Day 12. Continued north along the Goldfields Highway to Wiluna, a small town on the edge of the Gibson Desert and Little Sandy Desert. Very dry here, red soil and scrubby stony desert landscapes. We passed many mine sites evident by the huge tailing hills and signs with locked gates. Stopped at the shady BHP village of Leinster which services the large nickel mine. Into Wiluna we noticed people wandering about the streets and many deserted houses. A quick trip out of town on both the Gunbarrel Highway which leads to Warburton and Uluru 1421km (our original plan) and the Canning Stock Route which leads to Halls Creek NT 1799km. Wiluna has a beautiful bronze statue of Last of the Nomads or Central desert dwellers. After a snack lunch we took a 183km shortcut route mainly dirt west to small mining town of Meekatharra which sits on the Great Northern Highway, we saw only 3 vehicles! We are staying in a comfy donga at the historic Royal Mail Hotel circa 1899 where the first owner shot bullet holes into the dining roof ceiling! From a town lookout we can see massive Mt Augustus due northwest 323km away. Many long road trains pass through Meekatharra carrying supplies and equipment and even hay. Drinks at the bar and then a tasty pub meal, Kim our host so friendly. Distance today 431km, very warm 26 degrees, shorts.