Aussie Lapidary Forum
Fossicking and Rockhounding => Trip Talk => Topic started by: Mithras on March 31, 2009, 09:04:07 AM
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OK guys.
6 months notice so many can plan accordingly.
Last year, Rust (Paul), FossickerACT (Ted), Geriatricgipsy (Patrick) and myself, Mithras (Michael) had a December trip to the Glen Innes area. You can read about our exploits in this months Gold, Gem and Tresure magazine.
Anyway, seeing as some unfortunate events stopped me from going to Minerama, I am eager to get back to the New England. Its early days yet, but an idea of numbers and possible dates will help me organise a trip that will suit all that wish to attend, and maybe if I get enough interest, I will put the hard yards in and see what we can do with the likes of accomodation and property access. October seems like a good month as it still cool, but not hot like November was last year. It sort of fits in with my timetable.
If you are interested in maybe attending, please reply here or drop me a PM. also contactable at mturcin@gmail.com.
Looking at 7 full days up there, with trips planned for Torrington topaz and emeralds, Staggy creek (diamonds and topaz), Tinga sands for quartz, Sapphires and the usual.
I just read this months GGT and am eager to have that much fun again.
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Count me in if I'm back from June trip to Harts range, might bring mudpuddler or someone ;)
beers Ted
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Ted, its a must. I hope to spend 1 or 2 days out a copeton looking for diamonds 8)
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What date is the Emmaville Gem show on this year?? September
Always a good get together.
Cheers A
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Might need some Bundy in our coffee at night in September?
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Hi,
It does get cold but it was OK last year. The mornings were quite "brisk" but the days were excellent for digging. Certainly not as cold as "snow fossicking" at Oberon :D I've seen pictures of one ALFer digging in the snow and several years back I actually broke ice on a dam to do some seiving .... I lasted about 30 seconds before I realised this was really quite insane :o
I hope they can get a few more locations opened up for this year. They have had some excellent places but access seems to be a bit of an issue these days.
Regards, Paul
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Hi Mithras,
Yep count me in. I like the idea of a mini Minerama. But more importantly I'd like to meet the others of the group (I already know Paul and have been out with him a few times). I'll email you with my details. Kind regards.
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:'( :'(
You guys get all the fun.
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Count me in for October as well Mithras. :)
Paul, I have replaced my long shovel handle and am ready to dig.
Will hopefully have had plenty of practice by then. ;D
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:o
Lots of interest so far. I like the name, Mini Minerama beers
So far the numbers are
Mithras - Michael
FossickerACT - Ted
Jimnyjerry - Jerry
Swagdagman - Steve (maybe + 1)
Rust - Paul
That makes 6 so far. More then our last trip.
Maybe we can persuade Geriatricgipsy to come along as the official scribe.
I have 2 more friends from the south coast who might be interested.
How we going with dates? I think September may be just a bit too cold being too close to Winter, especially up in the high country. October would be better or even the first week on November, as I have my final exams in late november. Other then that, December is totally free.
Looks like I better start trying to get access to some areas.
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I am going to talk to Craig and see if we can sneek down and make sure your all behaving ;)
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Hi,
Just arrived back from Papua New Guinea last night - it's good to be home again!
I was thinking of the last week in September for Inverell visit this year but could possibly flex it to October. No.2 son is doing his HSC this year so won't be able to join me for our annual fossicking trip - some company wouldn't go astray.
The big question is work. I get booked up around 3-4 months in advance sometimes, so early locking in of a date is pretty important for me.
Regards,
Shane
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Hi Mithras, good to see someone else has put a story in the GGT, l put one in the December issue about the Gems in the Willows.
Have been looking for an excuss to come down that way fossicking when you get dates etc l will see.
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Perhaps we could have a ALF get together,perhaps a counter meal at a Local or along those lines??
I see NSW School Holidays are the 3/Oct to 18/Oct,we always try and get a Week at the Beach over Easter and Oct Hols but not sure how it effects others.
The group would be welcolme to have a Dig on our place but I think the last few years of Minerama have the easiest gone from our Virgin spot,hey Hiring 7 Oaks Plant sounds interesting ??
Cheers Andrew
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Hi Gussyy
Sorry but I didn't write up that article. That was done my Patrick Obrien, another of the ALF's
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Hi Andrew.
That will have to be an idea. Even if all those that come go different places, we can all meet up somewhere and get a good country meal into us.
As for having a dig on your place, that would be big help. I will send you a message sometime soon. As I hope to have a list made up of places to go during our time up there.
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Hi all
Looks like there has been a bit of a push for dates, and with no feed back, I have picked the days that MM (Mini Minerama) will be held. It is now up to those who are coming to plan their trip around these dates. ::) Sorry for any in-convenience, but the days I have picked probably fit in with the majority of people planning to come.
The group trip will start Wednesday 7th October and the last day of digging will be Wednesday 14th October. Thats 8 days of digging :o
The reason for these dates is because its the same time as school holidays which run from the 5th to the 16th, meaning families will be able to come out with us. And this week is just after the long weekend on the 5th (Labor Day)
Anyone is welcome to join us on our trip, come for a day or come for the week. I'm from Sydney so I will spend the day before and the day after the holiday on the road.
Details on accommodation, fossicking locations, and RSL Dinners will be planned later on beers
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Hi ALF,
Good move Michael, now we can all plan around that. Should be pointed out that 7 days digging is not compulsory for who don't know you and have only seen you threatening Patrick with the hammer.There will be no wacking. See you tomorrow at Wee Jasper.
beers Ted
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Sounds good Michael, should also be nice weather then too.
I would love to camp at Copeton Dam, Last time I camped there the dam was at 3% capacity and I found some awesome rainbowish flourite withing the dam boundaries, as it wasn't covered with water.
Hmmm, RSL cool, I love campoven meals when out fossicking, so will be bringing the camp ovens for sure. Now I just hope we can make it. I will send the details to Craig tonight as he is at work.
Woohoo!!!! This might be like a biggest loser boot camp or is that biggest winner ;)
I will also let my boss know.
Thank you for that, just hope there won't be any changes ;D
Take Care,
Deb ;D
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Hi Guys
Now that the dates are picked, the next step is to choose the locations.
The way I think about it, the group trips seem to be more fun, as you are sharing you're knowledge and experience with each other. As well as being able to sit down and drink someone else's beer beers But if you wish to do your own thing and meet up after a day of digging, you are welcome to do so.
There are a few places that are a must. More for the fact that I want to go there :P
So far its
Torrington Emerald Mine - Emerald - http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?topic=153.0 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?topic=153.0)
Staggy Creek - Topaz, Diamond, Tourmaline - http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?topic=163.0 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?topic=163.0)
Copeton Dam - Diamonds -
Stanifer - Quartz, citrine and smokey - http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?topic=142.0 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?topic=142.0)
And Yarrow Creek with John Paix - Wednesday trips - Sapphire, garnets, zircons, spinel (I will write him an email)
For those that have more knowledge with myself, and have spots you might think are good places, please make them known.
Also, where should we base our operation from? Glen Innes or Inverell, or somewhere between. Somewhere big enough that everyone coming can get a room or camp site.
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Sounds great Michael,
Craig has put in for that week off, and he is still waiting to hear if he can have it off.
Mum and Dad asked when it was, then Mum said she would have to get my sister to sell their tickets to see my cousins perform at Boonah, which was on the 10th. Then of course I felt bad about that as they alkways enjoy catching up with relations :o
I am just really hoping that we can do this, as it would be great to go on a holiday down there, then Craig can catch the bug and woohoo!!! Anakie here we come do dah do dah :-X
Hoping to also do this and pick up another ALF'er at the Brissy airport, or someone in Sydney town can do that. ;) ;D
The other day when my sweet Billy G Goat passed on, I didn't want to go at all, it just seemed so far from home and my animals, but now I really do want to go again.
Just for the record, I think Michael you are doing a great job organising this trip, and I do hope to meet you there.
Take Care,
Deb ;D
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I'm Sydney based. Easy for me to drive someone up there. its a long drive by yourself.
Thanks for the compliment.
Maybe I might have to make a small fee for all my services, say, 1 cuter each from every destination :P
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I'll give ya 1 cutter hehe.
So is anyone doing the bush camping thing, or is it going to be van park camping etc?
be good,
Deb ;D
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Hi Michael,
The dates you said for October are fine. ;D
Will be heading over from Boggabri as my club will have just finished a week end digging thundereggs there.
So where are we planning to camp? And to meet. beers
The offer of a dig at your place Andrew is great. ;)
Jerry
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Hello all
As always, you will be welcome on our Wednesday trips while you are up this way. I will be making a serious attempt shortly to locate some new areas. We have been doing OK at the Glory Hole in Yarrow Creek lately. I found 4.1 and 3.1 carat sapphires there Wednesday last week. It has been a bit wet since then and before you know it the creek water will be too cold to get into. Back to gumboots and a fire until October. :)
John
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Hey Findem,
Glad you could tear yourself away from the digs to join in.
WELCOME ;D
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Hi Findem
Good you joined the forum. Saves me sending you an email ;)
Just wanted to ask. Do you only organise trips on Wednesday? or if there are the numbers are you willing to take out a group on another day?
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Hi All
Mostly it would be Caravan camping. I don't mind roughing it for a while, but a week out and I don't mind a hot shower and a nice warm dry bed ::) I think the others I went with last year opt for the cabins or caravans, but there are camping sites there too. Easy to pitch a tent for a week.
Plus, you don't want to be camping next to Ted ;D Though he does scare away the yowies.
BTW, Ted, your honey is great. Bit different from our hives.
Is anyone intersted in sharing the cost of a cabin?
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Hi Mithras,
I take it we don't all have to stay at the same digs, I love camping where I can have a campfire, collect wood, cook in a campoven etc. Last time I stayed at Copeton Dam I did all of this and had a hot shower every night ;D
I have to admit I am a bit of a bush pig at heart and roughing it is right up my alley. Even though I live in the bush I still can't get enough of it ;)
I guess we will have to see what happens and still hoping we can make it down.
Take Care,
Deb ;D beers
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Cheeky youngster you check on those rules for a fossicking mate, I expect some progress by Mini Minerama. ;)
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Check the Avatar,
He's come out fightin...or is it all just bul-
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Check those rules ??? Michael no 31 subtle mate subtle.
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Nah, no bull. :o
1 Cutter from each person at each destination.
Or maybe I will have to give 1 cutter to each person that comes ;D
Ted, All I Remember is Rule 47 - She must have a Subaru Forester ;)
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Yeah well make sure you check out her fossicking equipment.Remember subtle not bull at a gate!
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Hi Michael, October sounds good to me.. We will be back from the Anakie gemfields by the end of September, so I will check with my little prairie flower and see if I can get away for a week with you lot. You certainly need someone to record your deeds, as the truth is a slippery subject with you fossickers and if someone must lie about the excursion's results, at least let it be an expert lyer! Luv & kisses, Patrick
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Og Geez Patrick,
Now I really want to go, I haven't seen you since the early 90's at Anakie.
