Road Trip 2019 – Ravensthorpe to Esperance

National Parks, Numerous days, Road Trip, Stokes NP

08/09/2019

After a wonderful night at our son’s place it is time to head off on the final day of our road trip. Leaving Ravensthorpe we make our way to Mt Desmond lookout, off Elverdton Road. Growing alongside the newly grader road to the lookout, were some small Western tiny blue orchids (Cyanicula aperta). Felt lucky to find them as the roadworks had cleared the places we had found orchids on previous visits. These little orchids are found from Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged during the period August to early-October. Also found closer to Elverdton Road was a Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which is a common orchid, found flowering between Geraldton and Israelite Bay during August through October.

Moving further east, we visit another of our favourite spots, Mills Road near Munglinup. Deb finds the first of many orchids found in this location. The 4 orchids are hybrids of the Caladenia sp. Unable to positively ID so will just post some photos. I think Caladenia radialis or Caladenia brevisura may one of the parents. Please assist with ID if you can.

Found very close-by are some Zebra orchids (Caladenia cairnsiana). These small orchids flower from August to early-November in a southerly range from Lancelin to Esperance.

Intermixed with the Zebra orchids was a Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura) which adds to the possibility that it is a parent of the hybrid orchids found earlier. These orchids are found between Ravensthorpe and Israelite Bay during the months of August and September.

After further exploration a sole green spider orchid was discovered. However many more were found after further searching. The Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima) is as the name suggests, smaller than the related Fringed mantis orchid, we found earlier in the road trip. Flowering season is August to early-October and the Small mantis orchid is found between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay,

Another spider orchid is found, this time from the filamentosa complex. The Cream spider orchid (Caladenia horistes) flowers from August to early-October between Fitzgerald River National Park and Balladonia. The Cream spider orchid is also listed as having rare hybrids with the short-sepaled spider orchid, so it may be another parent of the previously mentioned hybrids found at this site.

A single spider orchid from the same complex, but another species is found. This time the smaller Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) is found. Smaller labellum, thinner sepals and whiter colouring provide me with this identification.

The final orchid found in this location is the small Western tiny blue orchid.

As it is only mid-morning we decide to visit Stokes National Park, before finally heading for home. Upon arriving at the campground we immediately spy some king spider orchids. One of them is a bit worse for wear with his labellum eaten out. Non damaged specimens found with variations in colour, from bright red to pale green so identifying these will be interesting, as both the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora) and Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana) occur in this location and they are difficult to tell apart. They may also hybridise with each other, so ID will not be attempted at this time. Lots of photos below to show my dilemma.

Well we thought there were lots of king spider orchids, but there is also as many Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia), which flower from August to early-November between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay. Here they range in size and colour, which just adds to the thrill of finding so many.

Some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) were also found, whilst pushing into the scrub to grab photos of the Pink fairies. Moving on, we leave the campground and drive back towards the intersection to the day area,where we had previously found orchids. We were not disappointed as we find a few Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) in flower. These are widespread sun orchids found from Shark Bay to Israelite Bay during the months July through October.

Also found at this corner is the every popular Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) which is also a widespread orchid with a long flowering period. These ones were a bit unusual as they had white tips to the petals. Usually solid yellow with markings.

Final orchid found for the day was a unique spider orchid, which we last found at Helms Arboretum a few years back. A single Grass-leafed spider orchid (Caladenia graminifolia) is found growing in the roadside drain under the protection of overhanging banksia bushes. Found between Mt Manypeaks and Israelite Bay during August and September this orchid self pollinates so is in flower for only a few days at the most,so we are very lucky to have found one in flower.

One hour from home and nearly noon so we decide to make tracks, so we can have lunch in our own home. Mixed emotions as we remember the last 2 weeks during this last hour of our 2019 Road Trip.

The first week did not go to plan however we made up for it by visiting Margaret River and tasting a few wines. Then we had a great time catching up with friends from our Rural youth days before our 2nd week, which did not include the planned visit to Charles Darwin Reserve, however we discovered some great new un-planned locations. A special catch up with my cousin Mary-lou that included meeting the eldest cousin Ian for the first time. Only took 55 years.

