Leaving a suitable distance for the dust to clear.

We think Optus were more attracted to creating some publicity than providing a useful service.

Limited range. And not available for Aldi, which uses the Optus network.

Our last internet was at Farina. Which required the pole.

Our next mobile phone reception will be Birdsville.

We've been here previously.

This is the awkward bit just before the old telegraph station and mine.

According to the "throw a stone in and listen" test its deep.

East south east of the mine.

We are at the Copper Top Smelter.

The seeds lodge in cracks between rocks, so are protected in their early stages of growth.

The mine shafts are off the picture to the right.

There is some leftover oxide ore at the top level.

Waiting to be crushed.

There's also some coke, used to fire the blast furnace. Brought in from the nearest rail head.

The dark patch is slag.

I need to do a bit of research on copper blast furnaces.

I know more of sulphide ores and reverberatory furnaces with converters.

Lots of them, but little water flow now.

A type of Acacia.

I think we have more energy now than we think (if that makes sense).

The smelter operated from 1900 to 1904. But went broke.

The telegraph station, the smelter, and mine shafts outlined against the sky.

The view north from our campsite.