Murder, Marbles and Mining

Barrow Creek,  Devils Marbles: Northern Territory

Mt Isa: Queensland

August 10 to August 16, 2019

At 17 metres, Anmatjere Man dominates the horizon.

First stop heading north from Alice Springs was Aileron where the magnificent sculptures Anmatjere Man and Anmatjere Woman and Child loom large. The creation of Alice Springs artist Mark Egan, they are very beautiful and super impressive.

Anmatjere Woman, Child and Goanna with the Man way over in the distance.

Barrow Creek - best known for the terrible events that unfolded nearby for Peter Falconio and Joanna Lees in July 2001 - proved to be an interesting stopover. 

The restored telegraph station at Barrow Creek, a fascinating part of NT's history.
The Overland Telegraph ran 3600km from Darwin to Port Augusta and finally linked Australia to Britain in 1872. 

Barrow Creek pub was very different, full of memorabilia and quirky characters.

The first quirky characters sitting on 44 gallon drums and taking in the sunset ....

.... being regaled by quirky barman Brad ...

... while quirky cat maintains a vigil inside ...

... watched by bemused quirky dog.

One of the most amazing sunsets we have seen.

Barrow Creek pub with a view to die for.

The Devils Marbles - Karlu Karlu - just south of Tennant Creek have to be seen to be believed. Lots of pics of gigantic granite boulders coming up.

Push-over Garry trying his luck with a BIG rock ...

... Jen being a bit more sensible.

Selfie as we watched the sun go down.

We built a beautiful campfire in the shadow of these amazing rock formations and invited our neighbours to join us.

It transpired David and Stephanie were in the early stages of a year long trek around Australia. We had a marvellous evening, during the course of which I discovered Steph is a yoga teacher. 

Yoga among the Marbles.
Steph is second from the right. The two on the left are backpackers who asked to join in. More the merrier, we said.

 Back into Queensland  ...

... and a short stop in Mt Isa ...

... mainly to do the Hard Times Underground Mine Tour.

Orange people on tour.
Former miner Buck lead us underground explaining the history and processes involved in mining Mt Isa.
A colourful character with a real passion for his industry and job.
 Mt Isa remains one of the most productive single mines in the history of the world. 

We've rocked on (hah!) since Mt Isa, but I'll break the blog into short palatable bites. 

Munch munch. Swallow.