Take Care,
Deb :-*
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Hi Deb, I am not much of a computer operator and only just found that message you sent me in March! I do remember the days when we all sat around the Blue Gem fire and told lies about our finds... Today, the Coffee Cup brigade up there gather in a very modern camp kitchen and talk about what they found in the tourist buckets of wash! Maureen and I still get up there every year and the sapphires still keep turning up. I hope that the October trip works out.. be great to catch up. Luv & kisses, Patrick.
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Hi Patrick,
Well that just burst my bubble, and I thought everyone found those stones hehe. I remember so much about up there, I am sure I remember you with an old bed frame throughing shovel full off rocks at it, somewhere in Sapphire, thinks the highway side of Pats gems. The coffee cup brigade hmm, I reckon I would fit right in, I use to drive a Taxi and was in the petticoat Mafia :o Can you believe that and I don't even wear one of them things.
I was up there a few years ago and the Blue Gems had changed so much, it seemed more like a tourist park then back in the old days with the cut off 44 full of fire, stories and laughter.
I think you will be up there soon if memory serves me correct, I have a plan to try to sneak up there for a few days in May, when my other half is on holidays. But he took holis to do fencing on the farm, so if I help him them maybe just maybe.
I really do want to go to GI in October so I can meet all these strange gemmy people ;) and of course find a gem or 10.
You be a good laddy now.
Take Care,
Deb ;D :-* beers
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Hello all again
Mithras asked if we went out on days other than Wednesdays. Rarely, I'm afraid. I've often heard people say that they have never been as busy as when they retired. After 7 years of retirement things are still very busy. Anyhow, you will all have lots of places to visit without going out again with us.
Still, there have been lots of time we have gone out with groups, especially club groups so it's not that hard to make the time.
Happy hunting
John
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Hi, I am heading up to the Willows gem field again this year, l will be there from the 5/7/09 to 25/07/09 if anyone has time to kill you could head to the Willows, the people are very friendly. I stay at the Gem air caravan park.
PS would love to try and get down to your fossicking trip in October will have to check work committments.
Cheers
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Hey Mithras, Count Dave and I in! Camping or motel? I will have to tag along with someone because I have never been there! ??? :P Any confirmed dates yet? Itinerary? ???
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Sure, you can come. As long as you give me a cutter for each day you dig :o
Nah, just kidding
Dates are: Start digging on the 7th, and retire the week with a farewell dinner at the RSL on the 14th. I take me a day to drive up.
We are going to try and get the Caravan park, so its up to you. They have campsites and cabins. If you want, I will try and get a cabin, and you are welcome to stay with me. help share the costs of the trip.
There are a few spots that are a must. Check back along the posts
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Sweet, can't wait! ;D Yeah, you and I can share a cabin beers Do you snore????????? ;D
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nah, not like Ted :o :o :o
Can we confirm a place where we are going to stay????? I am thinking the Fossickers Caravan Park in Glen Innes as it is central to Torrington and central to Inverell.
What do you think, as we will have to organise cabins, tent or caravan spots as soon as possible.
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Fossickers Caravan Park in Glen Innes sounds perfect ;D
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Ok
Here is an updated list of people coming to MM
Mithras - Michael
FossickerACT - Ted
Jimnyjerry - Jerry
swagdagman -Steve - (maybe plus 1)
KristyLaura2 - Kristy - Plus 1
moonshadow_dancer -Deb - Plus 1
Rust - Paul
Mudpuddler - Chris
geriatricgipsy - Patrick - Official Scribe of MM
Jason and Richard - Canberra Lapidary Club
Maybe 2 others from Kiama NSW
So far about 12 or 15 people. looking like a very good trip
oh, my leave was approved ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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beers I can't wait to meet everyone! Especially you Ted! Ha ha ha! :D ;D
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Sounds like it should be a good trip.
Being quite today, fighting off the flu.
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Kristy ,
Be careful with Ted - I have seen him in action :o We were shocked ;)
He has a certain magnetism that the opposite sex cannot ignore ;D.
Cheers Andrew
Just kidding Ted.
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Ha ha! Thanks Andrew ;D I have the same problem too, I have to fight them off with a stick 8) 8) 8)
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Hahahahahaha
I woo the girls with my shovel skills ;D
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Jeez ALF,
And now their all ganging up on me ;D snoring indeed, even a dour Scot "magnetism" ??? be planting his soya beans by moon next ;), probably just getting even only taken three months. No none of you are getting Samira's phone Number :-X.I think I'll just stay at Harts Range or Fullerton. Naw got to give Deb and Merryn a hug, and Michael needs supervision yes Kristylaura he snores something terrible drives off wombats though.
beers Ted
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Ooo Deb, we're on a promise. ;) :D
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You Betcha ;)
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Hahahahahaha! ;D Ted, why does Michael need supervision? ???
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Sorry Kristylaura it wouldn't do to blab :-X on me mates, but see his comment about wooing girls with shovel skills you'll get the idea.Now young Michael some sage advice ;), forget about throwing granite boulders, wacking things and wooing with shovel skills just pay attention to their skills ???, now that's rule No 50.
beers Ted
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Hahaha! ;D I read gem and treasure last night. So your a retired geologist Ted? I always wanted to be a geologist but I didnt stay in school :( I look forward to chatting to you about it beers
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He He. :D You can't believe everything Patrick writes, brought home a bit of the blarney stone on a fossicking trip to Ireland.I did train and work as a geologist but spent 30 yrs teaching in the School Science lab. You didn't stay at school and now want to chat to a retired school teacher ??? HeHe.I'll bring some chalk to scare you away ;). beers Ted
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What school did you teach at? ???
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Basically Wagga & Queanbeyan.
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I'll bring some chalk to scare you away ;). beers Ted
What colour chalk do you want to use? I still have some packs of yellow. ;D
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Just don't use a RED pen, they're banned in schools now.
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Hi,
You can add Jan and myself to the list of starters.
Michael.
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Is anyone else staying at the glen innes Fossicker Caravan Park with Michael and I?
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Ted has confirmed, and has already booked in. I think Mudpuddler is joining him from Canberra as well.
I got a fairly cold reception when I called the Caravan park about having lots of people staying, so I didn't feel comfortable asking is I could get a group discount or something.
I think Paul and Jerry will be getting a cabin as well.
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Hmm, you would think that they would want to book more people...
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Ted has confirmed, and has already booked in. I think Mudpuddler is joining him from Canberra as well.
I got a fairly cold reception when I called the Caravan park about having lots of people staying, so I didn't feel comfortable asking is I could get a group discount or something.
I think Paul and Jerry will be getting a cabin as well.
Want me to call and ask?
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Sure
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Ok will do that tomorrow.
I haven't heard back from an email I sent as yet.
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Hi Deb,
Tried their email a week ago, didn't work :( but a phone call worked fine ;).
beers Ted
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If anyone is having trouble contacting them (the Fossicker CP) and would like us to help, just let us know. We can slip round there on our next trip to town if need be.
cheers
Leah
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Hi All,
I just spoke to Cathy at Fossicker Caravan Park- Glen Innes, nice Ladie, she asked how many people were in the group, so Mithras do you have numbers on how many have said yes they were coming to MM???
Also perhaps if we can work out how many of the fossicking places we are going that charge a fee, then perhaps we can also find out about group discounts there also.
If we have rough numbers and even if others join the list at least we will have a rough idea.
Take Care All,
Deb who has plenty of time on my hands at the moment and trying to assist Mithras. ;D
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Add me to the list! Have managed to negotiate 2 weeks off at the right time. Woot!
Regards,
Shane
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Looking Great,what a crew ;D
I reckon this could easily become a annual Trek,differnt areas regions etc.
Are the dates 7th to 14th May 09 still the aim.
Cheers Andrew
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Gee I hope so Andrew,
I booked in to the van park yesterday, and incase anyone is wanting a cabin, there are no 1 bedroom ones (5 beds) left, there was 4 2 roomed cabins left as of yesterday.
So if you plan on getting a cabin, my advice is book very soon.
Take care,
Deb ;D
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who's camping? Try and get spots next to mithras and I, we can set up tent city! Hehehe
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not me! I want fridge full of beer and red wine, a bed that has a mattress, and doors. If you behave yourself, I might wave to you from my cabin window.... ;D
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Gee Shane, better get booked as not many cabins left.
Glad you are going to make it, I think you need a holiday, and yes we sure will wave to everyone else.
Take Care,
Deb beers
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;D Behave?? Shane, when you look outside your little window and see how much fun mithras and I are having, you'll wish you were camping! Hehehe! Plus I know how to camp in style! We'll have a fully pimped out tent city! beers beers beers
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Oh No!!
Does that mean we'll still have to tell the kids to keep it down. 8)
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Hahahahahahaha! I just thought of a fantastic nickname! Just call me pebbles! 8) Bam bam and pebbles will have an awesome time camping in their pimped out tent city! beers ;D
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Hi KL,
That would be a fine nickname for you if your other half was Mithras, but out of respect for Dave I think I will stick to calling you Kristy ;D
I think we will all have a great time no matter how or where we camp at MM.
Take Care,
Deb aka Dooby ;D
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Thanks Deb ;D I thought pebbles and bam bam were siblings???
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oh, hahaha, dave just told me they're not siblings
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Bam Bam and Pebbles siblings, hmmm, have you not watched the best cartoon the Flintstones????
Maybe listen to Dave and show him the repies to post, can't get into trouble that way ;)
Be Good,
Deb ;D
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hehehe, the flinstones was a little before my time... There's no trouble, dave reads what i read
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sigh! Foot in mouth disease.... Again
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Hi Kristy,
Don't worry to much, just be aware that a lot of us wee folk are a lot older then you and see things as a little stange sometimes. Not all the time as we still have a sense of humour.
We do look forward to meeting everyone at MM, and hoping we all dohave a good time there.
Take Care,
Deb ;D
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Hey Grannie, who you callin old. >:(
Luv Kiddo. :D
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Gee I must have meant myself as being old ;) hehe
It should be good though, it doesn't really make much difference where we all camp, would be nice if it was fairly close though so we can all have chin wags after dinner.
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You mean so us young folk can help those with 'Wobbly legs' get back to the right bed. Haha.
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Are you coming too mehoose?
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Are you coming too mehoose?
It will be fun ;D
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Well... I will do my best. They are my intentions.
Well I'm on a promise of two hugs so far. ;)
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Ok, you need numbers. I tried to attach my spreadsheet, but no cigar,
So its.
Confirmed People
Mithras - Michael
Fossicker ACT - Ted
Jimnyjerry - Jerry
Swagdagman + 1 - Steve
KristyLaura2 + 1 - Kristy and Dave
Moonshadow_Dancer + 1 - Deb and Craig
Mudpuddler - Chris
Calxoddity - Shane
MG + 1 - Michael and Jan
Non ALFer - Jason and Richard
To be confirmed
Rust - Paul
Geriatricgipsy - Patric
Gussy -
Non ALFer - Claude and Leslie
15 Confirmed - 4 To be Confirmed. Maybe more to come.
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You mean so us young folk can help those with 'Wobbly legs' get back to the right bed. Haha.
hehe, you know me to well, yep thats exactly what I meant ;D
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Good job Michael ;D, yes hope Merryn gets on the list. One glaring omission where is your little fossicking mate ??? who will fetch your beer around the campfire :'(, and after all my good advice ;)?
beers Ted
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I thought you would be fetching the beers for everyone Ted ??? beers
;D
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Naw Kristy that would spoil me reputation ;)
beers Ted
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Just checked the cabin availability - looks like I'll be rattling around inside one of the villas, as that's the only thing left.
