Travel & Display | Balladonia - Widgiemooltha - Kalgoorlie WA
Friday: 26 December
Morning Journey to Historic Widgiemooltha
Our 7 am departure from Balladonia took us through Norseman for refuelling before heading north to Widgiemooltha – a location steeped in personal history for Bubsie’s original journey.
One Hundred Years Apart
Exactly a century ago, on December 23, 1924, Nevill arrived at his brother Guy’s sheep station near Widgiemooltha to spend Christmas with Guy and his sister-in-law. One hundred years later, we’re retracing those steps just days afterwards, creating a powerful connection across time.
Exploring Historic Widgiemooltha
After exploring the old cottages lining the surrounding streets, we stopped at Widgiemooltha Roadhouse to photograph Bubsie in this historically significant location. A passing truck driver refuelling received an Overlander book – these roadhouse connections always add unexpected moments to the journey.
Onward to Kalgoorlie
From Widgiemooltha, we continued to Kalgoorlie, where we’ll spend the weekend, following in Nevill’s tyre tracks through Western Australia’s goldfields country.
Friday: 26 December
Extreme Heat and Practical Adjustments
Arriving in Kalgoorlie during scorching 41-degree heat, we quickly reconsidered our accommodation plans. While our planned location offered cool indoor spaces, the surrounding area was covered in three-cornered jacks (bindii) that would constantly attach to shoes and create discomfort. We relocated to a caravan park with better facilities for managing extreme temperatures – sometimes comfort and practicality trump original plans.
Afternoon Preparation and Fresh Supplies
The afternoon was spent stocking up on fresh fruit and vegetables, resting, and tackling laundry before our 5 pm Lord Forrest Precinct display – essential tasks during touring life.
Display Location Reconnaissance
Arriving at the precinct, we walked the area assessing foot traffic, which initially appeared minimal. Just as we considered a main street drive instead, several people emerged through the park asking where Bubsie would be displayed – perfect timing! We positioned her strategically across from the electric car charging station, taking advantage of the shaded walkway as temperatures remained in the high 30s.
Vintage Vehicle Gathering
A quick succession of visitors arrived, including a family eager to see Bubsie, allowing us to distribute multiple books rapidly. The display attracted fellow vintage enthusiasts – a 1927 Morris Oxford and a classic EK Holden joined us, creating wonderful conversations between owners about restoration and automotive history.
Old Versus New: The Charging Station Contrast
Throughout our 90-minute display, electric vehicles continuously cycled through the adjacent charging station, with one gentleman occupying the entire duration. The juxtaposition proved fascinating – vintage Bubsie ready to go instantly versus modern electric vehicles requiring extended charging times. Sometimes old technology offers distinct advantages!
Public Holiday Wind-Down
As our conversations concluded and early shop closures due to the public holiday reduced foot traffic, we reloaded Bubsie and returned to the caravan park for a relaxed evening meal and to prepare for the weekend.
From 41-degree heat to vintage vehicle gatherings by electric charging stations, Kalgoorlie delivered unexpected contrasts and delightful automotive connections.
