We didn't need to stay on in Salmon Gums at the price they wanted so we continued our journey to the north.
We stopped in at two really big rest areas on the way to check them out for Philip and drove on the Norseman. We were both expecting some kind of run down hasbeen town but were surprised to find a pleasant little place with some quite attractive features. The gold mine in the town is still in production and obviously provides a firm economic foundation for the community of 2000 people who live here.
Jean suggested going to the Beacon Lookout for lunch. It is on top of the hill just to the east of the town and gives one a great view of the town and the surrounding countryside. the town is dominated by the mine tailings heaps but they have planted trees on top of the biggest heap and, although it is still a tailing heap, it looks somehow a part of the town.
It was so pleasant that we settled in for the afternoon and the night. We discovered that it is a favourite place for the hoons of the town to come in the evening in their doomph doomph cars but none stayed very long nor caused us any grief. Jean didn't sleep well because she thought we would be harassed by the hoons but, of course, that didn't happen. I don't know whether it would be better to be more circumspect in choosing free camps or if she will get used to it if I continue with my present policy. It is a pretty rare occurence and I think she'll come to terms with it if I persist.