The major purpose of our road trip, other than having fun getting out in the great Western Australian outdoors, is the discovery of our very special terrestrial orchids, most of which are endemic to WA. On this note we located 70 species/sub species of orchids from 10 genera, with multiple hybrids and hypochromic variants. Refer this post for their details. 2019 Road Trip – Orchids Found

So privileged to witness the natural beauty of our amazing little corner of the world!!!!!!

2019 Road Trip – Sue’s Bridge to Margaret River

Blackwood River NP, Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP, National Parks, Numerous days, Road Trip

29/08/2019

Waking up to another wonderful morning in the bush, we enjoy breakfast then pack up the campers before going on an exploration to the river bank. Right on our doorstep, or more accurately, the edge of our camping site we find a great patch of Midge orchids (Cyrtostylis huegelii) which flower July through September from Kalbarri to east of Esperance, with the largest concentration from Perth to Albany.

Over near the toilets close to a fallen log I find some snails orchids. From the crinkled rosette leaves these must be Slender snail orchids (Pterostylis crispula) which are found between Perth and Albany growing in woodlands and forests.

Also discovered on the walk were Red-sepaled snail orchids (Pterostylis erubescens) which have many more stem leaves, thickened lateral sepals and broad petals which have started to turn reddish.

We reached the river bank, west of the actual road bridge, and quickly took some shots before heading back to camp so we could head off towards the coast, leaving the Blackwood River National Park behind. The only other orchid found were some poor specimens of Banded greenhoods (Pterosylis vittata).

Back to the Brockman Hwy we go before turning right towards Karridale. We pull into the sevo at Karridale to fuel up and have a toilet break. From here we cross over the Bussell Hwy onto Bushby road. At the Caves Road intersection we turn right and head north until we find Boranup Drive. Taking this road we head into the Boranup forest (Mud Map SW 26), which is a part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Our first stop is the Boranup Lookout. From here you could clearly see the coast. I take the short walk to the toilets and it is on the side of this track that I find some Midge orchids. These are brighter in colour however the size of the labellum still leads me to name them Midge rather than Mosquito.

We continue along Boranup Drive until we reach the 4WD track named Love Spring Road. This proved a very picturesque drive however orchids were hard to come by. We actually passed a group of cars which had pulled over for what appeared to be wedding photos. At a low point in the road we pulled over and found some more snail orchids. These little guys have short lateral sepals, a fleshy rosette and multiple stem leaves so I have identified them as Murdoch spider orchids (Pterostylis ectypha), which I have found previously in Yangebup. They flower in a range from Perth and Walpole during the months of August and September.

Further along the track we stop to check out a huge Balga (Xanthorrhoea preissii) and on the opposite side of the track some more Midge orchids are found. Also another Murdoch snail orchid is found.

Love Spring Road runs into Point road, which is just another 4WD track. As we are getting close to Point road Campground, where we plan to stop for lunch, I jump out the Triton to walk a bit. On the side of the track, growing in a mossy mound, I find a nice hood of Murdoch snail orchids. Nothing else found though. Point Road Campground is also located on the Cape to Cape Walk Track. We had planned to stay here the night, however as the weather was deteriorating fast we decided we may get flooded in, so after enjoying a bite to eat we move on to the coast.

Just after 2.30pm we arrive at the coast, very near Cape Freycinet. The wet and windy weather has arrived with a vengeance. In this terrible weather we check out the sights and actually find some snail orchids. A hood was found growing on a boulder right on the verge of Conto Road. The small ones growing right on the rocks of the coast appear to be Coastal short-eared snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘coastal clubbed sepals’) which flower August to October in locations from Perth to Israelite Bay, whilst the ones growing on the boulder appear to be more Murdoch snail orchids.

We have decided we will overnight near Margaret River, so head off on Conto Road, checking out the Conto Campground, where Richard has stayed previously. However we move on as it was very wet with puddles everywhere and we did not wish to set up our campers in this weather. As soon as we got phone signal we googled accommodation options. As a RAC member we finally decided on the RAC Margaret River Nature Park. We booked a 2 bedroom cabin and were so glad we did as the heavens opened up even more overnight.

Was a fun day with an awesome drive through the beautiful Boranup forest and the coast was beautiful even though the weather was terrible. A few orchids found, however I thought we would find more in the South West. Oh well we still have a few days left before we are due in Perth.

