A week (almost) in Kalgoorlie

Date: 22-04-2010 - 27-04-2010
Day 75-80: Kalgoorlie, WA

We both were focused on the foremost important task of the day and that was to locate the bike shop and rehabilitate Trekkie. Despite the ailing wheel, Lukas was still able to cycle on it with the rear brakes detached and we urgently made our way. Brian at Hannans Cycles, which is located on 44 Boulder Rd, took in the patient and reinstated that Trekkie will be in good hands. We awaited the diagnosis anxiously at McCafe around the corner.

Not long later, Brian called to update us on Trekkie’s progress. The wheel needed to be replaced and Brian already took the liberty to call his contact in Perth to get the wheel truck-ed to Kalgoorlie because he did not have the right fit in stock. The earliest it would arrive was either Saturday or Tuesday (Monday is Anzac Day public holiday). We were very relieved that there was a cure for Trekkie’s malady within an acceptable budget and that Trekkie will be healthy again soon. It was time to celebrate as this diagnosis meant we will resume our journey to Perth!

It also meant that we would have a few days off to explore Kalgoorlie and unearth the synthetic (and forever green!) lawn in the town centre. It was also an opportunity for us to, as usual, run our errands and work on our to-do lists, including grocery shopping for the long weekend (like most people).

Having lived in Sydney for the last 5 years, we were embarrassed that we have never once experienced the Anzac Day tribute. This time round, we (especially Lukas) were determined to attend the dawn service on Sunday at 6am. ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

Imagine our willpower as we stood clad in our thongs (we have no shoes other than our cycle shoes) with innumerable layers of clothes in what felt like sub-zero temperatures, surrounded by a crowd of several hundred people donning winter jackets, scarves and beanies. Yes, we were freezing our little bums off! Yet, we were grateful to have been a part of the tribute. Later, we also partook in the Gunshot breakfast at the Kalgoorlie Country Club where volunteers dished out hot servings of sausages, chops, spaghetti, eggs and toast. You could even help yourselves to hot tea and coffee, with a dash of rum… like the good old times? A Maori performance of traditional sing and dance followed. It was really impressive how the lead performer could stand the cold in his traditional ‘costume’ (of a mere cloth) while upholding a good sense of humour and enthusiastic showmanship.

Only a few days ago on 20 April 2010 at 8:17am, a 5.0 earthquake, the largest ever recorded in the Goldfields region, struck the township of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. While it was very fortunate that no one was seriously injured, damages to Boulder, which is situated right next to the Super Pit, were relatively severe. After riding through Boulder (both of us on Sue’s bike) to check out the effects of the earthquake, we made our way to the Super Pit lookout which was another awe-inspiring site.

The Super Pit is Australia’s largest open pit mine, managed by Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM). The Super Pit produces up to 850,000 ounces of gold every year and its operation far outweighs any other mining centre in Australia. This colossal site can be viewed using Google map and it continues to grow with the booming mining industry. Just a tyre alone of one of the vehicle used to harvest this mine costs $16,000. It is difficult to comprehend the capital and operational costs involved in the mining business. Talking about spending money to make money!

Apart from visiting attractions and exploring the town, we also spent a considerable amount of time at McDonald’s. The wireless internet provided at McD’s helped us work on the majority of our tasks of planning and research as well as keeping in touch with family and friends. What can we say: being city dwellers and Gen-Y-ers, we cannot stop staying connected!

It was also a place for us to connect with others! We met Malcolm 2 days in a row over our morning cuppas and newspaper sessions. Malcolm is the CEO of Gap Geophysics Australia in Queensland and several other companies in the work of geophysics. He shared some inspirational stories of his work that has brought new innovations to the field of geophysics and received several awards for his contributions. One of the equipment he developed also has the ability to detect unexploded mines that help save lives war-torn countries. Farmers in those countries sometimes become casualties as they plough their fields even decades after the war.

Destinations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale - Goulburn - Queanbeyan - Yass - Gundagai - Wagga Wagga - Narrandera - Darlington Point - Hay - Maude - Balranald - Euston - [VIC] Mildura - [SA] Renmark - Barmera - Morgan - Burra - Orroroo - Port Augusta - Kimba - Wudinna - Streaky Bay - Ceduna - Nundroo - Yalata - Nullarbor - Border Village - [WA] Eucla - Balladonia - Kalgoorlie