I guess with that amount of free space I could set up an macrame studio, or tune piano accordians and bagpipies at night whilst playing the banjo with my six left toes, or maybe even create an indoor tapir habitat for any local tapirs what have no beds of their own. After all, at the price I'll be paying, I have to work a lot harder to get my money's worth!
Have to go, time for my medication.... ::)
Regards,
Shane
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haha! Ive been looking for someone to make me a new macrame sieve rack! Just kidding
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Well if it gets dirty we'll watch em all slitherin and slidin with pitiful faces in your direction Shane...from our window. ;D
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You've just given me another idea (o noes....) - I'll bring my tripod along as well and set up a photo studio so that I can take pikkies of our finds. I'll make sure I bring my bestest macro lens, of course...
For a little extra I also photograph peoples, but must remember to remove macro lens or the results could scare the children and those with weak constitutions. I will now have to arrive on the 5th to have everything set up in time:
- tapir beds,
- accordian tuning rack
- banjo stand
- photo lightbox and bucket
- scenic backdrops
Regards,
Shane
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Sounds like your going to be a busy beaver shane ;)
Do you think you will have any time left over to fossick ;D
Take Care,
Deb beers
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ha! plenty of time to fossick. I've just this afternoon booked a big cabin, so am fully committed now.
Regards,
Shane
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So no more cabins left?
Any other caravan park cabin accomodation recommendations?
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Swag,
You going on your own?
Shane might like a bunk buddy. He's got a big one all to himself. :D
Merryn.
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The Fossicker caravan park is convenient to the middle of town but there are some other good choices.
At the southern end of Glen Innes, there is the Craigieburn, Poplar and Glen Rest. At the northern end, there is the Blue Sapphire.
Check them out here:
http://www.poplarcaravanpark.com.au/
http://www.craigieburntouristpark.com.au/
http://www.gleninnes.com/glenrestpark/
http://www.caravanparkphotos.com.au/glenn_innes_blue_sapphire/index.htm
check them out - suggest phoning as not all of them check email well.
cheers
Leah
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ha! plenty of time to fossick. I've just this afternoon booked a big cabin, so am fully committed now.
Regards,
Shane
How big is big, 2 Bedroom and 7 beds??
Party at shanes cabin ;)
Merryn is right, maybe someone out there might be willing to share with you and help with the rental. Something like that.
Take Care,
Deb ;D
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If you don't get any takers soon, Dave and I might be able to go halves with you if you want shane ;D
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no, wait... We've already booked a cam site
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Thanks Guys
I'm bringing my wife, so I need to get our own cabin. I'll follow up your links tomorrow. Thanks for that Leah.
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Thanks Guys
I'm bringing my wife, so I need to get our own cabin. I'll follow up your links tomorrow. Thanks for that Leah.
Nah I think the cabin Cal has is a 2 bedroom one so good for anyone sharing.
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Swaggy and his wife might not want to listen to the sound of tuning accordians late at night ;D
Seriously though, will still be easy to catch up. Poplar is closest to the Fossicker - about 2 blocks along the highway but both the Glen Rest and Craigieburn are not much further away and very nice spots.
cheers
Leah
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Or you can join us in camp city.
And bring you own camp chairs. I'll supply the beer
beers
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Cool! I'll come out of my country villa in that case. I'll supply the glasses, of course...
Regards,
Shane (Country Squire in waiting)
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Will you have a little Camp Fire Mithras to keep everyone warm?
Beer and Glasses Now, do you have any idea how much some of us beer guzzlers can drink ;)
Take care,
Deb ;D
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And don't forget the billy Bam Bam, I like a cuppa Tea in the morning and coffee from lunch time on. :)
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Yes Billy Tea MMMMMMM yum, best way to drink it.
Shhh about the coffee after lunch, will keep us up all night ;)
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Hi Mithras
Im reasonably sure the Kiama duo can make it. I'm pretty keen to get back up there after the results we had at Minerama, especially if Paul and jerry are coming. Lesley's not so keen if it's cold and we cant get a cabin, but I'll convince her. By the way I've invited 'the sweede' my digging buddy from Brisbane who absolutely loves saphires. Give me some dates and locations and I'll run it past Brigitte and Ray as well.
Dom105
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Dom,
this is copied from page 2 by Mithras
The group trip will start Wednesday 7th October and the last day of digging will be Wednesday 14th October. Thats 8 days of digging :o
Further down that page are site locations.
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Oh and Calx might be after someone to top and toe with him. He's got 2 rooms to do the bed hop in. :D
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Oh DOUBLE OH.
DOM, WELCOME to the forum. :D
Hope you can make it. Looks like we might be doing the crawl between two accommodation parks.
Well some of us will be supporting others but should be good. ;)
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Aren't I a dodo.
I've just copied this over from another thread cause this is where the lower part is more relevant. :-[
Jason, Book yourself in.
Think we're starting to spread over 2 parks, think there's still camping at the main one which Mithras and Kristy are doing but I think You'll need to book into another if you're after a cabin.
Maybe someone could say which is the other park that they have booked in at would be good.
This is a first for the ALF gang so everyones breaking new ground in meeting. Andrew and Leah, are you guys gonna pop your noses in one day?
From a total newbie to this fossicking caper, what is going to be required?
Licence, and from where? If needed at all?
Tools? Will I get them on a plane :o
See, told you I was new. ;D
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Hi Merryn Chooky,
Leah said we don't need a fossickers licence in NSW, good news huh.
Not sure about what fossicking gear we will need, usually an axe to get fire wood to cook with ;)
Umm not an axe really, maybe sieves, shovels, picks, crowbars to move our boulder sized sapphires back to the car ;) A hat and gumboots maybe, some jelly beans if we are diabetic, first aide kit, sling shot to ping at the snakes and chase them away. Esky full of beer or coke or water. Ted our nominated leech repeller or attractant whichever comes first.
A fishing rod, incase we get lost in the bush, then we can attach a piece of bread and catch a running roast (Bush Turkey) umm have I left anything out? ;)
Take Care,
Deb ;D :-*
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So in other words I have to book the whole plane. :o
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I got a better idea, see if you can email Richard bramston and see if he can send his jet down to pick you up ;) ;D :o
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Hi Alf'
Firstly Merryn can just see you ;D lugging pick, shovel and sieves on a plane, a couple of 60l plastic water tubs, 75l of water bottles.Hold on I"ve got spares I can bring,you can share mine and I can smoke my pipe in a comfortable chair.You can help Muddy turn sieves , just like sponge cakes.I like to see gems found but I don't have to find them.
And Deb leaches prefer female blood :P something to do with lower iron content, so no we will just have to toss you in first ;).Anyway no leaches around Glenn Innes just ask Leah ???.Turkey only the fossicker kind I'm afraid.Add a pair of soft leather gloves to save blisters.
beers Ted
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Oh Ted :-*
::) Hang on
I feel I'm being conned into another coupla rules here 8) ;D
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Ted hehe,
You can try touse me as Leech bait butI have high iron levels so they will spit me out ;)
I agree with the just like a sponge cake bit, turning a sieve does remind my of flipping a cake out of a pan ;D
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Yeh Deb I forgot high heels(er iron levels?) are all the fashion ;D for fossickers Michael should get some to hide his big foot prints ;).
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Oh Boy Oh Boy....
Off to Ebay to find some High Heels, I will look for some Yeti sized ones for Michael while I am at it hehe ;)
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hi guys ,would there be enough room for my tribe of 5 to join in over the weekend ?if so count us in ,,we'll go to tent city ,it would be good to meet you all and learn a bit as well ,,,jas
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Hi Jason,
Of course there is enough room, and we would all love to have you and your tribe there ;D
Take Care,
Deb beers
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Gee. This trip is getting bigger by the minute.
Things to bring
Sieves and stands (for dry sieving)
Shovel
Garden hand scoop or hand spade
Pick
Washing Tubs (wide enought to sieve comfortably)
Water containers (as some place we are going you will need to bring water)
Crow Bar (I will be bringing mine if you need to borrow) Saves carrying one on the airplane
Hammer and Chisels (I will have my hammer ;D)
Camping chair
Gloves, Hat, Insect & Leech Repelent, packed luches and drinks.
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and big foot repellent! ;) No wait... we have Ted ;D
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Okay,
Sieves - Two perforated paper cups -wax lined of course- check
Shovel & scoop - One big and one small cup with 1/3 removed - check
Pick - one plastic airline knife - check
Wash tubs :-\ 2 hub caps, Ted's - check
Water containers :-\ Shane and Paul's windscreen bottles- check
Crow bar - Andrew's gear stick - check
Hammer and Chisels - Bam Bam - check
Camping chair - Ted's is always in use so Jas, kid booster seat? - check
Insect and leech repellant- food from plane - check
Gloves and hat - Muddy's look good - check
Food and water - Hi Deb :-*
Righto, ready. ;D
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA OMG!!!!!
I just about choked on my coke laughing :o ;D
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So long as it didn't go up the nose ;)
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Hahahaha, very funny.
You bringing your daugters along ???
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No way!!!
I'd be too busy makin sure what boulders you were diggin under. ;)
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Umm No, but it did almose come out my nose along with shredded lettuce :o
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thanx guys ,,will ring up and book a tent site ,,,jas
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Hi all
I'm about to book my accomodation for October and would like to know where everyone else is staying. May as well stick together as it simplifies things in the morning. There is definitely three of us, with a possible four and I'll definitely never hear the end of it ( all the way up and all the way back down to Kiama ::)) should I not be able to book a cabin for the women. ???
Any help would be appreciated.
Claude
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Hi from sunny Canberra - I'm here all week working in Civic. Whilst my internet access is somewhat limited, I felt moved to comment on the so-called "expert" advice on what to bring on a fossicking trip.
Bah and fooey! There, I've said it - you've heard it here first. Here's what you REALLY need to take on your fossicking trip, as discovered after years of trial and mostly error:
- either a piano accordian or a set of bagpipes. Bagpipes are especially fun as they make a great noise when you back over them, and if you fill them with water it's like your very own personal fountain. Forget trombones, they're overrated....
- a goat. I had to borrow a pair last time I was at Kingsgate, but it just wasn' the same (actually they invited themselved along and tried to open my pack to steal my sandwiches - true story)
- two shovels, one of them a really crappy shovel. This is the one you deliberately leave behind in the bush to appease the God of Lost Tools.
- a yabbie pump. Yabbies have a genetic problem that prevents them from fully inflating without external assistance. As you're in the creek, you may as well help out some native animals whilst you're there.
- sorry - forgot to explain the use of the piano accordian. You play this loudly if lost in the bush. Much more distinctive that a whistle and harder for lyrebirds to mimic
- fishnet stockings. If we're all together for a week we're eventually going to run out of things to talk about unless somebody has a severe lapse of judgement
- a sapphire magnet. This specially developed magnet attracts aluminium compounds. I got them from a guy from Nigeria for helping him relocate surplus funds
- dropbear repellant. use it every year, not one bite. 'Nuf said....