2019 Road Trip – Shannon to Sue’s Bridge

Blackwood River NP, Boorara-Gardner NP, Brockman NP, Greater Beedelup NP, National Parks, Numerous days, Road Trip

28/08/2019

Waking up to another beautiful day we enjoy our breakfast then decide to set up Richards, dual compartment shower/dunny tent and test it out. Nice hot showers enjoyed by us all. Packing up the tent though proved a very interesting task. Deb and Richard have fun packing this up whilst I go for a quick walk around looking for orchids. Nothing found which as disappointing. Leaving Shannon we pull into an Info stop at the intersection of South Western Hwy and Middleton Road. It had a metal panel in rust and stainless steel recognising the Pioneers who drove stock from the farms to the coast. The newly created Warren Blackwood Stock Route passes through here.

Moving on, we travel West along Middleton Road then turn south into Deeside Coast Road and drive down to check out Big Tree Grove. Heading back we stop at Snake Gully Boardwalk. Impressive trees but no orchids.

Moving further South West we call into Boorara Tree, which was a fire lookout tree. The hut has been removed and a replica placed on the ground to provide us, landlubbers, with a look at the inside of a hut without having to climb up a tree. From here we decide to take the walk to Lane Poole Falls which is on the Canterbury River.

The walk to the falls was quite long and unbelievably no orchids to be found. Lots of fungi, a great lookout over a part of the bush destroyed by bushfire in 2015 and of course the falls were good consolation though. It appears the tree and falls are in a disjunct part of the Boorara-Gardner National Park.

After a nice walk we make it back to Boorara Tree to catch our breath, before moving on to Northcliffe. We did not stop though and continued towards Pemberton. As we pass through the Brockman National Park we pull into a parking bay to have a bite of lunch. Whilst eating our lunch we look around the surrounding scrub for any orchids.

Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) are found in numbers with certain specimens being very tall. First one found is around 460mm in height which matches the size mentioned in the Orchid book. However just before leaving I stumble across a patch where one individual plant measured 550mm in height which was then dwarfed by a neighbouring 660mm high plant. It was amazing to find such tall greenhoods.

Onward to Pemberton to get supplies and fuel up. We then return to the Vasse Hwy intersection and head towards Busselton. In the middle of the Greater Beedelup National Park we pull into Beedelup Falls for a look. As usual we also keep an eye out for any orchids. Walking down the path towards the Suspension bridge, just past the toilets I am lucky enough to find some little Cyrtostylis orchids, with one in flower. From the size of the labellum and the dull colouring I will name this orchid the Midge orchid (Cyrtostylis huegelii).

Then right on the edge of the path at the first turn of the Z turn, we find two snail orchids. They appear to be Red-sepaled snail orchids (Pterostylis erubescens) although they have yet to darken with age. The thickened sepals and broad petals allude to this identification.

We finally reach the suspension bridge which Deb tackles first. She stops in the middle to take photos, so I slowly venture out so as not to sway it too much. However Richard stirs up our vertigo by causing the bridge to sway heavily, or so it felt. Deb and I high tail it off the bridge, the big chickens we are.

The other side of the Beedelup Brook proves to be a haven for Midge orchids. So many are found growing in the lush, wet sides of the track, with one specimen being over 330mm in height.

Now it is time to head to our overnight location . Heading back to the Vasse Hwy we head north to Stewart Road for a shortcut to the Brockman Hwy, where we head west until we reach Sue’s Rd. A short way north we reach Sue’s Bridge campground in the Blackwood River National Park. On arrival we take a drive around the grounds looking for suitable site. Once found we set up camp and look around for some suitable wood for our fire. As the sun started to set Deb hears a scurrying sound nearby. A friendly Common brushtail possum comes to visit. What a wonderful end to a a wonderful day, exploring the beautiful South West of WA in the quest of orchids.

Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

2019 Road Trip – North Walpole to Shannon

Mount Frankland NP, Mount Frankland South NP, National Parks, Numerous days, Road Trip, Shannon NP

27/08/2019

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast we pack up and leave Centre Road Crossing campsite, but not before checking out the actual river crossing. Deep River is flowing very strongly, so not to many crossings would be occurring at this time of the year.

We now head back along Centre Road until we hit the South Western Highway, where we turn right and head North until we reach Beardmore Road, which we take to Mount Frankland. Mount Frankland is located in the aptly named Mount Frankland National Park and is a 422-metre high granite monadnock.

