Pregled posta

Marketing

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Newspix / Rex Features
A spectacular mine collapse in Australia, which washed away a road as well as rail lines, amazingly cost no lives. An aerial view of the Yallourn coal mine, about 150km east of Melbourne, gives a chilling reminder of the power of nature - as well as the constant dangers involved in mining. The collapse happened early on the morning of the 14 November and mine boss Richard McIndoe described the monumental earth shift, with some understatement, as a "major subsidence". Luckily no miners were caught up in the accident. Mine company TRUenergy believed that the nearby La Trobe River - which had been surging after strong rain in the area of the mine - triggered the monumental cave-in. Water had been flowing into the mine for a week and according to Mr McIndoe work to plug the leaks had been scheduled to begin; however, civil engineers had no chance to start repairs before the mine collapsed. This collapse is believed to be have been caused by the river bank giving way overnight, sending torrents of water into the mine's shafts. When the bank collapsed the weight of water could not be held and thousands of tonnes of earth shifted, dragging rail lines and an access road on the surface into the resulting chasm. Despite the surreal appearance of the battered mine site, TRUenergy is still producing a limited electricity supply from the site. Normally the Yallourn coal power station would supply 22% of the Australian state of Victoria's electricity needs. The station normally operates four generators with the capacity to produce up to 1480mw of power; however, due to the flooding, only two generators are currently operating with a total capacity of 440mw. Victorian Premier John Brumby said he did not believe the state was at risk of losing power. "With the weather we've got at the moment, and the level of demand, that is not an issue," Mr Brumby commented. The mine's restoration will now take up to a week while work

An information board on the trail above the Many Glacier Hotel.
Thought the "old" b/w depiction looked good with this theme. I'll post the color version soon.

Sign says:
"In the 1920's large parties of tourists gathered on horseback at the Many Glacier Hotel. The Hotel was part of a network of Chalets built a day ride apart....a way for guests to cross the parks wild roadless interior while spending nights in relative comfort and security. Sperry and Granite Park Chalets continue to play their historic roles by lodging overnight hikers.

A blend of rustic materials and Swiss chalet style, the Hotel's architecture expresses the paradox of Glacier National Park tourism....the attempt to balance development with the forces of wilderness. The Swiss motif grew out of a campaign to attract vacationers to America's Alps."

Truly a spectacular place.

Thanks for taking a look and for any comments or suggestions.