I'm sure I forgot some items, but this should at least put y'all on the right track.... ;D
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Oh Cal,
Goodness me dropbears :o Thats it I am staying at home, we just got rid of the last drop bear around here, nasty buggers they are. :o
We also got rid of the pine cones they like to stuff us with :o
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Oh Calx. ROFLMAO, thanx
Just wondrin what we'll be havin a dig at the most, the ground or each other. ;D
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Thanks Shane for letting me enjoy dual occupancy of your country villa, beers
I'll take one of the lower bunks. Easier to fall into bed and less distance to fall out.
Will leave my drums at home. No Turette's Syndrome so all you may have to put up with is a bit of snoring. Am not as loud as Ted.
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Hey Michael
Havent heard back about where everyone is staying so I booked at the Fossicker C/Van Park and as mentioned previously we'll be there from the Sat. At this stage Lesley and Brigitte will be with me and yes, I will be bringing earplugs.
Let me know should anything change.
Claude
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I booked at the Fossicker C/Van Park and as mentioned previously we'll be there from the Sat.
The Fossicker seems to be the centre of action with a few spilling over to others so you're definitely booked in the right spot. Have Fun!!
cheers
Leah
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that reminds me - don't forget to bring a bukkit. watch for puzzled lolrus and don't forget to return his bukkit after trip.
Does anybody like Barry Manilow (apart from Paul *oops, sorry mate - your secret is out*)
Did I mention that I bored?
Regards,
Shane
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Are you on facebook Shane? When I'm bored I go between this website and facebook ;D
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Facebook? No way - I couldn't trust myself to exercise sufficient judgement on what I post. Given a couple of days and it would convey the impression that I was a demented Tahitian marble colorist with interest of geese, tickling frogs, and hopscotch.
Normally I'd do some work on some photos or read a book but not being at home and not having a good book, a little bit of random posting keeps me smiling.
Regards,
Shane
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Hey Shane,
Just curious did anyone mention bog roll? :-\
I for one can't go all day without a piddle, and I for sure can't shake it.
Kristy I have facebook and find it a bit invasive, so rarely use it, I only got it to contact a young friend in Poland, I honestly find it tacky.
Take Care,
Deb ;D :-\
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no, but bog roll is something that I do pack. Might sound a little OCD, but I also have needle and thread, shoelaces, compass AND handheld GPS with topographic maps, plus all the more-or-less usual stuff that you take fossicking. I also take garbage bags - good for laundry, unsieved gravel, wet clothes from flopping around in creeks etc
Regards,
Shane
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So we keep an eye out for a semi, Shane?
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So we keep an eye out for a semi, Shane?
Nah - thought of that too. Everything is 1/4 normal size and fits in an old jam tin... ;D
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Hi all,
Our plans for the October Hols are getting closer to being sorted. At this stage we will be Going to Iluka for a week in the first week - back on Friday the 9th. (Yes Holidays AGAIN ;) !)
Will be trying to get a weeks worth of orders posted Friday when we get back so we can pay for going away :o
Have a Scout Camp for Patrick to fit in the second week somehow ???
Not sure how the programme is running but would Saturday Night be okay for a meal out ??
We can get something booked - there are several options:
Option X - the Services Club is closest to most at the Fossicker CP about 2 blocks away (meals are okay but others offer more privacy for a rowdy mob )
Option Y - The Bowling Club has GREAT Chinese food about 4 blocks walk from the Fossicker CP - plenty of room and good value (not that any of us are tite!)
Option Z - The Tatts Hotel - best steak in Glen Innes and about same walking distance as the Bowling Club.
I wondered about Monday doing the guided tour Bit ? I'm not a great host but I guess some would like to cram into our little office to see where ALF was BORN ::)
Then I suggest a Guided Tour of Great Northern's large Mining plant at Kings Plains (the owner owes me some favours, so almost certain this can be arranged. This would leave us near Kings Plain Castle so about 30 minutes drive to either Emmaville or Inverell for doing the Museum (Emmaville) or fossicking at Copeton afterwards ?? If this idea sounds ok, let me know and I will arrange it.
Any ideas ?
If I can get some ideas on the meal numbers I will try and see if we can get a deal.
cheers
Andrew
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Hi Andrew,
That all sounds good this end.
Take Care,
Deb beers
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hey Andrew,
Do the favours extend to letting us play in their best gravel? (he said hopefully...)
Regards,
Shane
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You would probably not want to,hell of a lot of dirt mixed with this lot. Volume of dirt means Gems but a lot of truck loads. Can have a scratch around our traps anytime,still not easy but.
Cheers A
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Am all for a sratch ;D
What's dis about a Scout Camp?
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Option Y - The Bowling Club has GREAT Chinese food about 4 blocks walk from the Fossicker CP - plenty of room and good value (not that any of us are tite!)
Option Z - The Tatts Hotel - best steak in Glen Innes and about same walking distance as the Bowling Club.
These 2 options sound good,
I love chinese tucker and a steak goes down pretty well to.
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Ooo yummy,
Cat steak and dimsims.
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... and let's not forget a nice catterole! :-X
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"Here Puddy Puddy" :-X
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Hiya all, I'm pretty interested in this shindig.. I'm wondering though if you've planned any kind of itinerary is as I'd only be able to do the weekend and would be interested to see what sites you'd be looking at for Sat & Sun..
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gday Andrew - I think this will be a pretty informal get together but Mithras has been doing quite a bit of organising. Maybe drop him a message (just click on his name further up the thread to send a PM or email) or maybe one of the other "definites" can fill you in...
the more, the merrier so definitely come along if you can.
cheers
Leah
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Gday Andrewb
The weekend should be full of fun. I was thinking about heading north into the Torrington to chase emeralds and Topaz, maybe even lighten the wallet in Torrington town.
The weekend dig would probably be a big get together at the RSL or other pub for a meal, and a chat.
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Hi Michael
How did you get the name Bam Bam and where's Pebbles?
Do you have an itinerary for the trip as yet? As you know we get there the weekend of the 3/10 and we only have a week, so if you can show me what you have organised thus far I might be able to fill in some gaps between the Sat and the Tuesday when you get there.
Thanks
Claude
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Hi guys
The main problem we had last year on MM was the weather, and having to change trips and locations to suit. As the itinery is not finalised I will give a list of places that we intend on going.
As stated before, the itinery is not compulsory, and you are more then welcome to join our exploits, or go and do your own thing and join up for a beer later throught the day, or at the hopeful 'Tent City'
Please note that on the two Wednesday we intend on going out with John Paix.
Torrington - Emerald mine
Torrington - Topaz
Copeton - Diamond
Staggy Creek - Topaz, Diamonds, tormaline
Stannifer- Jelly beans, (Quartz, Smokey, Citrine)
Wellingrove - Sapphire, Zircons,
I am also hopeful to fit in Tingha sands, Billabong Blue or 7 oaks, and maybe a few more sites
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He likes whacking things with a big hammer. Must think he's gonna find pebbles in there somewhere. ;D
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Hi MIchael
So are you going to organise the trips when you get up there depending on the weather and that list of locations could be random?
Claude
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Hi Claude,
Not sure if there is a set itinery as yet, would be good for everyone to work on though so as things can be prepaid for and just knowing we don't have to hit the hole in the wall before leaving for the adventure.
Take Care,
Deb ;D
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Good point Deb, we were at the Minerama and I think John Paix was charging $10/person just for his trips and I know it costs you money to fossick at Billabong Blue.
Does anyone know whether the other locations are free?
It cost us roughly $300 for fuel and accommodation is about $600 for the week, so it can add up.
Claude ???
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Minerama is different as the cost of the trips are set by the committee and Council - the cost includes a payment to the landholders. I'm pretty sure John charges differently for his Wednesday trips as this is not a Minerama activity.
Billabong Blue is more than $10 but everything is laid on for you - similar for 7 Oaks. Quite a few of the locations that Mithras has mentioned are free though - Torrington, Stannifer, etc. The fossicking reserve at Wellingrove is not free unless Mithras is thinking of another spot along that creek - have to book at the Glen Innes tourist centre but is not expensive.
cheers
Leah
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Hi Leah
Thanks for getting back to me. What I'm trying to work out is what I can do between Sun 4/10 when we get there and Wed 7/10, when everybody else does. There will be at least four possibly five of us. Can you suggest anywhere good to go. I've only ever been up there the once, last Minerama and only went to limited locations. Is there a site I can get onto to organise this?
Cheers
Claude
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Claude,
I'll be driving up there on the Monday, so will be there Monday arvo. I intend going out somewhere for a fossick on the Tuesday to a random location, so you're welcome to tag along. Depending on the weather, it could be anything from 7 Oaks to Billabong to the sand heap at Stannifer, or Tingha Sands, or even a speculative trip to Sara River to the east of Glen Innes.
Regards,
Shane
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Sounds good Shane. We are booked in at the Fossickers C/van Park. We'll catch up Monday night.
Cheers
Claude
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Gday Andrewb
The weekend should be full of fun. I was thinking about heading north into the Torrington to chase emeralds and Topaz, maybe even lighten the wallet in Torrington town.
The weekend dig would probably be a big get together at the RSL or other pub for a meal, and a chat.
Ah excellent! If we're talking emeralds and beer i'm in ;)
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Booked at the Fossicker for the Friday and Saturday night (will drive back late Sunday) So that's a good full Saturday and most of Sunday while the light's good. Looking forward to chasing some emeralds at torrington. I guess Mithras will firm up whether thats on the Sat or the Sun once he's there.
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Sounds like a good excuse to fossick! Would you guys mind if myself and possibly one other joined in? Also to clarify, what dates are we talking about in October.
beers
JAD
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anyone and everyone is welcome. If you don't mind the ground, set up a tent next to us...
Dates are 7th October to 14th October. Come and go as you please. Some are coming earlier becuase the 5th October is a public holiday and also the start of school holidays
I think Saturday will be Torrington. Emeralds and hopefully Topaz. maybe a stop at the mineral shop in torrington as well to lighten our wallets a bit.
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im so excited! :P It'll be great to meet you all
beers
Kristy
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anyone and everyone is welcome. If you don't mind the ground, set up a tent next to us...
Dates are 7th October to 14th October. Come and go as you please. Some are coming earlier becuase the 5th October is a public holiday and also the start of school holidays
I think Saturday will be Torrington. Emeralds and hopefully Topaz. maybe a stop at the mineral shop in torrington as well to lighten our wallets a bit.
Without trying to pin you down too much, what were you thinking for Sunday?
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We will be in the area between the 28/9 - 9/10.
I think it would be nice to meet some of you, maybe at the RSL for dinner one night.
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I think they're aiming for dinner on Saturday but don't quote me.
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definitely will be some kind of get-together and everyone is welcome.
stay tuned here for details closer to the time.
cheers
Leah
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I might have rounded up one or two friends that haven't ever been within cooee of a sieve so depending on how Torrington goes on Saturday and what Mithras and co are doing for Sunday I might tentatively think of taking them to Billabong Blue on the Sunday as it's sure-fire hit, in the absence of more adventurous options or luck at Torrington.
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Hi Mithras, what date are you, Dave and I checking in?
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OK Guys
Getting closer. And it looks like some people are seeking more info
For Kristy, I plan to arrive on the Tuesday 6th. and book in then. I will call the caravan park and confirm. I will be leaving on the 15th.
