Mt Isa

Last day in Queensland, tomorrow 660km drive along the Barkley Highway to Three Ways Roadhouse in the Northern Territory on the Stuart Highway (which goes between Darwin and Adelaide).

Mount Isa is still the biggest lead, copper, zinc and silver mine in the world since lead was discovered here in 1923. I came here in the 60s when it was still a bit of a wild outback town but now it is a very respectable place - still in the middle of nowhere.

Visited the underground hospital built in 1942 after the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese when they feared Mt Isa was a natural target.

Also looked at the last remaining tent house built for the miners in the 30s - basically a corrugated iron roof built over a house with canvas roof and walls over a timber frame. It was 35' today and this is winter (though it is a very dry heat at this time of year - I like it)

Re: Mt Isa

Interesting stuff again Bruce, glad the trip is going well.