We moved on from Kalgoorlie and headed to Norseman a bit further south. Norseman is the starting point for the trip back across the Nullarbor to the eastern states. But we are not going that way yet, although Homealone is a little bit tempted! We need to go back west to the southwest coast and Margaret River. In between we have  had a couple of nights here in Norseman. Allthego played 2 holes of golf here at the Norseman Golf Club. On the way down from Kalgoorlie we stopped in briefly at Kambalda to play the 3rd hole. So far have played 5 holes and will report separately on the state of play.

Norseman got its name from a horse called Norseman. Norseman the horse is acknowledged as the finder of gold here in 1892. He was pawing at the ground and a quartz rock with gold lodged in his hoof. That was that and the rush to Norseman started. He has a bronze statue in his memory, another attraction are the tin camels that adorn the town’s main roundabout. Something for everybody in Norseman.

‘Norseman’

The Tin Camels

The big waste dump from the old gold mine looms large over the town, almost threatening in its size. Looks a bit like ‘the Wall’ in the Game of Thrones!

The waste dump, about 40 metres high

These were out in bloom all over Norseman streets and parks

It was a quiet day in Norseman as it was a public holiday and most places were closed (not that there is a lot to close). The pub though was open for dinner and we had a pleasant meal there in front of their fire. The weather continues to be cold at nights and we have broken out the hot water bottles to keep the toes warm.

Some parmies in front of the fire at the Norseman Hotel

The map next leads us down the Granite & Woodlands Discovery Trail for 300 km to Hyden and Wave Rock. The road traverses the Great Western Woodlands and initially crosses Lake Cowan a large salt lake, mostly dry. It lies just outside of town and we have already had a look at it at sunset. Salt lakes are common in this part of WA, every town seems to have one handy to send tourists out to.

Lake Cowan

Lake Cowan

We will be out of range for a few days and will next blog in when we reach Margaret River.