Day 60, September4th, 26.76km and 314m climb, Lowland campsite to Butte
Just a short day today but the smoke from the forest fires is getting worse as we head south. A lovely downhill through a gorge before a couple of tar sealed climbs brought us into the back of Butte. (Pronounced beaut by the way!)
This is a really interesting old town that grew from mining. Part of the historic section of town is closed as they are making a tv series but we are going to spend a day here tomorrow and go on a tram tour of the mining and historic sections that we can see. Today though, we spent doing a few chores and lounging by the pool at the RV park we are staying in. It's surprising how time disappears when we seem to have lots and then we don't!
Day 61, September 5th, rest day, Butte
The tram tour through the historic and mining districts of Butte was fascinating. There is still an active open cast mine as well as a disused one that is filled by a poisonous lake. See the photos! Originally the mining was done vertically as per the black towers but eventually changed to open cast as it is safer. They are slowly treating and discharging the poisonous lake to keep it at its current level but it will remain there for the foreseeable future and beyond.
The old district is also unique even if only for the sheer number of well preserved buildings. The film set is based around the old buildings and they had lined one of the streets with probably 30 cars from 1920s. Really spectacular but no photos unfortunately.
Back on the road south tomorrow and likely out of coverage for a few days.
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