Finally we are back on-line albiet at a blistering 16.4 kb/sec or 4.8 kb/sec if you don't hold your mouth right when coonecting. We are applying for a subsidised satellite broadband connection this week.
We have now been at Lorna Glen Station for a couple of weeks and love it - is is a very peaceful and pretty place with awesome bird life - we have the only large bird bath for miles around.
Invitation for ‘Boggers’ to Visit Lorna Glen and Earaheedy Stations in the north east Goldfields of WA
John and Jean Mack – alias ‘Grumblebum and the Dragon’ have taken up residence at Lorna Glen Station, some 159 k northeast of Wiluna. Wiluna, a one-horse town, is about 550k north of Kalgoorlie.
Lorna Glen (245,094 ha) and the adjacent Earaheedy station (321,812 ha) to the north were purchased by CALM (Conservation and Land Management) in 2000 and 1999 respectively. CALM is now called DEC (Dept of Environment and Conservation). These two stations are to become part of a network of Conservation Reserves across WA that represents the many different landforms occurring throughout WA.
The intention is to return the land and its flora and forna back to its natural status. The livestock have been mostly removed and the land is being re-fenced. All the internal fenced will be removed and the most of the wells and bores decommissioned. There is an active eradication programme to eliminate foxes, feral cats and camels and the like. DEC hopes to start the reintroduction of endangered species in the near future.
Lorna Glen is near the highest part of the inland plateau and is divided by an upland that approximates the boundary between the Gascoyne and Murchison bioregions.
The diverse landscape has twenty-six different land systems including an undulating mix of sandstone plateaux, stony plains, dune and hills systems with large breakaways and lakes and clay pans.
There are groves of woodland acacias, mainly mulga and scattered eucalypts and a variety of scrubland. There are many small wildflowers in the spring as well as flowering trees and shrubs.
The bird life is abundant - almost in plague proportions around the homestead when they come to water at the only birdbath for miles around. After the rains when the lagoons and clay pans fill, they support an extensive list of wildfowl and waders. Over 100 species have been identified to date – and after a week, we have added the Chestnut Breasted Quail Thrush that is listed as uncommon.
450 plant species, 76 species of reptiles and amphibians and at least 20 species of native mammals. In a nutshell, it is an interesting place to visit and very laid back. The homestead has a caretaker’s cottage (ours) and an adjacent bunkhouse for DEC staff, visiting researchers and anyone else if space is available. Most people bring their own swags (or Bt’s) and make use of the showers, toilets, bunkhouse kitchen, and magnificent BBQ set up on the spacious lawns under the huge red river gums. The only problems are parrot poo landing in your drink whilst sitting around the fire.
Unfortunately, camping fees apply of $5.00 pp per night (excluding children) and there are some great campsites around the homestead.
This is an excellent base from which to get out and explore the region. There is no fuel available except at Wiluna – mostly only in office hours – so check first.
The road from Wiluna to here is a wide and a well graded dirt surface and was in excellent condition when we came through (better than Queensland country tar roads!). The station tracks are single lane and are generally in very good condition.
To find us, leave Wiluna eastwards on the Wongalwol Rd, after approx 42 k, turn north onto the Granite Peak Road. After 11 k on this road, you will pass the Lake Violet Station and a further 33k will get you to Millrose Station. Continue for a further 36 k and then turn right onto the Lorna Glen Rd. It is then 37 k to the homestead – you cannot miss it. We are close to the western end of the Gunbarrel Highway and the southern end of the Canning Stock Route.
If we are not in – find yourself a good campsite anywhere and make yourself at home – If it is cool or you want to BBQ, we have great facilities under the huge river gums in the front garden. There is plenty of wood in the pile outside the gate.
For a hot shower you have to light the ‘chip heater’ in the shower block behind the bunkhouse. A bit of newspaper, a few twigs/logs and a squirt of ‘kero’ (all supplied) and you are in business. The water (unlimited) takes twenty to thirty minutes to heat.
Our phone number is (08) 9981 2986. Tomorrow we hope to be on dial-up internet, contact us at mackberg@agn.net.au. We are applying for a remote area broadband connection asap and hope to set it up with a wireless router.
We look forward to seeing any of you adventurous Boggers and can offer a warm welcome and a laid-back stay – we are here for at least 6 months and probably longer.
Best wishes, your hosts....
John and Jean
