DAY 146 - 13/07/2010 - Newman, WA

Warren and Alicia went on the BHP mine tour this morning. As mentioned before, this mine is the largest single open cut mine in the world. They were taken to the top of the mine and were able to look down into the mine itself. They also saw some of the machinery used in the mines.

As we suspected the loud noise that we heard yesterday was in fact an explosion. The guide had confirmed this to them during the mine tour.

Taylah, Lilly and I stayed home doing jigsaw puzzles. Lilly kept pulling it apart and Taylah and I kept putting it back together again.

We spent the rest of the day lazing around. The girls played with other kids outside and I managed to continue updating our blog site.

In the late afternoon we drove up to Telecom Hill lookout and got a birds eye view of the town of Newman. Its pretty neat for a mining town. Much nicer than Port Hedland.

We had a drink with our neighbours BJ and Mel. They are on a short trip from Perth. Taylah has been playing with their son Maverick.

DAY 145 - 12/07/2010 - Newman, WA

I spent most of the morning updating this blog site. Warren took Taylah and Lilly to the park and then Woolys to get some supplies. Alicia read all morning and didn't get out of her pj's till lunchtime.

After lunch I had to drive into town and do a few things while Waz stayed home with the girls.

I spent the rest of the day updating the blog.

Alicia helped with dinner tonight and did a fantastic job and Lilly and Taylah made some friends this afternoon and was out playing with them.

DAY 144 - 11/07/2010 - Karijini, WA & Newman, WA

Last night was absolutely freezing. Today we are leaving Karijini.

We have done all that we want to do here and its time to get out of the cold. We are not sure whether to go back to the coast or further inland to a town called Newman. Newman has the biggest single open cut mine in the world and it belongs to BHP. Warren was interested in doing a mine tour as we've been told its worth a see.

Having left the camp ground we drive out of the National Park and make our way to the main T intersection. Here we decide to turn right towards Newman. Its a little over 150km to Newman and our fuel situation was touch and go the whole way.

As soon as we arrive into Newman and pulled into the BP servo our fuel light came on. Lucky.

We are staying at Kalgans Rest Caravan Park. I must say flushing toilets, showers, electricity, tv reception, internet reception, washing machines and some grass is a welcome change. Still no mobile reception but can live with that.

Kalgans Rest, Newman

Tonight we enjoy some home made damper and lentil soup which is perfect for a cold night like tonight.