First up we check out the spectacular Arrival Space Shelter which provides information on Mount Frankland and the Walpole Wilderness. From here we take the short walk to the Mt Frankland Wilderness Lookout. Prior to getting to the lookout though, we find some snail orchids growing alongside the walk trail. These are possibly the Caldyanup snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘robust’) as they have a loose rosette of leaves, 3 stem leaves, blunt hood and thickish lateral sepals. These orchids are only found between Walpole, Manjimup and Augusta flowering September and October.

EDIT: From information received I feel this one is also the newly named species (Diplodium gracillima ). However this will need to be verified. The genus Diplodium is recognised in the Eastern states however in WA we retain the genus Pterostylis for snail orchids.

Then another snail orchid is found on the granite rock growing in the moss. This one appears to be the Slender snail orchid (Pterostylis crispula) as the rosette appears to have crinkled edged leaves.

Then amazingly we find another snail orchid. This one is tainted a reddish colour and seems to be the Red sepaled snail orchid (Pterostylis erubescens) which can be found on the margins of granite rocks and turn reddish as they age.

We finally moved onto the elevated walkway to the lookout. What an awesome view, however it moved and was very high, so a bit scary.

From here we head off to the Towerman’s Hut and take the track to the summit. On the shady side of a steep sided granite rock, in the green moss, more snail orchids are found. These also appear to be different, which is amazing. These ones appear to be Southwest granite snail orchids (Pterostylis jacksonii) which grow in the moss on granite outcrops between Walpole and Albany during the period July to September.

We now reach the concrete steps, closely followed by the steel ladders and platforms before reaching the granite summit, which was fenced for safety. On the way up we also found another lone snail orchid which I will not attempt to name. The view from up here was outstanding. 360 degrees. All to soon it was time to descend.

Deb finds a great patch of snail orchids on the way back down. We must have missed these on the way up. Back-tracking does pay off on many occasions. Looking from different directions uncovers many a missed orchid. These small snail orchids have distinct clubbed lateral sepals, so must be another species. Finding so many different snail orchids in one location is mind blowing. ~~The Clubbed snail orchid (Pterostylis glebosa) flowers August to November over an area from Eneabba to north of Walpole.~~

EDIT: After receiving further information this orchid is possible the newly named (Diplodium saxum) which when recognised in WA will be known as (Pterostylis saxa). This orchid is listed as being found on granite outcrops.

Halfway back we leave the summit trail and head out on the Caldyanup Trail which passes Soho Lookout. This lookout consists of a walkway over a mossy granite slope. These moss covered granite slopes are covered in snail orchids. On one patch possibly 2 types of snail orchids were growing side by side. I took a photo with a 50 cent piece between the 2 types to highlight the difference with size. I believe one of them to be more Southwest granite snail orchids whilst the others may be Granite loving snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘southern granites’), mainly due to the small stature of both orchid and rosette. These small guys grow during August and September in locations from Manjimup to Hopetoun.

Wow this place is certainly turning into snail orchid heaven. On the other side of the track a perfect Southwest granite snail orchid is found, closely followed by a nice family of Granite loving snails orchids.

We now start descending down to the base of the granite outcrop as the Caldyanup trail runs around the base of Mt Frankland. It is down here that we finally locate an orchid that is not of the Pterostylis genus. Richard finds the first Mosquito orchid which was a very poor specimen, however I still took photos just in case it was our only one found.

However many more orchids were found in much better condition. Now identification can be made as Midge orchids (Cyrtostylis huegelii) due to the duller thinner labellum. These orchids flower July to September over an area from Kalbarri to east of Esperance.

Oh wow its already 3pm so we move on. This walk was amazing as you saw massive Karri trees growing right up against the granite slopes. The trail finishes back at the Towermans hut. We then walk back to the Tritons and we head off. Next stop will be where Beardmore Road crosses Deep River. Fernhook Falls is located in the Mount Frankland South National Park and is both a day use and camping stop. We plan to camp at Shannon tonight so make a quickish stop here to check out the falls and of course look for orchids.

Walking from the carpark to the falls along the bitumen track, we immediately find orchids. The first was an old Slender snail orchid given the crinkled leafed rosette. Then just past that a Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) was located. A little further along a yet to flower Bird orchid was discovered close to a nice hood of Slender snail orchids, in much better condition.

