting along an old mining road. Needless to say we took a while getting there as the wild flowers were engaging and the creek bed, while devoid of water, supplied many more interesting rocks to collect. The more enthusiastic amongst us finally got serious with the gold hunting and walked three metres off the road and gave it a whirl. Much excitement was noted very quickly and the small crowd surrounding the machine was keen to dig up the dirt - their effort was a tin can! End of gold prospecting and off we went in search of diggings and more flora further up the hill.
On our way back to camp we decided to deviate and go check out a caravan we could see in the distance. The old tract took us through old creek beds and up over spinifex country until the road petered out and we didn't want to chance further travel given the time. Several energetic walkers took off over the hills and dales till they got to the site which looked to be derelict with the caravan in a run down state. After exploring the site they deduced it to be an old gold mine that had been reworked but was now quiet. It was certainly an odd site - a caravan out in the wilderness!
Back to camp to find others had joined our site - it was time to go!