There were about 12 RVs parked at Whim Creek Pub when we got there last night, some went in for meal last night others for breakfast this morning. Other than that there was a regular coming and going of locals presumably buying grog or having a drink so hopefully the pub is doing well. I would really like to see it suceed. The refurbishment is an ongoing project so each visit will see changes. In the morning I went for a walk limited by some restricted areas, but I suceeded in climbing the smaller 2 of the 3 hills neighbouring the pub which of course gave me a good view of the surroundings. It was interesting on my way back to the van I traversed part of the restricted area and could see some of the old construction that is being replaced. Anyway after a quick breakfast and shower we headed into the pub for our treat, coffee and vanilla slice, by which time all the others had departed! By the time we got back to the van there were another 10 caravans in for morning tea, good show.

So we set course for northern climes passing fairly low level scenery. Mostly scrub with patches of small trees, interestingly one side of the road was different to the other. We passed the level crossing for the Roy Hill railroad which is still under construction, and were puzzled that Gina is allowed to do this when all the other miners have built bridges. Later in the day this was explained to us by an FMG (Fortesque Mining Group) lady at the show, of which more later. It is dependent on the tonnage being shipped which in turn establishes the number of trains using the line each day. It appears that Roy Hill will only have about 7 trains a day, bearing in mind that these trains are very, very long (about 1or more kms) it indicates major traffic disruption! Anyway when she sells more iron ore she will have to build a bridge.

This weekend there is a fair in Hedland, you know the usuals rides, sideshow stalls, lots of itinerant sellers and in this case a few information stalls. One of them was the FMG stall and we had quite a chat. It appears the Andrew Forrest broke a few records getting his mine(s) up and running. I was also told that 40% of the iron ore going to China comes from FMG, which I find to be a hard to believe statistic and will follow up with my friend Google.

After shopping, fuelling and fair going we got back on the road arriving at DeGrey River where we will stay for a few days.