I was really debating whether to go or not as we have had heavy rainfalls last weekend and it wasn't warm or sunny enough during the week to fully dry the tracks. The not so light drizzle this morning didn't help either. Had to go alone as mates weren't around or preferred to do work (when they don't have to today) rather then disappearing for the day. Ankle was acting up too and still pretty sore from a bad sprain 4 weeks ago
Really could have used a second car in conditions like today.
Anyway, rang the Department of Environment and Conservation to get track updates and they said people had been through and no tracks are closed. Time to go.
Started at Coolgardie --> Burra Rocks --> Cave Hill --> Widgiemooltha --> Kalgoorlie
Burra Rocks
Another side of Burra Rocks
Some relics from the gold rush at Burra Rocks
Didn't bother going up with the ankle
From a previous trip to the Rocks at the top
2WD track (Cave Hill Rd) from Burra Rocks to Cave Hill. There is a 4wd track as well. That track was still a bit too muddy for my liking and it's about 40km long. Being alone and no second car as back up, chose not do it today. Spotted a couple of emus running in front of me when I used it on Australia Day
Some corrugations under that sand on the 2WD track but not too bad. Can
even travel up to 80km/hr on it in a 4WD but in a 2WD... hmmm yea.. I
won't even attempt this road in a 2WD
From a spot on Cave Hill Rd
Reached this sign at the end of the road. Victoria Rock was part of the plan depending on track condition after Cave Hill. At the end, didn't do it
View of Cave Hill from a distance
A bit too far and too much uneven ground for me to walk today so this is from the Australia Day trip when we were not even in the right gear to walk around
Then I saw this sign. It was like heaven!
Couldn't resist of course. Used the 4WD track
Was really deciding whether to carry on or turn around at this point and it was only less than 1km in. Walked and measured up then thought, yea, go for it! First water crossing other than the puddles on the bitumen but that doesn't count
Crossed another 2 down the track
Then came along to this part of Woodline. Picture taken on the way back after rebuilding the right part of the track. First pass in the opposite direction was good. There was another patch of water which was deeper than the previous 2 and I wasn't confident enough to go through by myself so turned around. On the way back using this part, I almost got myself bogged. Bad habit. Have to stop getting bogged. Had to rebuild the right part of the track so could go through without major problems. The left side has my signature attempt. Realised later on the way home that I forgot to turn off the ESP. DUH!
A bit muddy after the attempt
Success!
After Cave Hill was Victoria Rock but on the way there, there was a nice water puddle so turned around to Widgie and came back to Kal.
Time for a good wash
Good fun and apart from more scratches, no other damage this time thank goodness. Broke the reverse light housing and the trailer connector thingy on the Australia Day trip.
This area was featured on Pat Callinan's 4x4 Adventures Season 2's Esperance to Kalgoorlie episode I believe.
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