Yuendumu

A place called Yuendumu. A place disconnected from the world, So i thought. It was another bush job. Away from town, about 300 k`s. The job turned to be all right from the start.

The plans of the platform didn`t show up until after the platform and walkway were already made. It was an urgent job , it had to be made and installed as fast we could. So we couldn't`t wait till the plans showed up. So we started to fabricate the walkway straight ahead. better said, i started. This job is almost completely made by myself in the workshop.
The angle of the stairways had to be modified , because when they ordering the wrong size of stair threads , it really doesn`t fit properly. But on the end , the platform , stairs and walkway, and let not forget the 121 metres of pipework  were ready to transport to the remote area.

Ready to go, one truck, one load . But how do you fit a 21 m long platform and 121 metres of pipework on one truck? It was really a job that went smooth from the start. The truck was loaded with 1/3 of what we had to take with us when they noticed we needed an extra truck. So we didn`t leave that day. The truck did just a drop of at the community, and to come back to be loaded another time.
We loaded the truck a second time, and all ready to go for the second time. We left Alice but we did made it 5 k`s further. The weight bridge was standing in our way. The truck was overloaded with 3.4 ton. We weren`t allowed to drive another 100 metres. So another truck had to come from work to reload and shift the extra tons, what took us an extra day. So, we didn`t leave that day, Yep , it went all smooth.

The next day we were finally on the road. Two trucks driving on a dirt track , away from civilisation and communication.  Only camels , unaware they are the weak on the highway to hell, travelling over the road. Highway to hell is a name the road has been given, trough the years. A road with the most kills and accidents trough the northern territory. Bad dirt and road trains that just keep going.

Yuendumu, the oldest community in the red dirt. A community where people still work with there own law system. Putting an axe in someone`s skull because he offended the cousin of a close family member. But i have to admit they have a kind of humor to. The place we stayed was called the Hilton. A 5 star resort with a fridge filled with all kind of bacterias, at the Jacuzzi , you had the choice between hundreds of leftovers of soap and insects to have a nice back scrubbing. the ultra modern and well maintained garden was filled with the state of art. All kind of metal parts,stones and rubbish were a pleasure for the eye. The garden houses, where you could have a relax rest were defying the gravity.

The touristic town on our way to the power station was piled up with garbage. It almost looks like a ghost town. Only a few people  sleeping next to the dogs next to a shed with satellites. I just wonder if they have an underground city , and the people above are just actors to scare people away, so they can have a peace full and luxurious live underground.

One of the strangest things happened, i looked on my phone , and saw some bars. We weren`t at the end of the world. There was Internet. There was communication with the outside world. Once and a while you could reconnect with the world.

The job was supposed to be a week, but with the perfect accommodation at the Hilton, and beautiful views we stayed an extra week. Having a weekend alone with two Russians listening how they love the Asian culture with there lady boys.

But the job went smooth. The walkway , stairs and pipes are installed. We left the town . Leaving the locals happy , now they could install there Jacuzzis and plasma screens in their underground city.