WHAT about CLEAVERVILLE for WINTER ?

[Keith Morris]

"tanks" here---
Are any FORUM MEMBERS interested ---Have a read of the following and post your thoughts or ideas:-

I would like to compile a list of those Forum Members who may/might/could/will; get together at the [Karratha WA] Cleaverville Beach Camp Ground for a day,weekend, month, or some time during this Winter.


“TANKS” 2014—OzeRvNews Forum TRIP to 40 MILE BEACH & CLEAVERVILLE WA [for Dot’s Great Shave]

Where to start?

OK let’s start at the beginning and see how we go. It is only a short time ‘till 18th MAY 2014, . And almost Winter in WA. It is getting cold in the Central Wheatbelt of Western Australia, I live in a small town of 300 people and the overnight temperature is dropping down to 8 to 9 degrees, with a day temp of only around 20 to 24 degrees. This is too cool for my old bones and thin blood. I had several options available; either stop the blood thinning medication, get new bones, or go to a more warm area to escape the cold nights.

MY RESEARCH prior to the big drive: 40 MILE BEACH CAMPSITE

“Russell” and I have had a Committee Meeting and decided to go to the KARRATHA SHIRE CAMPING AREAS for 3 or 4 months–and stay for around one month, at 40 Mile Beach –[ Gnoorea Point—See Camps Australia Wide listing- Site # 501, page 343,] which is located about 60 km South of Karratha on a Bay with the Indian Ocean at your doorstep, as the first extended camp experience. The daily Shire fees are $7 per night, $45 per week, and a monthly fee of $150 for a maximum stay of 3 months. There are no fees during the Off-Season, with a maximum stay of 3 nights in a 28 day period.

There is a Caretaker on-site during the OPEN SEASON [ 1st May to September] to assist you and collect the fees for your stay. There is mobile phone coverage and I am informed that there is TV coverage if you have the equipment. Dogs are allowed with the usual conditions of being on a lead and not eating the other campers, or their children, or their cats. There is a boat launching ramp at the camping area if you are into a bit of life on or under the ocean waves, and you are guaranteed a good catch if you are going fishing. Beach fishing also results in a good feed of fresh fish.

The Nor-West coast of WA is well noted for a variety of good eating fish. There are several Dump Points and trash disposal bins conveniently located around the site. THERE IS NO FRESH WATER available on site—BRING YOUR OWN FRESH DRINKING WATER SUPPLY , OR make the short drive into Karratha to refill at the Visitor Centre ! While you are in Karratha stock up with Weis Bars and Ice Cream. Remember- this camping ground is a Self Contained site so come prepared with your needs during your stay there. Bring your own firewood for Happy Hour get-together, and Chat Time.

The camping site is CLOSED during the West Coast Cyclone Season. You have to be “self contained” to make use of the site. Water and food supplies are available in Karratha; a short drive of about 70 km to the North.

Karratha is a rapidly expanding town and has very good facilities, with the major supermarkets and many other retail outlets, however there is no Aldi as yet ! Karatha has good medical coverage for us “old Farts”, with private G.P’s, Chemists, and a good hospital and St John Ambulance Service. The area is also serviced by the Flying Doctor.

MY RESEARCH prior to the big drive: CLEAVERVILLE POINT CAMPSITE:

Bring money to make a donation or buy a raffle ticket (with a variety of good prizes) to support “OUR DOT’s Great Shave” fund raiser for the Leukeemia Foundation; which provides assistance and support to patients, and for Blood Cancer Research. This spectacular event will be held sometime during August after Dot and George arrive from South Australia.

Cleaverville Point Campsite [Camps Australia Wide 6 list # 506,

see page 344. Also see Map # 114, on page # 316]

I intend to spend several months here and await the main gathering of OzeRvNews Forum Members will meet and greet each other during my extended stay. It will be good to meet these friends face to face after such a long time of talking on the Forum.

The Movement list so far is as follows:

D.A. POPE and Mitzy will be there in the “POPE MOBILE”, Wendy and Ash are up that way already with “WEEZANICKINOFF” enjoying the relaxing days and warm nights; and driving around the area in their Toad, taking video blog things of the area for other Forum members to see what they are missing out on. Bob and Bev have indicated that they will be there. Chuck and Catrina are bring “GERIATRIC GYPSIES” along for a run. New Members Ray and Liz with “iiCamper” may also be able to get there. Ray is a Caravan Park Manager in the South West and is about to hit-the-road for a holiday in his new “box-on-Wheels. There are a few Queenslanders who may attend, as yet to be confirmed.

This camp site offers the same facilities as the Karratha Shire 40 Mile Beach Campsite. Karratha is only a short drive of 33 km to the South, so it is easier to obtain your Weis Bars and Ice Cream supply. [ I prefer the Fruito bars but I also enjoy sucking on a Mango and Cream bar ]. Fresh vegies are plentiful and readily available in the Supermarkets, and possibly at some roadside stalls on market days, but I can’t verify when the Market days are held. I won’t go into any further details about the site ---you can check out Wendy’s video blog thing on the Camping area or Big Rig Forum sections for further information !

MY PLAN IS TO GET MOBILE ON OR ABOUT THE 20TH OF MAY.

