Each year the Cape Life team head up to collect seed in the Pilbara to fulfill orders from our partners at Nindethana Seeds. The seed collected in this region is integral to large scale rehabilitation projects in the iron ore industry. In just under three weeks we collected over 100kg’s of seed from 47 different varieties (it would have been more if it wasn’t for the wilywily that blew away two days worth of seed!). It’s very hot and dusty work with midday temperatures topping 40 degrees plus, however the scenery is amazing; the deep red ironstone contrasting against the pale yellow spinifex; the endless horizon underneath the cloudless sky and mesmerizing kaleidoscopic sunsets really draw you into the place.
For the past three years we’ve been roughing it in swags and under tarps but this year we truly scored with our base camp at a station bordering Karijini National Park. The station managers were awesome and they couldn’t have made us feel more welcome or comfortable. The station itself is in the process of being destocked and reserved for conservation.
While most days were filled with hunting down and collecting seed we still managed to take some time off and explore the gorges of Karijini and Wittenoom as well as conquer the highest peak in WA – Mount Meharry. It’s a world away from the ocean and rivers of the South West but a journey well worth taking.