JIM Adlington is different things to many people; that’s what being in the public domain does; but four things - fossicking, story-telling, prospecting and being a successful Mount Isa businessman - have remained a constant over the years.
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His 38 Marian Street shop, which he had built over three years from 1969 to ’71, has two clear areas.
One serves as the holding space for curtain fabrics, dress materials and craft gear. The other acts as his office and play area when there is time for online fossicking.
Floor to ceiling space is taken up with almost everything imaginable – like a half-broken meat mincer, old bread toaster (“there’s mica value in there”), bought collections of bottles, found collections of fossils, rocks, minerals, gold, spinning tops and, wait for it, a live bullet that dates back to the 1800s.
For Mr Adlington, 76, there is nothing like the bush. And he covets his love affair with the Queensland bush.
”There is no advantage in driving along with one’s eyes half-shut and the mouth open,” he says. “Mount Isa is a very interesting place and it has a lot to offer as a tourist destination for fossicking.
‘‘When travelling long distances, by stopping at every opportunity and looking around the Australian countryside it can be rewarding with wonderful places to see and explore.
“We are fortunate in being surrounded by rivers and creeks suitable for fossicking or just somewhere to stop and enjoy a quiet site for a picnic.
‘‘Ever since I have lived in Mount Isa I have been able to travel over so many bush tracks and visited as many abandoned mine sites as I could find – there was always a surprise either scarce bottles and tins or rock and mineral specimens to be found.
‘‘Cloncurry is also a town of interest – being many years older than Mount Isa, it had a lot to offer. Over the years I have collected numerous bottles and tins which are now collectors’ items as well as forming part of the history of Mount Isa and Cloncurry.”
This familiarity has thrust Mr Adlington into the role of unofficial bush tourism guide for interstate and overseas visitors. And, of course, he loves it.
“I am always happy to talk about the outback beauty and character of Mount Isa. I listen to the visitors who drop in and point them in the direction they need to go.
‘‘Fossicking and prospecting can be a very rewarding experience; first in finding a sought-after specimen and most important is the exercise that counts as well.
‘‘Just by walking along bush trails and along waterways is very good for peace of mind. “I hope I’m always healthy enough to go out bush. ‘‘I know the enthusiasm never dies.”