Still on the track we locate a Banded greenhood that stands 350mm in height. Together with a patch of Red sepaled snail orchids this concludes the finds prior to reaching the falls.

Down at the riverbank, below the falls we find some other snail orchids growing. These 3 appear to be more Diplodium gracillima snail orchids due to the loose rosette and numerous stem leaves.

We walked along the riverbank to a large pool which was covered in foam that swirled into a circular pattern. The falls and pool were quite impressive. A pity the road crosses over at the actual falls as this ruins the overall view.

Whilst walking back to the parked Tritons we discover a good sized hood of Slender snail orchids and another Banded greenhood.

Now time to move onto to our planned overnight stay – Shannon. Located in the aptly named Shannon National Park, the abandoned townsite of Shannon was a spot we camped with our young children and my mum and dad some 25 years ago. We were immediately shocked at the changes made by the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). The townsite had been completely cleared and a new campsite with no shade or wind protection developed around modern ablution blocks. This may have been done as a bushfire prevention. This did not thrill us at all.

We kept driving around following the direction signs and found the area we had camped at many years ago. This area had not been altered as much, so we located a spot large enough for the both of us and set up for the night. The campfire ring was too high with breathing holes that were too small, so we battled to keep it alive but we managed. Another awesome day on the road comes to an end. 8 orchids species found of which 6 were different Snail orchids. Amazing!!!

June Jaunt – Justified? Part 1

Conservation Parks, Goldfields Woodlands NP, National Parks, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Rowles Lagoon CP, Totadgin CP, Victoria Rock NR

Granite Rock Outcrops

08/06/2019

Finally our 1 week break has arrived. The only thing left to decide is where are we going? Last night we found out my brother and his wife are heading off for a trek along the Great Central Road that runs 1,126 km from Laverton, Western Australia to Yulara, Northern Territory. So taking the opportunity to catch up we now head north towards Coolgardie, or more correctly Rowles Lagoon, where we will meet up on Sunday afternoon.

Leaving our home in Esperance

Scaddan

After catching up with our boys and their families we make tracks at 10.30ish for the first leg of our jaunt to Norseman. I had picked out a spot listed as a free camping site called Disappointment Rock which is on the Norseman – Hyden Road. The weather is cold and grey but we intend to set up our camper and enjoy the outdoors. As seems usual for us we are travelling the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail in reverse, just as we did the Holland Track last year.

Site 15 is Lake Cowan Lookout which as the name suggests provides a view over the salt lake named Lake Cowan. I did have a small scout around, however no orchids found. Site 14 is termed Gemfields where there is evidence of diggings for I suppose, gemstones. Next stop is Site 13 termed Woodlands, however as we are coming back this way tomorrow we bypass this site as Site 12 Disappointment Rock is our planned overnight camping location.

Some diggings – Lighter ground underneath

View from lookout over currently dry lake

View from picnic area

Far from being a disappointment this location was just right. We have a concrete table and chairs, concrete fire ring with billy hook and BBQ plate and the good olde waterless toilet. What else is to need? Setting up the camper is done in good time and we then set ourselves up around the campfire for a toast to the week to come. I then quickly jump up to catch a photo of a rainbow and decide to climb up the rock for a possible better vantage point.

Cheers to our week of travelling in the great outdoors

Sunshine through rainclouds –

By the time I had climbed up the Rainbow shot was lost, so I grabbed a few pics of our camp then skirted around a patch of vegetation on the rock. Under the usual prickly scrub was a lone greenhood orchid. Wow I wasn’t expecting that but was very happy with the find. I would say it was a Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) which is a common inland orchid found from Mullewa to Toolinna Cove and flower June through to September.

Scrub located on granite rock

ID unknown – Possible dark banded greenhood due to location

View from part way up back to our camp.

Dinner is cooked on the fire and we enjoy our red wine whilst watching the sunset.

Nothing beats cooking on a campfire

Egg, bacon, tomato, avocado, spinach on Rye

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

09/06/2019

Next morning we awake to a cold winters morning. The sun tries to shine between the clouds and the wind ensures it feels colder than it should. However after breakfast we pack up camp, then embark on the designated 1.9km walk around the rock.

We actually walked this in the correct order

It is freezing in the wind but we make our way around the walk, finding all markers bar No. 14 and turn up no orchids whatsoever. So I took Deb back to the lone greenhood I found last night. The views and the variation in floral colours though, made for an enjoyable walk.