Saturday will be a night out with everyone. A pub, restuarant or club. everyone welcome.
I am working out details for the trip locations.
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I have added a poll for Sunday. Please vote
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Hi all.
I did some calling and have organised a trip to Tingha Sands. - Day to be confirmed.
The cost for the day is $10 and you have to sign a Laibility form.
It is a sand mine that extracts the oversize material. This material is full of quartz, rutilated quartz, Smokey quartz, citrine, agate, and the odd topaz and amethyst.
The question is Week day or Weekend.
If we going during the week, the mine will be operating and all you do is stand under the machinery and use your shovel to scrape away the oversize as it comes out the machines.
Otherwise, if we go during the weekend, you will have to dig through and speck over the mounds, as the plant is not running on the weekends. but this is safer for children and those of us who are a bit slower to move. (nothing against the older folk :) )
http://www.aussiesapphire.com.au/index.php?main_page=document_general_info&cPath=17&products_id=283 (http://www.aussiesapphire.com.au/index.php?main_page=document_general_info&cPath=17&products_id=283)
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Hey Mithras, Dave and I will be checking in the same day as you, but we will be leaving saturday. :'( Long story..... will fill you in later beers
If you end up going to Tingha Sands on the weekend, Dave and I will go there during the week.
beers
Kristy
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You cheeky bugger BamBam :o ;)
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Hey Michael/Bam Bam
Just checking, but in your opinion at what age does your clasification of 'old' kick in?
I just need to know whether I can go during the week or be relegated to the weekend with the other older folk.
Claude ;D
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Ok, interesting posts
Could people coming please post up what days you will be arriving and what day you will be leaving. This should help me with my organisation of trips and get-togethers.
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Hi Michael,
This ol fossicker and his mate Muddy :o will roll in Wed 7th stay till Wed 14th. Happy to tag along to any of the trips.Now about the fossicking mate you promised to find ;)
beers Ted
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Umm at this stage we will arrive on the 7th and Leave on the 13th, thats if we do make it down.
I have to be honest I am struggling with this at the moment, I haven't seen my parents since last year and knowing they are here babysitting the animals and not being able to spend some quality time with them is getting to me. Plus they are in there 70's and so worried if the slip or get snake bitten then no one is here to help them :(
I am just going through the soul searching mode right now. Should know by the end of the month for sure if I can bring myself to go so far away from home.
Ok just call me sooky Deb.
Take Care All,
Deb beers
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sooky Deb - there, ya happy now? :P Look, I can understand where you're coming from. I used to be indecisive too, but now I'm not so sure.........
(Runs away quickly)
Regards,
Shane
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If confusion is the first step to knowledge then I must be a genius..............comes with age.
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Thanks Shane I needed that hehe.
Oh I passed a single cab 4x4 today with the number plate 002Dig and it had a trailer and was packed to the hilt, I reckon they were heading back from Anakie, lucky buggers.
You better run ;)
Cheers,
Deb beers
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Michael
Getting there on Sun 4/10, leaving Sun 11/10. Bassically means we can only hang out with you nice folk from Wed 7/10 to Sun morning 11/10. I have to be back at work Mon morning unfortunately.
Claude ::)
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Look for me where the nuggets glow, the itch has got too bad. I'm off for a while to seek my fortune.
Maybe this time !..............Look out bush, here I come.
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You scratch that Itch.
When you coming back?
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Hi Mehoose,
off for a week to ten days next week, to have a look at a patch that I've researched :-X, then back home for a couple of weeks then away again until I've made my fortune lol. ;D
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Ooo fun.
Can't wait to hear how you go. Good luck. :D
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Party of 5 Arriving Oct 9th ~10pm, Leaving Oct 11th ~3pm, staying @ the Fossicker Caravan Park.
I'm about to start construction on a large shaker box for Torrington (and pray it stays dry)
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Just booked the last 1 bedroom apartment at the fossicker too.. only just realised 3 beds in the "5 berth" were bunk beds.. probably not the best to have one of my mates farting on the newly engaged couple so i got them an extra room.
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:o LOL
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I'm planning to stay 1 night at Nundle on the way up (5th). Looking to arrive in Glen Innes on Tuesday afternoon (6th) and hopefully meet up with some of you guys wednesday. Then planning to leave Sunday afternoon. I am really getting excited about this trip. ;D I'm planning to set up tent. Does anyone know if the Fossickers 'ensuite' camp site is basically camping with access to amenities? (Showers, toilets etc.)
beers
JAD
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Gday Jad
The ensuite site is a camp place, with its own private shower and toilet block behind your site.
Good value.
However, the main shower and toilet block is pretty good, and is cleaned daily.
Also, just a note. We will be going out with John Paix on Wednesday. This usually means access to private land, and an increased chance of finding something. Just something to think about...
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Oooh! October is getting closer :)
Digging time soon ;D See you all up there.
Sorry but am excited, have been in Latvia the last 2 months with nothing to dig. :( Only joy was a couple of dolomite specimens with inclusions and some amber I bought.
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Gday all you gem crazy people.
Getting closer and I have started to put in the hard yards to finalise the trip.
However, with a situation at work, I am now unsure if I will be able to make it, as I am now looking for a new job, as I no longer wish to stay with my current employer.
but if I plan this all correctly, I will still be able to make it out.
Wednesday - John - PM sent to confirm details - Yarrow Creek
Thursday -
Friday - Copeton - Staggy Creek - Stanifer
Saturday - Torrington - Mount Everard/Blatheram/emerald mine
Sunday - Tingha Sands - $10 entry fee. I have called to organise the day.
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday - Wednesday Trip oout with John - Yarrow creek
I am working on other places currently
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Thats a shame mithras, we hope you still make it. :o dave and i will get there tuesday 6th and leave satudray 10th. Have we still got camp sites side by side?
I hope work gets better beers
Kristy
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Oh BamBam that's a bummer :'(
I hope you work something out, that'll be like a birthday cake with no candles for everyone.
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Hey Michael
Dont worry, a smart guy like you will pick up a good job without any problems. Listen mate, if money is going to be an issue you can come up with me and Lesley and we should be able to squeeze you into our cabin. Only thing is we are only there from Sat 3/10 to Fri 9/10, because on Sat we have a flight booked to Tassie. Let me know and I can pick you up on the way through.
Claude
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Hi Michael,
We two shall be arriving 6th and departing 15th and intend to annoy John P. both Wednesdays.
We're camping at Boolabinda (as usual).
Michael.
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Hi everyone
Just finalising the programme which for us will start on Sun 4/10. So far Shane has mentioned Tues 9/10, but it would be nice to hook up with someone for the Sun-Mon. Anyone else getting there earlier in the week?
Claude
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Hope you make it Shane. You have put a lot of effort into organising the trip.
Here is to seeing you in Glen Innes beers
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Hope you make it Shane. You have put a lot of effort into organising the trip.
Here is to seeing you in Glen Innes beers
I think you may be confusing me with the good Mithras! Much as I'd like to take some credit, I've done very little apart from plan to turn up early...
Regards,
Calx
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Hi all.
Just returned from New England. Tried to get access to Billabong Blue last Friday? It was closed so I rang Rhonda and she said that it was now closed for good following an altercation with a male person on the previous day. I have no more information about this.
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Hi all.
Just returned from New England. Tried to get access to Billabong Blue last Friday? It was closed so I rang Rhonda and she said that it was now closed for good following an altercation with a male person on the previous day. I have no more information about this.
WTF!! They had the best set up around.
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Hi all.
Just returned from New England. Tried to get access to Billabong Blue last Friday? It was closed so I rang Rhonda and she said that it was now closed for good following an altercation with a male person on the previous day. I have no more information about this.
hahahaha
Maybe he found a giant sapphire
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Maybe he found a giant sapphire
As fun as it would be to think that it would just be some unbalanced idiot causing problems and ruining things for everyone.. Man I was still planning to go there.. you got 5-10x more sapphires there than other places.
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Maybe he found a giant sapphire
As fun as it would be to think that it would just be some unbalanced idiot causing problems and ruining things for everyone..
Sorry, I know thats obvious.. I'm just in a bit of shock as I had that all organised with my friends... I mean They didn't have gear, they were just going to speck at torrington but sieve at BB. Now I'm going to have to organise some gear.
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If BB closes for good then that is a major blow for the hobby and tourism for the area. It is a very excellent facility for "casual" fossickers and families .... it was also not a bad option for more seasoned fossickers if you felt like having an easier day. You were always guaranteed to take home at least some small cutters.
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If BB closes for good then that is a major blow for the hobby and tourism for the area. It is a very excellent facility for "casual" fossickers and families .... it was also not a bad option for more seasoned fossickers if you felt like having an easier day. You were always guaranteed to take home at least some small cutters.
It's a slam dunk if you're with people that haven't done it before (or even by yourself.) I might still try and source some of their wash to go through at Tingha. It was kinda my ace in the hole if we didn't go too well at Torrington to show the guys it's not all sweat and frustration.
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But is it true that the wash has been seeded?
something I heard on the grapevine
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Hi,
Good news - I just talked to Rhonda this morning and BB is still open for business and will be there for us if desired in October.
As for the seeding question, how can anyone accurately answer that? Where's the evidence?
Regards,
Shane
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But is it true that the wash has been seeded?
something I heard on the grapevine
The wash available for purchase or the wash on site? The $20 a bag wash is certainly more productive than what's on site.. Could be from a more productive part of the mine (I think this is what was intimated).. Could be partially processed in the bagging/production - removing larger rocks and lowering the percentage of fine dirt thereby increasing the carats per kilo of wash.. Could be seeded.. Could be all three. Their onsite dump is still pretty high quality though... I think they all do a bit of whatever. I expect there is a bit of competition between the rivals.. It is business even though they're all friendly so it's hard to pay *too* much attention to rumours. I mean it's easy enough to not hit a stone in a bucket from any of the dumps but I doubt many bags are sold that are 100% pure dirt from any of the operations.
This might sound a little lame and very unsporting of me but I'm less concerned about seeding than I am about it being post-processed and having anything spectacular taken out.. They can palm rock or two on top of a 20ct blue and it's not going to bother me too much ;)
The difference would be if it was literally a wash creation operation where pure dirt was mixed in with limited sized roughs. That would be peculiar on an operating mine where it wasn't necessary.. But it's not impossible at all..
I will say this though.. If they're seeding they're not doing it too stupidly.. the bags contain roughly the same zircon to sapphire ratio as the dump so they'd be seeding zircons as well... or seeding the dump as well but not as much as the bags.. etc etc.
How can you ever really know? And once again as an ace in the hole for if they were too frustrated on Saturday, there isn't really anything that would stop me from seeding it myself no matter where we ended up on Sunday ;)
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Hi,
I personally don't see any issues with "seeding" at a fossicking park as long as the original wash is just enhanced a bit to make sure you find a bit more than you otherwise would. I know that they are still actively mining excellent gems near Horse Gully so they are probably the only people capable of providing large quantities of high grade wash. Not sure if there's any other commercial mining going on in the area any more?
