27 June - Prepare and Organise

27 June 2016 – 176 054

Prepare and Organise

Hayden had his other school day for the week and got through his work promptly.  Drew topped up our food supplies and petrol before our departure from Mt Isa tomorrow.  I washed everything in preparation for departure, and cooked up some treats while we have access to a large spacious camp kitchen.  I also got one of my continuing education exams completed.  Hayden has really sore stomach/core muscles from his major workout at the Family Fun Park yesterday.

Lazy afternoon, nibbling chips, reading and painting my toenails. After dinner we climbed up to the hill behind the caravan park which gave a great view.  Plan is to get up early to pack up and be away for our long drive to Tennant Creek tomorrow.

Mum

24 June - Underground Mining

24 June 2016 – 175 947

Underground Mining

This morning we packed up and headed into Mt Isa.  We have booked in for four nights at the Discovery Big 4 Argylla.  
https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/caravan-parks/queensland/mount-isa-argylla
We did a full set up with awnings, table, chairs etc since we will be here for a few days.  I gave the van a good interior clean and did two loads of washing.  After lunch we ventured underground on the Hardtimes Mine Tour at Outback at Isa.  https://www.mietv.com.au/
https://www.mietv.com.au/Outback-at-Isa/Hard-Times-Mine.aspx
This was a three hour tour led by a former underground miner into a replica underground mine.  After kitting up in hard hat, overalls, boots and miners lamp we descended in a “cage” to 20m – this is nothing compared to the current lowest levels at the Mt Isa mine, 1980m.  The tour guide, Ian, then explained the various processes involved in underground mining – how the broken up ore is “mucked” out; how the walls and roof are reinforced with mesh, rock bolts and resin; how the raise borer creates the vertical holes for ventilation; how the holes for the explosives are patterned, created and charged; how the charges are fired; and the process repeated again and again. Each person had a turn on one of the big drills, with assistance.  Some of the machinery was started up to give an idea of the noise and vibration that is experienced working in this environment.  Next stop was the crib room for afternoon tea, before heading back to the surface in a Toyota.  All round an interesting tour.

Mum