Mt Isa - Rest Day

It was a welcome rest day to recharge from the cumulative tiredness after ~ 20 days on the bike.  It was late morning before we were up and ready to mix with the locals from Mt Isa, or do some domestic chores.

After his customary run, Ric was looking a bit shaggy, so found the barber for the military #1 cut. Andrew, Ric and Dom then ventured downtown in search of the ultimate coffee, while Pete - the ever thoughtful son - took Julie Mother's Day shopping.  Pete had success, but coffee rated 6 out of 10.

Dom and Alan ventured off for the afternoon Mt Isa underground mine tour. It was an excellent three hours providing a terrific insight to underground mining. Looking fashionable in our orange overalls, and equipped with head torches we descended down the shaft and travelled by underground rail to explore aspects of underground mining.  We walked around inspecting the drilling, blasting, tunnel securing activities, and talked through the different mining equipment.  The equipment is bullet proof and weighs an absolute tonne...a strong man's job. While modern equipment has made life easier, Alan & Dom are happy to stay with their day jobs.

Late afternoon we were treated to a display of whip cracking.  Andrew had purchased a stockman's whip, and we were universally atrocious at getting it to 'crack'.  Over walks our camping neighbour (on route to his next mustering gig) and treats us to a lesson.  The show included whipping a gum leaf out of Andrew's hand.....made it look too easy.

The rest day may also have gone a little to our heads, so we posed for a very special photo ...

A bed time brew, avoiding talking about the next day's 120km to Cloncurry. A due east ride and praying for a westerly.

Our thanks to Sandra for her contribution to the Inspire charity. Personally, she knew of numerous youth suicides in Mt Isa, which brought to light one of the many challenges in living in these more remote areas of Australia.