I INTEND TO drive along the Indian Ocean Drive, a highway that follows the coastline and a road which I had previously driven on for my “TANKS AROUND AUSTRALIA “ trip in 2013. This is a very scenic drive along the Indian Ocean Coastline and I expect to encounter motorhomes, caravans, and Road Train traffic who are also heading North. I expect to see a lot of Interstate numberplates on the vehicles that pass me along the way as I only drive at 85-90 km/hour. I will even gave a few of the Victorians the “Melbourne Salute” [see TANKS TOPICS in the Drop in and Chat section of the OzeRvNews Forum] and a blast of my horn as they speed past at an estimated 120 km/hour, no doubt cursing me for driving at 85-90 km/hour. I stop every 2 hours for a “Russell” walk and pee break, and to stretch my legs – my regular exercise.

I plan to have an overnight rest at several free camp/rest areas along the way, getting off the road about 4 pm and cooking the evening meal. I will possibly have an overnight stop at (CampsAust-6) # 429, Arrowsmith Rest Area, but this is not far enough North for a longer stay as I am chasing the warmer climate and trying to find a place with warm nights. My next stop will be at C/A-6, # 444 the Murcheson River-Galena Bridge Rest Area, North of Geraldton, and have an overnight break there. I may also have a drive-free day around CARNARVON, [about 900 km from Perth] where it should be a lot warmer as this town is just below the Tropic of Capricorn. Carnarvon was as I remember it from years ago and my trip last year; the town of “3-G’s” –Gins, Goats, and Glass Bottles. I don’t expect that much has changed since my last visit in 2013.

I will overnight at Lyndon River- EAST this trip, C/A-6, # 473, (having stayed at Lyndon River West # 474 last time in this area), and also have a break at the Minilya River C/A-6 #470, It is only about 650 km from Carnarvon to the 40 Mile Beach Site, and about 700 km to Cleaverville, I could stretch the driving time and have a few Nanna Naps along the way, as the task will be to get to the Forum Gathering and spend time with the Members at Cleaverville.

I have considered calling in and “Do the 40 Mile Beach bit ” for a month or so on my return trip to Perth after Cleaverville. D.A. Pope and Mitzy [ I think ] have plans on going the Inland Road to Port Hedland ( 1,650 km ) and then driving down to the Cleaverville Campsite (250 km) . They may want to have a look at the 40 Mile site on their return to Perth. Dot and George are coming across via Alice Springs way, and they may decide to return to South Australia via the WA West Coast to Perth, stay over at my place in Wyalkatchem, then do the South West {Albany etc} while they are over in the West, and also see Kalgoorlie and it’s many attractions as they head back to South Australia.

[GregnDee]

We wish! If it hadn't've been for my son getting married at Easter we would be there.....as it is we've swapped plans for this year and next year and are going to England for six months.

Maybe next year?.

Cheers
Greg and Dee

[Keith Morris]

We wish! If it hadn't've been for my son getting married at Easter we would be there.....as it is we've swapped plans for this year and next year and are going to England for six months.

Maybe next year?.

Cheers
Greg and Dee

"tanks" here--- I will sink a few cold ones for you while I watch the sun setting over the Indian Ocean at Happy Hour.
You have-to-do-what-you-have-to-do, mate---Family comes 1st. [unless they want your money].
Keith.

[Keith Morris]

"tanks" here, I have posted this on the AustraliaMotorhome Forum as well as on this Forum.
Iam on talking terms with a lot of the AMH Forum and spend time between both sites. I nave spent several nights around a Camp Fire just having a chat with so many friendly people. It may be that there are Members from both of the Forums who are in or passing through who may drop-in for a night or two. The camping fees are minimul; it's just the time you have available to enjoy the company of people [of all persuasions] that you meet with.
Keith.

[Greynomad]

HMMmmm...

We're thinking of considering that possibly we might entertain the idea of attending Cleaverville.
Garden redevelopment is getting tiresome. And the cold days didn't sneak up on us; we were ambushed yesterday!
Time to Head North!

However, SWMBO wants to see WA's Southern wildflowers... seen the Northern ones.

Maybe, maybe not.
Been to Point Samson... loved it. But...
Long drive from Perth region... and a helluva detour to get to Perth via Katherine & Broome!

Still thinking on that one.

[dapope]

the northern ones start a little earlier... October onwards for this nck of the woods

[Dot]

OMG is that BBB in that area at that time of the year??
If all goes to plan G man, Miss Meow and myself will be there. Now seeing as I might be able to drive 1 hr a day how long will it take us to get there?

[dapope]

about two months I reckon, best you leave tomorrow!!

[Keith Morris]

OMG is that BBB in that area at that time of the year??
If all goes to plan G man, Miss Meow and myself will be there. Now seeing as I might be able to drive 1 hr a day how long will it take us to get there?

"tanks" here Dot---When I broke my neck and back, years ago now (1983) there were days when I could NOTHING !! so allow for this on your estimated 1 hour a day drive time. There may/will be times when all you can do is just sit/recline/stand or prefer not to move at all. Let Mr. G do the cooking or just have a Weis Bar-------Ahh, contentment in sucking on a bar !!
Then there are other days when you go hammer and tongs without any discomfort. Don't forget the happy pills to mask the discomfort when it is unbearable.
Time is not of the essence ---Just get there sometime so as we [the gathered company] can observe the "GREAT SHAVE"
I'm thinking of you and your recovery from this nasty surgical procedure.

[Keith Morris]

Cleaverville,WA get together info.

Postby BruceS » Wed Apr 30, 2014 8:15 am
Please post about the get together in this thread.