Regards, Paul
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Hi Paul,
In the early 90's when I managed a Sapphire park as the owner was always out working his Claim and his wife was busy with their baby and facetting. I had this Swiss lady named Beera who came every day for a week and she tried to find something worthy of cutting to take home to Switzaland. Part of my job was to go through the daily wash in the pulsator for the owner, I told him I was going to pick out a nice stone for Beera to put in her bucket, he didn't mind.
So with a wink at Beera I threw in a 12 carat Parti Cutter, and I helped her do her bucket as I enjoyed her company. She was over the moon and acted so surprised and gave me a big wink. The owners wife cut her stone which ended up around 4 carats and she was as happy as a pig in mud. Sometimes you do things to make people happy.
Take Care,
Deb beers
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I've only been to BB a couple of times and and I don't think it's been seeded. An acquaintance who is a regular has the same opinion. The main issue with BB is the wash is carted about 15 km and so all the heavy material works it's way to the bottom-when it's tipped out, all the sapphires and zircons are in the top portion of the load.If it's not supervised, all those in the know descend on the pile and just speck their way through it. Actually BB is a bit like life, your best prospects are in the first few sieves, after that it's all downhill!
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LOL
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Who cares whether its seeded or not, its open again and thats all that matters.
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If it's not supervised, all those in the know descend on the pile and just speck their way through it. Actually BB is a bit like life, your best prospects are in the first few sieves, after that it's all downhill!
We'll definately make sure theres nothing left for anyone else.. so er.. no one else should come ;)
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Only 3 weeks of work to go before we will be up there looking for the 'home loan reliever' once again. ;D
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Hi everyone
Sorry I've been off the air for so long. We were out at Yarrow Creek last Wednesday. It was the first time I've been able to get down to Garnet Corner since May. Found 3 cuttable garnets and the usual assortment of smaller sapphires etc. The water was just warm enough to wade in to the bottom of my shorts. Since then, though, we've had about 40 mm of rain so it will probably be Pretty Valley this week.
Looking forward to meeting up with some of you in October.
John
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John,
Look forward to catching up again. I've got a yabbie pump this year, so will be dangerous... Have also packed the Speedos, so can show off legs as well (eek!).
Must remember to oil the pump, or was it the legs...
Regards,
Shane
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Everyone, bring your sunnies, there will be a blinding light 8)
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John,
Look forward to catching up again. I've got a yabbie pump this year, so will be dangerous... Have also packed the Speedos, so can show off legs as well (eek!).
Must remember to oil the pump, or was it the legs...
Regards,
Shane
Uh oh Budgy smugglers ;)
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I will be wearing budgie smugglers also ;D.
But they will be tucked into a pair of shorts or waders.
Actually Shane, oiling your legs sounds like a good idea. You can slide between rocks and into those tight nooks and crannies, the leaches wont be able to stick to you, everyone will want to laugh at (sorry) with you and lets face it, it's got to do wonders for your skin.
I'd try it myself, but I think I would be too embarassed.
Claude
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:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
!?Leaches?! Really?
They really creep me out! Im bringing the waders!
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You wont need waders, Kristy, just oil your legs.
Claude ;D
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Cheeky.
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;D beers
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Of course that was the reason for my first rule in selecting a fossicking mate must be female ;) to attract the leaches, they are drawn to females and leave a bloke alone, just have to chuck her in first. Of course Leah will tell you there aren't any leaches around Glen Innes :-\ , but just in case panty hose works too. Michael has struck out on the fossicking mate :'( so far but I hope he comes and brings his panty hose, be worth a snap.
beers Ted
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Of course Leah will tell you there aren't any leaches around Glen Innes :-\ , but just in case panty hose works too.
I told someone that today !!! They didnt believe me either - reckoned they had the blood loss to prove it.
cheers
Leah
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Hi,
There aren't any leeches east of GI but there are plenty on the western side. Luckily Yarrow Creek is in the east and leech free :D
Regards, Paul
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Is there any truth in the rumour that leeches go for people with predominantly less iron content ie women, in which case if a woman had normal or excess level of iron she should be OK. Or of course if she oiled her legs, or wore very high waders, in which case the little suckers should slide right off or they shouldnt be able to figure out the iron content, respectively. ???
Just a theory. ::)
Claude
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Sorry guys, I fgorgot.
I may have two really old fossickers from Wollongong dropping in for one day only during MM, on their way north. One of them is Leni who was there with us during Minerama. Rust and a couple of others have met him. I promise I'll look after them for the day, should they decide to hang around with us.
Claude
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Stop trying to change the subject >:( ;)
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Geez ::), you're onto me again Merryn ;D.
Claude
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Well I am going to oil my legs, wear stockings, AND waders because I just started iron tablets for my very low iron levels! :o
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Yeah, Lesley's got very low iron levels as well and believe it or not, just knocked back a pair of waders ???. I know who I'm going to fossick next to ;).
Claude
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h good, So Lesley and I have something to chat about ;D
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Actually just getting off the subject a little, I used to know this guy, that would wear very high white gumboots whenever he went anywhere leach territory. He claimed that it was easier to spot the leaches climbing up his leg :o.
What he never cottoned onto, was that the guy going first stirred them up and everyone else picked them up :(. Hence I always went first ;).
Probably wont work in water though ???.
Claude
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OK, I am about to book in for the Tuesday Night through to Sunday morning. I hope to start fossicking Wednesday morning. The question is, how do I find and meet up with you guys ???
JAD
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Wear a shower cap ;D
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Well I didn't want to find EVERYONE in the caravan park...but what ever works! ;D :P
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LOL :D
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I'll be the one with the air-powered banjo.
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If you wear the shower cap with jad in big letters on the front and back, I promise we'll try to find you. ;D
By the way which park? We're there from the Sat night.
Claude
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Dave an I will be getting there on the tuesday night. Why dont we all wear a sticker saying ALF ;D
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I like Merryns idea better. I think you would stand out more in a pink shower cap ;D.
Claude
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You could always draw a big A on your foreheads and pretend you're all ALFograms. :D
Blimey, doesn't anyone get it? :-\
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9 work days to go. ;D
Boss reckons she's got 14 work days to go, for her looking after me and the kids. :o ::)
As if we're any trouble. :D
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Lol, that sounds about right. ;D
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I'll be the one with the air-powered banjo.
Do you seriously have a banjo? I've wanted to buy one for the last year or two but i've banned myself from buying any more music stuff until I actually do something with what I've got.
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We've just had a week at Glen Innes-days were beautiful but the nights were coolish-coldest -3c, warmest .5c.
Re leeches-the best repellent is to smear your submerged parts with Vicks Vapour Rub. Haven't been attacked since I started using it-does wonders for the leeches sinuses as well.
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Hi all,
Warming up now - the fire's been let go out in the office for the first time this weekend :D
I love and hate wood fires ;D
The Aussie Sapphire Crew always try and sneak away for a week in the Easter and September
School Hols - this year we are sneaking the kids out of school a couple of days early to get Back in time for Shipping on Friday the 9th and to catch up with the ALF Gang on Saturday the 10th???
Hows about this for a get-together idea for the 10th?:
The Saturday Night Annual ALF Dinner :o
As locals we suggest the Glen Innes Bowling Club - you guessed it Chinese ;D
But the Food is ALWAYS GOOD with Club prices for drinks and room for us all to have a good Chat without been put in GAOL for annoying the other patrons 8)
It's only two blocks further walk than the RSL which it always so busy that it's hard to do a group.
Our offer is a Chinese smorgasboard for $10 per head - Aussie Sapphire/ALF will pay the other half. Buy your own drinks - any special orders or Australian meals paid by the orderer but I guarantee the Chinese food will be excellent.
Any takers ????? We need 30 people to get the smorgasboard, we can chase up about 8 (family - dont have any friends :'( ) so only need about 20 ALF'ers but of course, the more the merrier.
If you like this idea, we need to book ahead so need confirmation of those who can attend. Record your thoughts here so we can get a consensus and some numbers..
Any ideas, happy to go along with the gang ?
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Andrew,
Count me in!
Down here in Wollongong it's become summer all of a sudden - how's the water situation up your way?
Regards,
Shane
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Count me in!
Down here in Wollongong it's become summer all of a sudden - how's the water situation up your way?
First cab off the rank.
It is very warm up this way but plenty of water - perfect fossicking weather.
cheers
Leah
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We would love to, but we're leaving for the gold coast on Saturday!
We're leaving Canberra Saturday the 3rd and staying at Dave’s dads house that night in port Macquarie. On Sunday we're travelling via Tamworth to stay at Barraba sunday/monday night to do some gold detecting. Then its onto Glen innes via tingha for some quartz. We'll stay at glen innes tuesday - friday night. Then we're staying at tweed heads for 5 nights ;D ;D
Dave and I had to compromise, he likes detecting and I love my fossicking, first part of the holiday is for me, and dave can detect the gold coast beaches the second half...... while I go shopping! Lol
beers
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Andrew,
Count me in too! :)
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What is this about wearing headwear?
So many to choose from and none of them pink.
Probably my Isle of Skye.
As for vix-vapour rub on all submerged regions to stop leeches, :o no way, there is pain and then there is PAIN.
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Hehe :D
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Yeah, im for chinese ;)
I am still working out what will happen, but so far I will still be arriving on the Tuesday, but unsure of when I will be headed home.
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Just looking through some posts and picture and looks like we will be eating well during this trip
Along with the chinese, young Angus is supplying yabbies and trout, Moonshadow is supplying turkey and young goat meat, and I will bring half of bambi along
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Glad you can at least show everyone your hammer BamBam. ;D
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We can probably do chinese, I'm more partial to thai, but it's more about the company isn't it? So that would be 5 of us.
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Hi Andrew
Count FossickerACT and me in too.
Thanks,
Muddy. :)
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Well I think everyone can dedicate one mouthful to me ;D
Lurve Chinese :D
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Well I think everyone can dedicate one mouthful to me ;D
Lurve Chinese :D
;) Oh, I'm a *massive* fan of Yum Cha.. and chinese tea houses like at the Kuan Yin in the Valley in Brisbane.. but it can be a bit oily overall otherwise.. Still good when it's good though.
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Hi Andrew,
Another two here for Saturday night.
Many thanks,
Michael.
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Andrew, it's a no for us as we will be traveling home that weekend.
:(
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This is a hopeful 'yes'...will confirm soon!
JAD
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Thanks Guys, Other Commitments are a fact that dont matter as long as everyone enjoys.
If we cant make the 30 for Dinner we can pay another $3 or $5 each for the next discount
so its really not a drama.
Weather is great hear now and some rain next week.
Water supply in most systems fine and looks good for finding a fun Week.
I have to Find Fish ::) ::) and they are harder then Gems :o
Angus has us on a step learning curve as even though I worked on a Prawn Trawler many years ago my success with line fishing is only with the help of a Local.
Cheers Andrew
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Well, After a tense couple of months, I have an answer to my questions and plans.
Sadly I will be leaving the group on Sunday after the Visit at Tinga Sands. meaning an early wake up to pack up the campsite and square all the items away.
But with any luck I plan to be there earlier than expected. maybe on the Monday.
I am sad that I cannot stay till the following Wednesday as planned, and would like to appologise to anyone that this may affect. Especially to anyone that may miss my new big hammer.
