Day 19: Weipa Friday 24 June

Today we went on the tour at the Rio Tinto Alcan mine in Weipa. It was an early start, with the tour bus departing at 8.30am. We had to be there early to get a good seat and Jim and Rick managed to share the front seat. The tour went for a couple of hours and it was good to see the mining operations – including big trucks. I think the boys were more impressed than I was.

Rick and Jim drove out to Mapoon. Mapoon is an Aboriginal township about 86 km north of Weipa and Mark worked there when he was in the Army and built some of the housing out there, about 15 years ago. Jim and Rick enjoyed their drive and also checked out the possible fishing spots along the bridges. Helen stayed at camp and enjoyed a peaceful swim in the pool, until a family with 8 children turned up. Ah school holidays! I reckon I was out of the pool as fast as if a crocodile was in there.

As it is Friday night, we went to the Albatross Hotel for tea and found out it was schnitzel night. The boys got excited when we heard that the footy was starting at 7.30, but it turned out to be a rubgy game so we headed home and had an early night.