Heavenly Beverley : Zoom N' To Newman

Wednesday 3 July 2019

Zoom N' To Newman

Yesterday didn't go according to plan. Moving north from Cue, we had a doctor's appointment at the Meekatharra GP Clinic to give Michael the "all clear". We also hoped to stay the night with our friend, the inimitable Anna Johnson, at her Made in Meeka establishment.

We left Cue with plenty of time to reach Meeka. We arrived early enough to have lunch at the Energise Cafe (fabulous food van opposite the cop shop) and visit the local hardware for some vital implements. Then we arrived for our appointment with Doctor Karen.

She was remarkable. A Perth girl, she was undertaking the rural doctors' programme. She was going to practise as a GP away from the Big Smoke. We applauded her courage and commitment. Being a country doctor is not for the faint-hearted. Karen will have to think on her feet, treat locals, ring-ins and tourists; patients who give information and patients who can't or won't.

The bad news was that Michael's virus had progressed to a chest infection. Bollocks. The good news was that she prescribed atom bomb antibiotics for three days, other antibiotics plus a printout summarising Michael's condition for us to carry for the rest of the trip.

Unfortunately, Michael's chest infection meant staying with Anna was not going to happen. So we decided to push on for Bilyuin Pool, about seventy kilometres north of Meekatharra. After stopping to photograph the town creek and surrounds, we set off, reluctantly waving goodbye to Meekatharra for the time being.

We drove on into the afternoon. We were looking for signs as Bilyuin Pool was a popular local camping spot. Somehow we missed the road. In the gathering dusk, we looked for a place to camp. One hundred kilometres north of Meeka was a Telstra mast. We drove off the highway, parked behind the scrub, gathered some firewood and enjoyed our first free camp.

The evening passed with a beautiful fire, a great dinner and a smooth bottle of vino. We were slightly concerned at the odd spit of rain, but the clouds cleared and the night was brightly lit by an amazing star show.

We woke to a clear sky with a slight breeze. A quick breakfast and we were on the road. We'd made the decision to head for Newman. We needed to do some washing, have a lengthy shower each and undertake to scrub a few dishes.

We arrived at Oasis, just outside Newman, just before three o'clock. We swiftly set up the caravan and prepared to lower the awning so we could set up the washing line under cover.

We had completely forgotten about Michael's very close encounter with Shop 1's awning back in Beverley. The collision had torn the awning off the side of the Forbes Building and dented the back top left edge of the caravan. Unbeknown to us, the caravan awning had also been torn in the process. Which meant the washing line to be hung wasn't going to happen.

Michael/Macgyver sorted out an alternative clothesline involving Lily's bullbar and the caravan windows. By sunset, a load of shirts and undies and socks were lined up ready to dry in tomorrow's morning sun. With only a small nudge, Michael also cooked dinner for us. A great end to an interesting couple of days.

All is well in our world.