Day 46 16/10 (Sat) – Continuing north

On towards Merredin. Stopped in Narambeen for hopefully a replacement belt for the air con (realising at 11.15 that it was Saturday and most places likely to close at midday!). Got something that was a bit longer and Chris fitted it. All good for short time then squealed again! Tightened up belt (? just new belt stretching a bit) but started making noises just when we thought it was settling down. Nothing open in Merredin so planned to continue on to Wongan Hills for the night (possibly two given we needed access to someone with some expertise, only likely to be available Monday) with the option of coming back towards Northam Monday if needed. Took a back route via Wyalcatchem. Interesting Agricultural Museum due to close at 3.30 (we arrived at 3 pm) but the custodian on duty was very happy to stay for as long as we needed and several others arrived not long after us.Brief stop in Dowerin to look at Rusty the Tin Dog then on to Wongan Hills. Wongan Hills Caravan Park had an elusive office (we completely missed it as we drove in) but we were waylaid by a friendly gent in a ute who said the owners had been called away “over east” urgently and their parents (who were supposedly on their way up to look after things) hadn’t yet arrived. He helpfully took our rego and money and off we went! Did spot a Toyota sales and service centre as we drove into town so hopefully won’t have to go all the way back to Northam after all.