TCR Line WA

 

The Trans Continental Railway line we were now driving beside is the same one we followed to Tarcoola. We were now on the western side of the expanse of it. We left Forrest and continued west. Same unkept road conditions, slow going but very interesting.

More lizards beside the road and our first camel sighting. Unfortunately the camel seemed to be a bit lame on his front leg, having a limp while walking. Feeling bad we could do nothing for him, we watched for a while then had to leave him to his own devices.

We were on our way to a junction called Loongana, the same name of one of our favourite places in Tasmania. At this point we were heading south to the highway, some 110k away as this was the nearest fuel. We had had thoughts of heading along the rail line to Kalgoorlie, but the distance was too great for our fuel reserves.

First night was spent behind a signal shed for the railway, where there was a crows nest perched on the framework for the solar panels. On closer inspection there were small fledglings in the nest and we saw them jumping about as mother brought food back and fed them.

At Loongana, after the obligatory photo of the sign, we turned southward. The track was a little less rocky, but in places it would cross small clay pans and you had to scan ahead to find the wheel tracks to keep on course, as that is all the road was, a set of tyre tracks through the salt bush plain.

Another camel was sighted along this track, this one more lame than the first. It made us sad to have to drive past and leave him to his own devices, as the last one. Maybe the two had been in a fight and these were their injuries, These things happen in the camel community, sad but part of nature.

Also passed an old well, with the remains of a steam engine, presumably used to pump water, as well as other bits of cast iron machinery.

Some way down the track there was a camel carcus a little off the road, when scanning about we saw another five in close proximity. This led us to rethink the cause of the former two lame camels injuries. Perhaps they were victims of a shooters misplaced shot. We didn’t want to dwell on that prospect.