Lovin the colours

Add in some bright green moss

Gnamma holes in the granite shaped like eyes

We have a change of plans, so are not back-tracking to Norseman, but continue west along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail. The vegetation changes as we head west from large trees and blue-silver under growth to Gimlet thickets with hardly any undergrowth. First stop is Site 11 – Lake Johnson Lookout. Quick photo opp then on to Site 10 – Lake Johnson Picnic and Campground. The trees at the campground have such colourful textured bark.

Slamon gums with blue-silver understory

Very flat and desolate, then Salmon Gums grow??

Was very dry

The bark is so textured and colourful

From here we head north up the Victoria Rock road. We come across a scene of utter devastation. The bush fires of last summer have totally destroyed thousands of hectares of woodland. As far as the eye can see the scenery is just blackened trees and ashes. It was very sad to see it first hand. Regrowth has only just started and with the dry start to winter it will be even more of a struggle for the woodlands to survive.

Bushfire devastation

Even the largest trees were completely burnt

We finally leave the devastation behind and find ourselves driving past the Holland Track exit onto Victoria Rock road and further along we turn into Victoria Rock Nature Reserve for lunch. Walking around the rock whilst eating our Chicken Quinoa salad proved fruitless, with no flowering orchids found. Rosettes and leaves found, so just too early in the season.

We now head straight for Coolgardie where we fill up the Triton with diesel and ourselves with an ice-cream. We then worked out how to get to Rowles Lagoon via Coolgardie North road. The road seems in good condition as we stop at some ruins of the Premier Hotel in a place called Kunanalling. This is actually Site 2 of the Golden Quest Discovery Trail which runs from Kalgoorlie to Coolgardie then to Laverton / Leonora and return, a distance of around 945kms.

Site 2 on the Golden Quest Discovery Trail

Premier Hotel ruins

The drive from Kunanalling to Rowles Lagoon though proves much tougher as it is so muddy that we regularly lose traction. At one time we had to go into 4WD to get up a slight rise. After a good 1hr drive we finally arrive at Rowles Lagoon Conservation Park which is Site 23 of the Golden Quest Discovery Trail and also the location where Geoff and Robyn had agreed to meet up.

We find their Coaster bus in the camping ground and actually wake Geoff from an afternoon snooze. It is great to catch up and we spend the night around another campfire talking, laughing, eating and drinking, well Deb and I had a few bevvies.

Cooking over the camp fire

Time for a hot cuppa and filling up the hot water bottles.

10/06/2019

We awake to a beautiful winters morning and enjoy breakfast before packing up and moving down to the lagoons edge for some photos in the now bright sunshine.

Beautiful morning

Much fuller than when we last visited in 2003

We decide to go check out Credo Homestead as it is only a few kilometres further along the road. This pastoral station was purchased by the government to protect some of the catchment area of Rowles Lagoon. It offers accommodation with showers etc for a reasonable cost and is manned by volunteer caretakers just like our National Park camp hosts. We check out the homestead and shearing shed before having some morning tea.

Relaxing in the sunshine

Homestead is here the caretakers live and includes some information rooms. Accommodation is in the shearers quarters and purpose built accommodation block.

Time to move on, so I jump into the bus with Geoff, for the drive back to the turnoff to Ora Banda. It is here we say our goodbyes as Geoff and Robyn head off for the Great Central Road and we make tracks back to Coolgardie.

We now head our separate ways.

On the way back to Coolgardie we pull over at one of the clay pans to get some shots of the local artistic efforts.

Fisherman and Loch Ness monster in the background

Stopped for some photos

We made it to Coolgardie and visited the BP Roadhouse for a nice hot shower. Feeling human again we head west towards our as yet unknown destination. We are flagged down by an elderly man who had run out of fuel. So we empty our 20ltrs jerry can in exchange for $30 so he can make it to the next Service Station. Good deed done for the day. Along the Great Eastern Highway in the Goldfields Woodlands National Park we stop at Boondi Rock for lunch. Boondi was one of numerous rock catchments in the Great Western Woodlands developed for railway water supplies in the days of steam engines. After a quick cuppa soup, we go for the Boondi Rock walk hoping to find some orchids. No such luck.