Plans for me it to arrive Monday (maybe and leave Sunday night) So I will still be there for Chinese and the ALF dinner. Yay :P
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Hi Youngster,
Good to see we will catch up :D, new hammer pose you lost the old one. I think I owe you a beer round the campfire my little mate might fetch it for you ;)
beers Ted
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At least you get to make it.
Now I want fotos with lots of big smiles, hairy legs..well, they'll prob be smoothed down with vicks but I don't mind..warts an all stuff. Could prob do without the Moon shots ;) stars ok esp if they're sapphires ummm. I'll think of a few more but just make sure to all look out for each other and that stiff dead looking thing just might be a snake in the grass ;) or BamBam's hammer handle, whatever it is keep safe.
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At least you get to make it.
Now I want fotos with lots of big smiles, hairy legs..well, they'll prob be smoothed down with vicks but I don't mind..warts an all stuff. Could prob do without the Moon shots ;) stars ok esp if they're sapphires ummm. I'll think of a few more but just make sure to all look out for each other and that stiff dead looking thing just might be a snake in the grass ;) or BamBam's hammer handle, whatever it is keep safe.
I hope to be bringing my new hammer. Makes the other one look like a toy
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I'm arriving on Monday as well, so am planning a random activity on Tuesday - possibly the sand pile at Stannifer, or Billabong Blue just for some pay fossicking.
Depending on how the Pajero repairs go (graunching brakes!!), I may even try to pay the big dollars and score a day using the big trommel at 7 Oaks - for once there's water.
Regards,
Shane (and his *three* hammers!)
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Depending on how the Pajero repairs go (graunching brakes!!), I may even try to pay the big dollars and score a day using the big trommel at 7 Oaks - for once there's water.
Nice.. I'd be very interested to know how you go, it was too dry last time for me to try it ;(
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Oh, my mate just got a job offer he can't refuse in Sydney two days ago and he has to start on the 6th of October so he can no longer make it and we're reduced to 4. ;(.
I don't care about discounts, happy to pay whatever it's more about meeting up with everyone.
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Hi everyone
I thought you'd like to know that things have warmed up quite a bit. I had no trouble getting in to Yarrow Creek waist deep last Wednesday and I don't think I'm tougher than anyone else! We were at Garnet Corner which always produces something though it's getting a bit sparse these days. Hole diggers have more hope than we lazy people who just wade around in the creek.
For those coming up in October, don't forget to bring a yabby pump. It really does give you an edge in these creeks.
Looking forward to meeting up with many of you.
John
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John,
If it's getting sparse, I guess you'll just have to find us another spot! Mind you, I will have both the yabbie pump and my best hole digging tools, so whichever works out best is fine for me. Only a couple of weeks to go - really looking forward to it.
Regards,
Shane
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Hhmmmm ...so where does the farmer want the fence holes? ;D
Findem, you can always take us to Pretty Valley on one of the Wednesdays.
The water is warmer and there are always stones. Last Min trip that Paul and I led out there one guy found a nice sized topaz and a large sapphire bomb deep down.
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Hi Guys
I will be calling Tinga Sands and booking us in. Could I get a show of numbers? I am estimating 10 to 15, but I think it might exceed that.
Also, I should be arriving Monday now, so keep you eyes peeled for a white Hilux with canopy.
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Are our camping spots still next to each other Mithras?
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Two for Tingha Sands.
Regards,
Michael.
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Hi all
We'll keep Pretty Valley in reserve in case the weather turns wet. We were out there two weeks ago and I managed 1 yellow sapphire in the top sieve and all the usual wafers, dog's teeth, bombs and bits of nice quartz.
During winter we went to Rainy Swamp several times. Found my first ever topaz from there - about 10 carats and colourless - also nice quartz crytals and probably 100 small clear sapphires plus lots of rubbish. It's another place to keep for the proverbial rainy day.
John P :)
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You hide those dog tooth's Findem, BamBam will try to get them. Between you an me I think he's desiring some flashy dentures. ;)
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Mithras, what day is Tingha?
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Findem
I think a few want to get to the Glory hole. Is this possible on the Wednesday the 7th?
Tingha is on the Sunday
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I can confrim YES on dinner for myself.
I am also booked in at Nundle on the Monday (5th) for another quick visit. Then on to Glen Innes on Tuesday afternoon. I will leave for home Sunday afternoon. If anyone sees a lost dark-green Subaru Forester wave me down!
And if anyone is wondering, my name is actually Jonathan. :o
Look forward to the adventure.
beers
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1 day of work to go. We will be there til the 10th. We will check out the fossickers caravan park after the long weekend to see if any of you are about when we come in for supplies. We are the fat guy with skinny woman, two kids, grey hair pensioner couple and large dog, in any combination as needed to get supplies.
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Either the Glory Hole or the Old Mine. There will be quite a crowd, not just ALF members but others who are in Glen because of the school holidays. I've already heard from several people wanting to come with us on 7th and 14th October.
Yesterday was one to remember. Now we can add dust storm to rain, hail, sleet and snow as a weather variation which might happen on Wednesdays.
I'll put up a separate entry when I have a photo of yesterday's finds from Rainy Swamp.
John P
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Hey guys, not long to go now! Unfortunately we wont be joining the ALF camp anymore :'( We will still be in the area fossicking for 4 days but we will be staying at deepwater, we were planning to spend most of our time fossicking around torrington, so we thought why not just stay there.
beers beers
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Krystal,
What are you doing on Tuesday 6th Oct? A few of us are arriving on the Monday, and I haven't yet decided what to fossick for on Tuesday.
Regards,
Shane
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We'll be driving from Barraba to Torrington on tuesday so I'm thinking we might do Tingha sands on the way. beers
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Ahhhh here I am posting a new topic about our trip to Glen Innes and asking for any suggestions and then I search around the site and see you guys are all planning a shindig at the same time! Sorry for my ignorance....blaming it on being new!
Now I know why we couldn't get any accommodation at Fossickers!!! You lot booked it out!
We are arriving in GI on Thursday the 8th and staying till Monday the 12th.
We would love to join you at Tinga Sands - are you still going on the 11th (sunday) and would it be ok to join in?..we have 4 of us, 2 kids and 2 adults. We will also be trying Billabong Blue and 7 Oaks on some of the other days. I'm curious to see this air banjo...we might have to go for a wander and gate crash Fossickers to see all the frivolity!
We can't wait.
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Hi Soccermum,
I believe they would be tickled pink to have you all along on the MM adventures, and correct me if I am wrong but you are an ALF member ;)
I also hope you can all make it to the bowls club chinese chow down on the Saturday night.
Have a great time.
Take Care,
Deb beers
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Hey Deb, wasn't someone else going with their kids?
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Now I know why we couldn't get any accommodation at Fossickers!!! You lot booked it out!
We are arriving in GI on Thursday the 8th and staying till Monday the 12th.
We would love to join you at Tinga Sands - are you still going on the 11th (sunday) and would it be ok to join in?..we have 4 of us, 2 kids and 2 adults. We will also be trying Billabong Blue and 7 Oaks on some of the other days.
Gday soccermum - just upgraded you to "Regulars" status so you are definitely an official "ALF'er" now. Therefore, feel free to join in all the fun as it suits your schedule. As a "Regular", you can post pictures and comments in the gallery and approve them yourself.
We'll be at the dinner (Sat 12th) with our 2 boys (aged 12 and 7) so definitely come along if you would like to.
cheers
Leah
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Thanks so much Leah...will chat with hubbie and see if Sat night fits in...would be great to meet you guys. Sounds like you have a hoot!
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Hi Andrew and Leah
I now know that my wife will be away on the evening of the dinner (which I am pretty certain is 10th October). Would you please add my name to the list?
John P.
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Hi Leah...count us in for the dinner too - nothing like not having to cook! Be great to meet you all.
Abi
2 adults, 2 kids...mine are 7 and 10 so the kids will probably have a ball!
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BamBam you're on child minding duties ;D
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Kids, why not. How else am I gonna get that wash from the bottom of that hole. I will bring the rope to tie around their waist.
;D ;D ;D
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Kids, why not. How else am I gonna get that wash from the bottom of that hole. I will bring the rope to tie around their waist.
;D ;D ;D
Hi Mithras
What's this about child labour? Have you forgotten Ted's advice about getting a little fossicking mate...you should have seen the pot-hole he wanted me to go down at Grabben Gully. Fortunately/unfortunately someone had beaten us to the gravel in it already!
Looking forward to catching up at MM, it's been a while.
Muddy.
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Kids, why not. How else am I gonna get that wash from the bottom of that hole. I will bring the rope to tie around their waist.
;D ;D ;D
Hi Mithras
What's this about child labour? Have you forgotten Ted's advice about getting a little fossicking mate...you should have seen the pot-hole he wanted me to go down at Grabben Gully. Fortunately/unfortunately someone had beaten us to the gravel in it already!
Looking forward to catching up at MM, it's been a while.
Muddy.
If the pothole was the one in the video you would have needed a snorkle.
Mmmmh you may still need one out at Yarrow Ck ;D
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Hehe.... ;D actually my mission was to be a dry pothole, tried to video it but couldn't capture the depth - there was also a metal bucket and rope nearby, but those bits didn't make the director's cut.
We'll wait to explore the underwater crevice after the creek drops a bit. I know I'm enthusiastic, but even I draw the line at snorkelling for sapphires:o !
Muddy.
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even I draw the line at snorkelling for sapphires
Well there's an opening but I'll behave. ;)
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Are there any plans for wednesday night? Dave and I would love to catch up with you guys, maybe at the pub or drinks at the campsite? beers
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Our plans have changed again! We are leaving canberra this saturday for Barraba, (Maybe even drop into parramatta miners den ;) ) We will stay in Barraba for 3 nights, detecting around woodsreef for gold and relics. On tuesday we'll be driving to Deepwater, north of Glen Innes, and on the way through we will stop over in Tingha for quartz. :o ;D We'll stay at Deepwater until friday and then onto tweed heads for about 4 days beach detecting and/or shopping! (I havn't told dave about the shopping though ;) )
So if anyone is free wednesday night, we'd love to meet up for a drink and to share our finds! One day of work to go!!!!
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hey guys ,,unfortunately ill have to bow out due to lack of rain and haveing to feed cattle non stop ,but will keep an eye open for next trips though ,,,,hey kristylaura i only live about 20 klms from woodsreef towards kingstown,,have a great time guys ,,,jas
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we will jasonb! ;D I can't wait to get to Woodsreef ;D Lots of mines to detect!
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Drinkies beers
See you there Kristy and Ted
I head off to Boggabri tomorrow
my cut thru via Barraba on way to Glen Innes.
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Okay Everybody!
I arrive in Glen Innes on Monday evening, so will be going fossicking on Tuesday. If you're in town that day, you're more than welcome to join in. I'm tossing up where to fossick, with either Billabong Blue or the sand pile at Stannifer or Tingha Sands being the options at the top of my mind.
I'm happy to fossick at other locations, but I defer to any local knowledge that may exist regarding those other places (I only visit once a year, after all!).
So, two questions:
- just to confirm: who wants to catch up on Tuesday for a fossick? and..
- Any suggestions for good places to go?
Regards,
Shane
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What's the mobile coverage like in Glen Innes? I'm with VodaFone.
