Sunday, 8 August
Another Sunday, and another week gone. At least the weather has stayed the same – gorgeous days – although the nights are starting to get a little cold, especially about 4.30 am.
Today we decided to check out the remaining sights of Port Hedland which was really a drive to South Hedland residential area and a stop at Rio Tinto Salt to have a closer look at the salt hills and evaporation ponds from the top of the road bridge. We were lucky enough to have a smaller train pass under the bridge (on its way back to the mine) as we were standing on top. Another bloke also at the lookout made the effort to count the wagons, I think he estimated there were 248, plus two sets of engines. (The trains rumbled all night in the distance.) It was rather difficult to make out the front of the train as the last wagon rolled under the roadway. A look at the evaporation ponds (from a distance, of course) and our morning was complete.
This afternoon we decided to believe the Visitors’ Centre noticeboard that a ship was due to sail at 2.30 pm. So shortly before the due time, we had found a good advantage spot on the banks of the river and then we waited, and we watched a couple of ships opposite being loaded with red dirt, and we waited, and we waited. Eventually a small carrier ARRIVED (one of the waiting 18), being helped along by a couple of tugs. That was the excitement for the afternoon, Cat could hardly contain himself!
Tomorrow we head further south to Karratha.
Another Sunday, and another week gone. At least the weather has stayed the same – gorgeous days – although the nights are starting to get a little cold, especially about 4.30 am.
Today we decided to check out the remaining sights of Port Hedland which was really a drive to South Hedland residential area and a stop at Rio Tinto Salt to have a closer look at the salt hills and evaporation ponds from the top of the road bridge. We were lucky enough to have a smaller train pass under the bridge (on its way back to the mine) as we were standing on top. Another bloke also at the lookout made the effort to count the wagons, I think he estimated there were 248, plus two sets of engines. (The trains rumbled all night in the distance.) It was rather difficult to make out the front of the train as the last wagon rolled under the roadway. A look at the evaporation ponds (from a distance, of course) and our morning was complete.
This afternoon we decided to believe the Visitors’ Centre noticeboard that a ship was due to sail at 2.30 pm. So shortly before the due time, we had found a good advantage spot on the banks of the river and then we waited, and we watched a couple of ships opposite being loaded with red dirt, and we waited, and we waited. Eventually a small carrier ARRIVED (one of the waiting 18), being helped along by a couple of tugs. That was the excitement for the afternoon, Cat could hardly contain himself!
Tomorrow we head further south to Karratha.
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