Heavenly Beverley : There's Something About Newman...

We have just spent our second night in Newman. Needless to say, we are still enjoying our breakfast at eleven o'clock. Some washing is tumbling away in the free dryer in the laundry. Master Toastmaker to the Stars, Michael, is in full flight. He may not be enthralled by most culinary processes, but he is at his Virgo anal best when in charge of producing decent toast.

We continue to be amused at the antics of other Grey Nomads. Yesterday, an elderly chap and his caravan wandered into Oasis in the late morning. He set up the rig and has spent the better part of the last twenty-four hours sitting under his awning looking at other caravans. The chap in the converted school bus adjacent to us was watching the telly on an enormous screen at six o'clock this morning. I know this. as I briefly watched the telly on the enormous screen before returning to slumber.

We are camped at the Oasis@Newman, a Multifunction Polis (remember them?) which caters to all types of travellers. There are accommodation units for workers, other units for couples and families without their own beds on wheels, a gym, an alfresco and playground, a dining room and a spacious caravan park. The entry and gardens surrounding the buildings are very attractive. We are parked on the very edge of the powered sites, so our only neighbours are the elderly gent behind us and Mister Enormous Screen to the right of us.

Pretty, the designated camping area is not. Red dirt, a few straggly trees and the most cowardly cattle in the paddock next door. They revealed their fright after being threatened by the approach of a tiny black Poodle named Noodle. Obviously, Noodle must have sent them telepathic messages that he was actually a Rottweiler disguised in a Poodle suit.

However, the amenities are awesomely clean and the washing machines and dryers are newish and free. Great drawcards.

Yesterday, fashionably late, we ventured into Newman town centre. The weather was glorious. We were able to purchase all our requirements without any hitches. Denver and George, the two youngish staffers on duty at Home Hardware, were tremendously helpful. We swapped an empty gas canister for a filled one, finally found a camping toilet seat on a stand, bought the components to create two additional towel rails for the caravan, added extra cut-off wheels for a 125 grinder (Michael's baby) in order to terrorise more rusty metal, some exceedingly sharp snap-off blades for his Olfal knife and purchased three heavy duty fly swats for some heavy duty flies. In between finding all these items, we had them in fits of laughter due to our normal shenanigans.

Woolies and the Newman pharmacy were efficient and trouble-free with cheerful personnel. Anita at Celebrations was able to shoo out some unwanted locals whilst regaling us with the qualities of the vino on special. She also informed us of possible Artist-in-Residence programmes available through the East Pilbara Arts Centre. Our ears pricked up and we decided further investigation was in order. The idea of spending the winter months in a warmer climate than Beverley is certainly an attractive proposition.

Newman appears to be far cleaner than when we were last here. The amenities are excellent, the houses are mostly clean and tidy, people are smiling and the surrounding scenery is stunning. We cannot help but know that we have arrived in the Pilbara. The appeal of the red dirt and the drama of the landscape have drawn us in. Again.

Today, we are planning to visit Ophthalmia Dam and the Martumili artists' gallery. Not that we are hurrying. We should be out of here by early afternoon (ish). The sky is overcast and cooler, meaning great for sightseeing and a bit of walking. The day will be completed by dinner in the dining room, as I am on strike for our final evening meal here.

Last jobs are calling me. I shall haul my dry washing out and then have a well-deserved shower. Michael is installing my towel rails as we speak.

All is well in our world.

Images @ Oasis, just outside Newman...