Maya
Trip Leader: Malcolm & Lizzy
When: 25th – 28th September 2009
Location: Maya WA
Participants: Malcolm & Lizzy, Keith Parker, Keesing Family, Glenn Bignell, Hansens
FRI 25 SEP:
Several vehicles met a Gingers Roadhouse at 11am for a leisurely drive up to Maya. They picked up Keith at Miling and continued on. Meanwhile Keesings made their own way up in the afternoon, with the Hansens and Piers leaving later, and picking up Glenn at Bindoon.
A lovely drive up was had, despite two very slow trucks. We re-fuelled at Wubin, and arrived at Beryl Hill Farm at 6:20 PM. We said a quick Hi to the Wilsons, and then made our way down to the campsite.
Everyone was well set up either amongst the trees, or alongside the lakefront. A roaring fire was going, and people were preparing their meals. It was a little windy and cold, and a few of us shivered throughout the night.
SAT 26 SEP:
A beautiful day dawned and all the wildflowers cam out. The Wilsons met us at 10:00AM and took us on a tour of their farm. Daniel proudly showed us the fields he seeded in May, and Mark gave a entertaining and informative talk about the intricacies of farming. Mark was impressed with the interest shown, and the quality of questions being asked, and we all felt more inspired to eat more brown bread!
We came back via about 100M of mud, and travelled through at various speeds thus there was varying degrees of dirt over the vehicles. We came out at Mongers Lake – a huge long salt lake that their farm backs onto, and enjoyed the photo opportunities with wildflowers and rocks to climb on.
Back to camp for a late lunch, then scurfing (kneeling or standing on boogie boards, which is towed by a quad bike with long ropes) on a shallow lake with Bec, Thomas, or Daniel driving. The teenagers loved it despite some minor injuries had, and even Terry gave it a go. Later on people made damper, and then began to prepare for the evening shared camp oven meal.
The Wilsons went off to catch kunacks from their dam for entre, along with Lizzys garlic bread. Then a feast of casseroles, various carbohydrate dishes and even a tender roast beef. Later on Daniel played his guitar to a sing song around the fire.
SUN 27 SEP:
Trip up north to Boiada Hill (notes from Roger & Jan).
Our day trip with Lizzy and Malcolm commenced at 9.30 promptly with 7 cars travelling in convoy from our hosts Mark and Suzanne’s farm. Travelling North along the rabbit proof fenced road, the well graded gravel road allowed good fast progress over an area of well cropped farm land in the Maya region.
Wild flowers of all colors were evident as we progressed along the relatively deserted roads with our trip leaders Liz and Malcolm providing a running commentary on local flora, fauna and places of interest. Apparently some 600 different types of Wattle are native to the area however I could only admit to identifying some 6 different types.
Hills were evident North East of the track where Lizzy explained that mining is still a strong industry in the area and access is therefore severely restricted.
A combined morning and lunch time break was planned for a scenic spot in the hills. However before we reached our destination a photo stop was made beside a salt lake that presented reflections of nearby hills. It was a good chance to stretch our legs and incorporate a quick comfort stop; Jan’s exploration of the lake was too close for comfort and resulted in a bogging in her crocs which fortunately did not require a snatch strap recovery.
On our arrival at our destination, at a well wooded area surrounding a hill, we found the area surprisingly busy with the Subaru Drivers Club having established a well attended camping area.
We set up for lunch at the base of the hill under a few shady trees and enjoyed our usual good company, food and drink. Age related problems were evident with people forgetting tea bags but remembering the hot water. Another making his tea but leaving it in the Thermos back at camp. After lunch some of the more adventurous climbed the hill to enjoy the views over the plains to the distant salt lake, well worth the climb.
Our trip back to camp incorporated a stop over to view a historic camel soak comprising of a number of small water collection scoops in a rocky outcrop. A massive rescue operation was carried out by Jade and Kelly to transfer some 70 tadpoles from a rapidly shrinking water pool to a deeper established pool, well done girls.
A further stop was made a few Kilometers from camp to view a Heritage settler’s grave of a Florence Minnie who died in 1916. Out of sight behind a pepper tree the grave is a site only known by the locals. All of our thanks go to the Hanson family for a putting so much effort into making the day so successful.
MON 28 SEP:
Pack up for trip home
People packed up, and the Keesings were the first off at 9:30, with everyone else leaving by 11:00am.
Malcolm