Tom Price

Sunny, 23 degrees.

Up early this morning as we had booked a tour of the Tom Price Rio Tinto Mine. We needed to be there at 9.30. Apparently we were very lucky as the tours usually run daily but due to the tour guide breaking his arm last week, there had been no tour for a few days. But luckily they had arranged for a new driver to take the tour for the Sunday.

It was very interesting, seeing the huge machinery they use for the mining and the huge hole where they have been mining since the 1960's. Also took us past the crushers and trains. They say there is about another 10 years left to mine in this area. We arrived back to the town to the smell of smoke! We thought it was just the brakes. But when we got out we saw a lot of smoke. And then they for out the fire extinguisher! A bit more excitement to end to the tour!

We then went back for some lunch. And then up the 4wd track up the mountain at the back of Tom Price...Mt. Nameless. Definitely needed the 4wd! A bit too hairy to take the fun bus up there I think! But a magnificent view from the top! Of the town and the mine.

We then kept going along the gravel road to Hammersley Gorge. Which is right up the top of Karajini National Park. It was quite a climb down into the gorge, but was just beautiful. A gorgeous pool, with clear water, very deep. And all the rock around the gorge is wavy with beautiful colours. The water was very cold but both Lauri and Ben braved it and went for a swim. It is not so warm here as Karratha. Inland so only about 20 by late afternoon.

After the trek back up the steps from the gorge, we drove off to have a look at Wittenoom. It is an abandoned town now due to the mining of asbestos. In a very pretty area so such a pity. They have degazzetted the town so it is like it never existed. There are lots of sad abandoned houses. But there are still three people who do live there. There is no power, phone, etc but apparently they refuse to move.

We arrived back about 6.45. And then went out for dinner at the local Asian restaurant, Red Breeze, which was quite nice.