Two channels meet before emptying into the dam

The water trickles down the rock leaving patches of green

Walk finished so now time to move on

Taken from the overflow point

We completed the walk

Geoff and Robyn told us of a nice camping area called Karalee Rock, a bit further west on the Great Eastern Highway. Arriving around 4pm Deb drives around the camping ground a few times before settling on a place close to the dam wall. We are set up and campfire lit in under 30mins. We now had time for a quick look around especially the large semi-circular aqueduct of steel, hand riveted at each joint, which allowed the water collected from the rock to be directed into the dam, which when full holds 10.5 mill gallons (47.8mill litres) and would be 25 feet (7.6m) deep. The aqueduct is in good condition given it was built in the late 1800’s.

Built in 1896-97

Taken from the dam wall. Campfire raging.

Held together with rivets

We are cooking a roast in the camp oven tonight so sit ourselves down around the campfire, with a glass of wine, so we can rotate the camp oven to evenly cook the meal. Debbie is befriended by a family group of Pied Butcherbirds (Cracticus nigrogularis), who literally take the food from her hands. Dark at 5pm, so we move into the camper to eat our meal and play Tri-Ominos, as the winter weather has finally caught up with us. Whilst playing inside, the rain pours down and then when it stops for a bit we hear running water. Braving the cold wet night we grab a torch and go looking for the source of the sound. The Aqueduct is flowing into the dam. (Refer video below.)

Debbie has them eating out of her hand

Adults and juvenile

Camp oven and Billy in the Camp fire

11/06/2019

We awake to a beautiful sunny winters morning. Cold but fine, so after breakfast with our friendly birds ,we pack up the camper, then head off on the Karalee Rock walk. Starting at the Dam wall where the aqueduct flows in we head onto the rock. Climbing up to the highest point then back down the other side to a great view of the rock walls built to catch the water. From here we leave the rock down another rock walled channel before this runs out to be a dirt channel. A bit further along we come to another lower steel aqueduct which is slowly filling up with silted sand. Finally we come to a deep stone walled well, before trudging back into camp. Unbelievably no orchids found. Time to leave Karalee Rocks and head further west.

Divert water into surrounding bush once dam was full

Channels either end of this section were now only ditches. Not lined in ganite

Great campground with toilets and RV dump point.

Freshly topped up after last nights downpour

Our friendly Butcher birds are back

Great structure from the late 1800’s

These lead to another stone lined channel

Stepping down the wall next to the aqueduct

Down the Great Eastern Hwy we go, passing through Southern Cross, making a quick stop at Moorine Rock before fuelling up in Bodalin. We then stop in Merredin where we catch up with our niece, Tanika, for lunch. She recommended Cafe 56, where we had a great meal. We then shopped for supplies, both food and booze, before moving on in a southern direction to our next hunting ground, Totadgin Conservation Park. Our first stop was in an old parking area developed in 1988 for the Bicentenial Year which marked out historical places. This was a stop on the York to Goldfields Heritage Trail. We took the walk trail up to Totadgin Well (Hunts Well).

Stoned lined well

Part of the now defunct York to Goldfields Heritage Trail

We then move on to the newer parking area where the Totadgin Rock walk trail commences. We walked over the rock and back along a formation similar to Wave Rock then past the well we had visited earlier before heading back through the woodlands to our car. Beautiful walk but no orchids to be found.

Metal signage

Rock pools of crystal clear water

Similar feature to Wave Rock

Woodlands

From here we head down to Bruce Rock, then west to a campsite we had visited previously, Kwolyin Camp. This place has flushing toilets and campers kitchen facilites which were a nice change. Another night around the camp fire enjoyed.

Stokes National Park has Bunnies

Day Trip, National Parks, Road Trip, Stokes NP

19/04/2019

My sister Lorraine and her husband Ken are passing through in their caravan, on the way to Handorf in South Australia for a holiday with another couple. They arrived Thursday afternoon and will be heading off Sunday. So today being Good Friday, we are taking them on a visit to Stokes National Park.

Specifically we are visiting the Eastern side of the park to see Moir’s homestead and Fanny Cove. The weather is currently wet and windy but is planned to clear up in the afternoon. As we drive west it slowly but surely improves.

First point of call is the historic Moir homestead ruins which date back to the late 1800’s.

