Camino Confidential: Two Days in Dryandra

There is a lot to see in and around the village. With Kevin in charge, no minute of the day will be left unaccounted for. This is the schedule he wrote for us:

Kevin Coate, who’s agreed to be our main leader, has sent the following info:

DBCA at Narrogin have arranged for the WANC to be given an exclusive tour over Barna Mia on the 10^th of October. I have indicated to them we to expect at least 14 members. There will be no problem should there be more. I have forwarded to the WANC office their confirmation of this event with times etc.
On the 9^th after checking into the Lions Village and setting up at the camp ground, all meet at Old Mill Dam near the settlement (time to be notified) for orientation and drive to Lol Gray picnic area. Here we will walk the 3.5km Lol Gray Loop through Kwongan Heath (wildflowers are looking good).
Evening spotlighting will be either from Old Mill Dam or around Congelin Dam. If camping, I recommend Gnarla Mia as mosquitos at Congelin camp site are very prevalent even during the day. Gnarla Mia has an interesting walk and numbats, echidna and woylie are being recorded around the camp ground. Caretakers there are Debbie and Andy. There are 37 caravan sites and eight tent sites. NO camp fires are allowed.
On the morning of the 10^th the plan for the club is to do the 23km drive along the Darwinia Drive starting from the Old Mill Dam. If people are willing to share vehicles there is more chance of seeing animals ( I have room for 3 and will have a large icebox box to put eats in). There are a number of interpretive stops with plenty of interest for everyone. A side track toward the end of this drive with good bird life and a good chance of spotting numbats is an optional extra but the vehicle will need a high clearance – as in four-wheel-drive. A picnic lunch needs to be taken and we will have this at Contine Hill picnic area – a fantastic venue with panoramic views out over forest and farmland (A thermos of hot water for tea or coffee would be useful). Two walks are available here. It has been arranged for Peter Lacy from DBCA to arrive here and he will provide us a run down on what is happening in Dryandra and answer any questions. A lovely clean stainless steel gas barbeque is also available for anyone wishing to barbeque a few sausages or chops. I have been assured it will be charged up with gas. After leaving Contine Hill the plan is to go to the Congelin camp ground and do the 1.6km circular walk (birds and botany). Evening – 6.30 Barna Mia.

Take a breath. Can we really do all that?

One of the cabins with its own rainwater tank.

Kevin demonstrates a Powder Bark Wandoo.

Red Leschenaultia.

Poison Bush.

Kevin made sure we didn’t miss any wildflowers which were prolific.

The stony track, with lots of loose gravel, was a bit of a challenge. I had left my stick in the car back at the village, in my rush to accept a lift in a 4WD.