Vintage MX | Numbat | Forts | Holland Track | Calendar
by Lurl Penny
Gathered
together at Bakers Junction 8am: Riders - Ian Alexander, Andrew
Haydock, Ray Macneall, Russell Killick, Frank Cooke, Garry Blake, Phil
Penny, Bob Sutcliffe, driver of Ray ‘s vehicle and trailer, Helen Cooke
driver of 4WD and Lurl Penny. When we arrived, Julie, Raelene and Judy
were sheltering in a phone booth from a slight shower of rain, these
ladies had come to see us off.
Morning tea was at Pingrup, lunch was at Lake King Footy Oval where
we enjoyed the nice warm sun, then we were on our way to the Penny’s
farm. We then proceeded on through the Vermin Proof Fence and onto the
90 Mile Tank, reaching there at approx 4pm. The big concrete tank,
which was fairly full of water, had a huge roof, (for water catchment)
it was erected possibly in the 30’s, providing water for travellers.
There was once upon a time a horse trough nearby, but that disappeared
in the 70’s.
Oh dear, to my embarrassment, Russell found both Phil and my
signatures on the side of tank! I reckon that it was done in 1989, two
years before we both left Lake King. The roof provided good shelter and
soon tents were up and the fire going. It was quite cosy sitting around
the fire having tea, before going to bed.
Wednesday: Was a cold morning, with fog and rather wet with dew.
Packed up and on our way again to Peak Charles. From a distance, the
peak looked magnificent with the sun shining on it (and colourful) but
by the time we arrived at its base the sun was gone and we had a shower
of rain. A few attempted the climb, but only went part of the way up.
Continuing on, we had our lunch at Bromus Dam on the
Esperance/Norseman Rd, plenty of water in dam from recent rains. The
purpose of this dam was for the steam trains years ago. Stopped at
Norseman for fuel and drinks to quench our thirst. Arrived at
Coolgardie approx 4pm, which was good as we were a little tired from
the travelling. It was good to relax before we all “toddled” off to the
pub for tea.
Thursday: Set off north - saw the Kunanalling Hotel Ruins and read
its history, sad to see its remains. It had a couple of arches, and was
probably a lovely building in its heyday during the 1890’s when the
gold rush was on. Ventured on to Rowles Lagoon - it’s a red coloured
lake, due to red soil there. Its been upgraded with picnic facilities
and toilet and waterskiing is now allowed. Helen wonders if this could
be the same lake which was probably known as the Red Lake when she
lived part of her childhood in Coolgardie.
Next we are at the notorious Ora Banda Pub! Its being renovated and
we were told that work should be finished and it will be opened in the
following month, May. We had our lunch under the pub’s verandah, right
next to where the wall was blasted by a bomb, connected to the murder!
Friday: All keen and ready to go to see the historic Holland Track.
First we visited Gnarlbine Rock and the nearby well which has now
fallen into disuse, but was an vital necessity in the gold rush era.
Victoria Rock was next and other similar flatish rocks further on, each
had rock holes with water from recent rains. We then grouped together
for photos at the beginning of the real Holland Track. Quite
challenging! So narrow! So twisting!
Masses of mainly burnt trees
were so close to the track, it was very
hard to find a place to get off unless one was near patches of tall
timber. It’s so winding, forever changing directions and the ruts in
places were quite deep. Being with Helen, I noticed that she either had
to judge whether to drive the 4WD to the left or the right or drive
through the ruts because of the closeness of the trees.
Besides this, there were the sandy bits! We witnessed Frank coming
off his bike. He was quite nimble the way he jumped off quickly but his
bike got buried in deep sand! Well with so much of lurching and Helen
constantly braking and changing gears I had it so easy, just holding
on. This is what we all came to see, didn’t we? It is a track - so this
it! On the brighter side, the track was reasonably dry.
But was it good
for the riders? Unfortunately Ray came off his bike and sustained
abrasions to his arm
and a bruised hip. His bike was put onto trailer and he joined Bob in
the vehicle. Found an excellent area to camp. Tents went up, fire lit
and enjoyed a BBQ - steak, sausages and vegies for tea. Tired after tea
and a long day we all crawled into our tents. It was a perfect evening,
with no wind, therefore it was a warm night (and no dingos came
howling!) -joking!
Saturday: Bob decided to leave early for Albany, taking Ray, who
wasn’t feeling too good, with him. Ian left as well. We all hoped all
goes well for them. The rest of us got going later but unfortunately
came across Garry, he had fallen off his bike and onto a stump causing
pain in his rib area. With the trailer gone, (Bob had taken Ray’s bike
on it) it was lucky for us that Frank had a frame, that could take
Garry’s bike!
The frame had to be unpacked and assembled, but it was so ideal!
Inside, the 4WD had to be rearranged so that Garry could fit in. Later
we came to The Bounty Gold Mine, we drove around the area for a look.
It was stony around here but before long we came to Mt Holland. More
photos were taken when we drove to the top.
Everyone made it safely to the bottom and we headed off on our way.
We then came to the Vermin Proof Fence (part of) and a wide open
road leading to Hyden. Raelene and son, Patrick, were there to meet
Garry. With the Cooke’s, Andrew and us Pennies, we booked into the
Resort nearby. A resort thats in the middle of a salt lake! Its
surprising that tourists want to see a dry salt lake with dead trees!
Sunday: Last look at Resort, very nice units, lovely native gardens,
airstrip next door. Yes, there was a small aircraft there. On our way
home now, Russell said goodbye to us at Pingrup. We were plagued with
grasshoppers, messy sods they are! Had scrumptious cakes to eat and
coffee at the Lilly near the Stirlings.
Oh, something must be mentioned about Phil — getting back to the
Holland Track when Garry got hurt, Phil also got hurt. He was behind
all of us and came to grief, busting his boot somewhat. Being last he
had to pick himself up and catch up with rest of us and when he
discovered that Garry was hurt, he decided not to let on, knowing that
there’s no more room on board the 4WD. Phil still has a swollen ankle
but is able to walk. Hope Ray and Garry are now fully recovered.
We’re grateful to Frank and Helen for providing the 4WD, spaces for
our goods, space for me and for the journey - good driving Helen. That
date cake, donated, was yummy, the relish and honey, much appreciated.
Thanks to Ray for his vehicle and trailer and hope that all the riders
enjoyed themselves and may there
be similar trips planned in the future.
(Thanks Lurl for this article, I couldn’t fit it in the last magazine
but all the group have recovered from their injuries and are looking
forward to the next one).