One of the small outbuildings

Walking towards the main dwelling

Peak-a-boo

After a good look around the historic ruins it was time to move onto Fanny Cove. We drove straight to the beach. Well there was not much of a beach due to the large swell and high tide. So we moved to the day use area to have a bite to eat, as it was past lunchtime.

After checking out the camping area, we head off towards Shoal Cape. At the intersection of the track Deb spies some little White bunny orchids (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. dilatatus) growing on the track verge. Sorry guys but I have to get a photo or two.

White, forward spreading lateral sepals

Labellum is prominently down-curved

Can stand over 350mm in height. This specimen though would have been around 150mm

Leaf can be up to 100mm in length. The largest of the WA Eriochilus species

A little further up the track Deb spots a triple header, so we stop again for a photo.

Can have up to 7 flowers per orchid

After a steep decent down from the escarpment we reach the camp ground at Shoal Cape. We walk to the lookout over the ocean where I grab a candid shot of the group, before we move off. On the way back another White bunny orchid was found so of course I had to grab a photo.

Deb, Lorraine, Ken, Sharon, Glen

The Colorado parked in the largest bay

Common , coastal bunny orchid. The location attests to this.

The destination for afternoon tea is a Shire of Esperance managed camp ground at Quagi Beach. First up we drive around the newly improved camp ground, which was 100% full, then made our way to the day use area to have afternoon tea. After a cuppa and some Easter biscuits we moved to the viewpoint over the beach.

Viewpoint from the steps to the beach

Time to head back to Esperance. It was a bonus finding some white bunny orchids, which topped off an awesome day on the South East Coast of WA. I trust our visitors enjoyed themselves.

Late Season Looks

Cape le Grand NP, Detours, East Naernup NR, Esperance, Helms Arboretum, National Parks, Nature Reserves, Road Trip, Stokes NP

06/10/2018

Whilst on a fishing trip to the beaches of Cape le Grand National Park I take some time to check out the vegetation behind the dunes to see if I am lucky enough to find any orchids. In a patch of shallow soil overlaying limestone rock, which was trickling with water, I was lucky to find some Purple enamel orchids (Elythranthera brunonis). I also found close by a Yellow sun orchid yet to open and a large leaf from unknown orchid.

Can have up to 3 flowers per plant

Found around 200m behind the high tide mark in a shallow dune system

Missed getting a shot when this one was open

Possible orchid leaves

03/11/2018

Next fishing trip is to a place named Margaret Cove, which is west of Esperance in the Stokes National Park. Again I decide to talk a walk, however this time back along the track to see if I can find any late season orchids flowering. All I find are some Common mignonette orchids (Microtis media) growing on the very edge of the track. I check out burnt banksia scrub but nothing else is found.

Hood-like dorsal sepal

Protected from the elements under larger scrub

Up to 100 flowers per inflorescence

11/11/2018

Remembrance day and we make a visit to Helms Arboretum to see if anything different is in flower out there. Only found some Common mignonette orchids and lots of the South African orchid (Disa bracteata) which is an introduced species that appears to occur in habitats that are disturbed or degraded from Geraldton to Israelite Bay during October and November. All the Sun orchids had finished for the season.

Flowers open all the way to the tip

Very distinct inflorescence

18/11/2018

The final orchid hunt occurred on the drive back from Perth. Nearly 4pm in the afternoon we pull into our special place in the East Naernup Nature Reserve on Mills Road near Munglinup. This little patch of bush we search and the first find are more Common mignonette orchids, which seems to be the only thing left flowering. Whilst grabbing a photo of one of these orchids, something catches my eye. Finally something different is found late in the season. A very poor specimen of the Ravensthorpe rufous greenhood (Pterostylis leptochila) is found, which flowers late September to November in a restricted range, from Ballinup River to Munglinup.

Little hood formed by dorsal sepal

Green, olive or brown and white flowers

As it was just past 4pm and the sun was shining brightly we decide to spread out our search. This proved fortuitous as we discovered a much better rufous greenhood specimen as well as other mignonette orchids.

Curled lateral sepals

Cupped, narrow-ended lateral sepals

Rosette withered at time of flowering

Little visitor to one of the flowers

Standing up to 250mm in height

This did prove to be our last orchid hunt of the 2018 season.

Roll on March 2019 when the hunt commences for the 2019 season.

WA Orchid Adventures

Come with me on my Orchid Adventures in Southern Western Austalia

National Parks