First day on the train - Perth to Kalgoorlie

We have lots of phone coverage along the track so I'll try to get the blog done as we go in and out of signal.

Sorted out our luggage and went down for breakfast early, got the bus to the train station and we very excited to see the Indian Pacific waiting for us.  As usual we had a very interesting ride on the bus.  The female driver got lost a couple of times, we drove past the train station and missed the bus stop, she tried to turn around but had no room.  It was an 18 seater with a large trailer for luggage.  The driver then took us around the block and ended up in a one way street.  Had to reverse out of it, lots of fun, lucky she had a few helpful passengers giving her advice.  Made it to the train station and even though there were three buses leaving the motel for the station and we left first, by the time we got there everyone else had checked in.  Ah well, as Pam says, these sort of things give us stories to tell!!

We were allocated our cabin and given the talk by our hostess (who brings us a cup of tea in bed in the morning, folds our beds up and then makes them again while we are at dinner).  We have a very small cabin.  The seat is folded down to make a double bunk for sleeping.  I have volunteered to have the first night on the top bunk (I know the grandkids would LOVE it!!!).  Pam thinks with a couple of reds I may be a hazard during the night and might come of second best if I need a toilet stop?  The cabin has an ensuite….too small to photograph but I’ll give it a go!  We had such a smooth cruise, the rocking and rolling of the train carriage may prove my undoing at 2am!!!   I’ll let you know how I go tomorrow.

Left on time at about 10am and followed the Avon River Valley along…you guessed it, the Avon River!  Rugged country with steep hills covered in huge rocks and stunted vegetation.  Went through Toodyay which is on the fringe of the WA wheat belt.  Pretty marginal wheat country but by the time we got to Northam we were well and truly in wheat country and by Mekering the paddocks were huge and flat with mile after mile of wheat paddocks.  Unfortunately there were also quite a few salt pans showing through due to the land clearing practices of the last century.  Looks like very rich country and on all accounts is being rejuvenated where possible with mass replanting of native vegetation.

Through Kellerberrin and Carrabin watching millions and millions of acres of whest country pass us by, didn’t realise the WA wheat belt was so extensive.  Each of the towns we go through have huge wheat storage facilities, silos, sheds and on-ground storage.

We were allocated a 1.45 lunch time at the dining carriage.  Decided at midday to have a beer and glass of wine, maybe another beer, plate of peanuts, couple of wines with lunch….7.30 tea time sounds a long way off!!!

From the wheat country we moved into flat salt lake are where some of the lakes are dry salt and are about 2 to 3 kilometres wide and 20 kilometres long.  Large areas of land lost to salt.  Once we got away from the salt lakes we came through lightly timbered country.  The eucalyptus trees had beautifully coloured bark – ranging from white, pinks, greys and reds.  All set of with bright green foliage.   Then it was into the red mining region as we head towards sunset and afternoon drinks time in the lounge car.

Very nice meal tonight and at about 8pm we arrived at Kalgoorlie and did a tour of the town.  I know, late at night but very interesting, visited the Superpit, a mine museum and had a full and informative tour of the town.  Late to bed and the train pulled out about midnight.

Ready for action

Standing on the edge

Looking quite at home

A very green Avon River

Marginal wheat country

Wheat storage

Hay storage

Water storage - Northam Weir

Better wheat country

Salt pans

Wheat paddocks for miles

and miles

Red barked gums

Salt lake

Some had just a little water in them

Sunset - knew you'd want one!!!

Super pit - 770 metres deep

It's a bit late and Vernon is getting a bit tired.

Pam with bucket

Happy Pam getting tired too!!

In the drivers seat