Weipa -2

sorry. I had trouble putting some photos where I wanted them in the previous blog, and then ran out of time. Drinks and dinner called. So back to where I was.
some photos I had intended to put in before the ship loading. Assuming I can make it work now.

the pilot launch.

Mining: a diagram from the cultural centre depicting how it worked; as it looks when the mining has finished; then it gets rehabilitated – we had lunch by Lake Patricia, an area that was rehabilitated some years ago.

and the last one: how the other people travel on this trip: everyone is either ‘going up’ or ‘coming down’.

But first thing this morning we had a river cruise. A small tinny thing like for the crocodile cruise. That seated probably 18 or 20. On the Embley River which is south of the town. First we went to have a look at the ships that had come in overnight. This is one of them can’t find a sensible photo with both end to end with two conveyors ready for action.

Then the Rio Tinto barge/ferry thing came along. One of the mines is across the river with no bridge access, so all equipment, vehicles and workers go across on this boat.

After that we retreated a bit, crossed the river and headed up a wide creek that provides shelter for boats that want to stay a while. The first one has permanent residents who live here and work in town. The opposite shore was mainly mangroves but occasional palms and one or two small beaches. But beware of crocs!

We did a couple of turns around the town. The older housing was built on reclaimed mining land. Full town facilities for the 4000 (?) residents. And after lunch at Lake Patricia we headed out of town and east , back on the VERY corrugated road we’d come in on yesterday before turning north to Moreton Telegraph Station.

Outback Spirit (which I’ve only just learnt has been bought out in the last year or so by Journey Beyond) has a separate operation her, adjacent to a couple of campground operations. We seem to be tucked at the end of everyone else so probably won’t be much disturbed by them, but not as secluded as we were at Firebird Lodge. We’ve got 2 nights here so a bit more relaxed. And some more washing done!

The last few days have been blue skies and sunny but not too hot.

But you probably didn’t get last night’s sunset …