Jonathan
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Hi everyone
I've put two pics in the Gallery from recent Wednesday trips. The first is Rainy Swamp on 23rd September (the dusty day). Always find lots of little gems there.
The second is yesterday 30th September at the Glory Hole, where most of you want to go next Wednesday. The largest two garnets are 7.6 and 3.4 carats. The clear blue sapphire is 1.8 carats. There were the usual small zircons and garnets and corundum as well.
There are several deep holes here in which the foot of man/woman have never trod/trodden/trud/swam which some of you will want to explore no doubt.
Bring a long handled shovel and a yabby pump if at all possible.
I wouldn't say the weather outlook is the most promising. Showers may be needed by everyone else but fossickers prefer dry, warm days!
See you all next week
Findem
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Shane I will probably see you Monday evening.
Still thinking about where to dig Tuesday.
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Hi Findem. :)
The collection of blues from Rainy Swamp look interesting :P
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Dave and I will be at tingha on tuesday, any takers?
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Drinkies beers
See you there Kristy and Ted
Hi Jerry,
Just to keep it straight ;) , despite unfair reputation :o , I'll be happy to have drinkies with you, but you'll find me Wednesday evening in the company of Mudpuddler (Little Chris) :) my little fossicking mate at Fossickers Rest. Kristy who knows ??? she may be there too bring some chalk. Hopefully Michael will have a camp fire to share.
beers Ted
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:'( :'( :'(
Hi Guys
It is my sad news that the my work issue that I was fearing might happen, did so today.
The problem I now have is that I have decided to call off my trip to Glen Innes and Mini Minirama.
I still have a job for a while, but given I still have the week off, I am torn between either spending that time digging for sapphire or spending a week distributing my Resume and applying for a new job, and I'm sorry to say, but the latter has won my time.
I will pass on the most of the information and plans to someone who is willing to take it on board. Apart from my plans, Only Wednesday and Saturday have been organised, rs with the other spots you can choose on the day (weather, numbe
I am incredibly sorry to anyone that might have been let down. And I do apologise, but circumstances have changed drastically for me, and I must ensure that I will have a job for the future.
I hope to all of you going, that you have a fun trip, dig deep, and find colour in every sieve.
:'( :'( :'(
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Sorry to hear that Michael :( , good luck with job hunting will miss yu :-\, have to light my own dam campfire >:( Muddy bring some matches.
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Hello all
The weather being what it is, please note that tonight's forecast for Glen Innes has showers and rain every day for the next week. In the event that we can't get in to Yarrow Creek (and my car certainly can't when the track is muddy) we can always fall back on Rainy Swamp or Pretty Valley. Neither place is much good for a large group (20 is about the limit for both).
If you get into difficulty for a site after Wednesday, I can help you out on one of the other days by going to whichever place we didn't go to on Wednesday (hope that makes sense!). Perhaps even Yarrow Creek if things dry out enough. It's my intention to visit the Old Mine area on Yarrow on Wednesday 14th.
regards
Findem
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Oh BamBam what a bummer. :(
The only advice I can give is for the place you'd really like to work, annoy the hell out of them. That will keep you forefront in their minds and it makes a statement about being serious. Apart from that you could always show them your hammer.
Chin up kiddo, just flash your cheeky grin, especially if it's a woman boss, what the hell, it might work on the men too :o
We'll just have to look forward to the next mini m to meet everyone.
Big hug BamBam :-*
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Sorry to hear this news Michael. We only spoke two days ago and things were fine, but dont worry, things will work out.
Sounds like the weather is not going to co operate, so at least you wont get wet.
Good luck with your job hunting.
Claude
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Michael,
Sorry to hear you won't be able to make it. What sort of work do you do?
Regards,
Shane
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I'm so sorry to hear that Michael :( :'( I hope everything works out for you :(
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Sorry to hear about that Mithras. Good luck with the resumes.
What a **** about the weather too. Sounds like the Torrington emerald mine dirt is going to be hard to put through a sieve...
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Hi,
I think the emerald mine is better after rain .... specking can be quite effective. Wet sieving is slower but more likely to produce results .... the emeralds usually have a coating of clay which makes them v difficult to spot.
Regards, Paul
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Have a great time all.This site has been amazingly informative and gives inspiration to get out there.Only problem is getting the time to chase everything!... those Garnets and sapphires with John,the quartz and gold at nundle,the thunder eggs at barrabri,ruby in barrington(team grace thankyou)opal,fossils,blah blah
And on top of that i'm a fisherman too jeez!
Anyhow life is good,leave some big ones for me
<><
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Sorry to hear your not going Mithras,
Perhaps the job fairy will be good to you so you may be able to slip up there after all.
Take Care,
Deb cheers
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Woot! Arrived home today, now to pack everything again for the fossicking trip.
One of the previous posts made reference to snorkeling - well guess what? The snorkel is being packed! Make sure y'all bring your camera so that we can produce photographic proof to balance the outrageous lies.... ;D
Just in case you can't remember what to pack, here's a quick checklist:
- camera
- beer
- wine
- playing cards
- Twister
- sun block
- banjo
- medication(s)
- hiking boots
- flanno shirt
- khaki shirt
- hiking shorts
- swimming togs
- lotsa socks
- big hat
- another big hat
- sunnies
- sledgehammer
- rock chisels
- rock pick
- normal pick
- long-handled shovel
- bukkits
- lolrus repellant
- sieves
- phone book
- film containers
- rock gad
- scoop
- yabbie pump
- shaker
- toilet brush
- gem scales
- gps
- topo maps
- bribes
- tweezers
- rock samples for giving away
- gloves
- iPod
- glad wrap
- machete
- and a partridge in a pear treeeeeeeeeee....!
Regards,
Shane
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;D ;D ;D
Glad wrap Shane? lol!
Well Dave and I just jot to Barraba...... 10 hours after leaving Canberra! :o We're looking forward to woodsreef tomorrow ;D
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Hi,
I think the emerald mine is better after rain .... specking can be quite effective. Wet sieving is slower but more likely to produce results .... the emeralds usually have a coating of clay which makes them v difficult to spot.
Regards, Paul
Aha. Gah.. I hate sieving clay... will have to bring some water on site I guess.
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Hi,
If there has been recent rain then there is usually some water near the mine entrance but probably good to bring some just in case as well.
Regards, Paul
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Gee Shane,
Thats one hell of a list you got there, do you have room in your car for yourself, considering you are also taking a Partridge in a Pear Tree ;)
beers
Deb
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careful folding is the trick to fitting in the partridge with pear tree.... ;)
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Oh I see, so the Partridge in the camp Oven ready to cook and the tree in that long box with the lable on the side saying artificial xmas tree hehe.
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Wot the hell's a rock gad?
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it's something you don't have. beers
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That sounds cheeky ;D
got onto the guys at Tingha Sands for Bambam for you. They're expectin you guys on the Sunday, not before 8am plz. Sunday might be $5, sign a form on arrival. Take a shovel, you'll be diggin, no plant operates on the Sunday. If you change your minds as to what day can you let them know you're the group from ALF.
Merryn.
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Thanks so much Merryn
hope you guys find heaps
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Michael,
Thanks for the good wishes, and best of luck with the job hunt. I have the camera, so will make sure that no good deed goes unrecorded... ;D
I too hope that I find heaps, if for no other reason than to prove to my HSC-doing son that the finds in previous years weren't solely the result of his supposedly extraordinary mad skillz. Also, I have it on good authority that heaps are better than piles!
Regards,
Shane (signing off for a week.)
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Well, the car is packed and leaving for Nundle tomorrow bright & early followed by Glen Innes on Tuesday afternoon. Safe travelling/fossicking all.
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:'( :'( Bye bye kiddies. Take care and look out for the other idiots on the road. Have you got some tissues and don't forget to put clean undies on..oh and don't forget the maps!!!!
Keep safe, have a blast and come back with lotsa juicy stories, I mean big stories. :D
Merryn :-* :-* :-*
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I know you are all coming up here anyway so most of you will miss this, but the weather looks like being fine and cool for the whole week. We have had one or two showers in the past few days but I think that's it for now. Of course, the nights will be cool but that's what you would all expect anyhow.
See you Wednesday morning
Findem
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;D ;D ;D Hello from Barraba!
I have a few gems from wee jasper I want to get cut. Is there anywhere around inverell, tingha or glen innes that can do this for me?
Kristy beers
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Hi,
One place is the Billabong Blue shop next to the Tourist Info Centre at Inverell. Also, there's a good cutter in the shop next to the GI Tourist Info Centre. Either would be excellent. There are probably others too.
Regards, Paul
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;D Thankyou Paul ;D
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Oookay.. so er.. If we rock up at the fossicker's tomorrow evening should we be giving someone a call? I mean what time in the morning were people going out to the emerald mine? Are we doing a convoy? Should I be grabbing someone's number before we get there? etc etc.
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Andrew,
it might be worth ringing the caravan park and leaving a message or your mobile number with the office. This way they could get a message to either Shane (Calx) or Ted, (Fossickeract) and you can find out wots happening that way.
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Andrew,
it might be worth ringing the caravan park and leaving a message or your mobile number with the office. This way they could get a message to either Shane (Calx) or Ted, (Fossickeract) and you can find out wots happening that way.
Good idea, thanks mehoose.
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Your welcome but It'll cost you.
You'll have to give everyone a big squishy hug for me and tell them I miss em ;D
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Your welcome but It'll cost you.
You'll have to give everyone a big squishy hug for me and tell them I miss em ;D
I'm not er.. sure they'd appreciate that :).. I've rung but I couldn't leave any info for them as I didn't have their last names and Simon didn't know anyone there. I might try hitting up Andrew and Leah if they get near a phone.
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Well you could do recon 8)
The guy with the pipe is Ted, sidekick one cute pint sized Muddy, running around fetching the beers.
Calx -Shane - you should hear him a mile off with the banjo, back of the car chockers.
The guy bending over smelling all the roses is Dom - Claude with his lovely Lesley
You could just holler out for all ALFers and listen for the Hey's.
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Hey Andrew, If you catch up with Claude, tell him I hope he has oodles of sparklies for show and tell over coffee. :D
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Well today was our last day fossicking :'( :'( :'(
We ran into ted and muddy at the emerald mine, they were the only other fossickers we saw the whole trip! On the way out, we came across a 4wd with 2 flat tyres, the poor buggers! They had been out fossicking. Luckily they had one spare tyre, and our spare fit like a glove, so they hobbled behind us back to Deepwater. If we didn’t come along, they were in for a very very long walk to anywhere! We spent the afternoon chatting away to them and swapped numbers. Always carry a tyre repair kit!!!!!!! ;D
I found heaps of beryl pieces, 6 of them are beautiful crystals, quite a few chunks of green fluorite and heaps of quartz crystals. ;D ;D I'll put some photos up when we get home in about a week. Oh, and while Dave went off metal detecting some ruins, I wandered off to speck for rocks, but instead I found an 1867 penny, just sitting on the surface! 8) 8)
We're going to go see the Emmaville museum tomorrow then we're off to surfers paradise for a week! Good luck everyone and I hope to see pictures soon beers
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Ok we're officially back home after a very long drive beers.
Spent three days with Ex-Swede ( an ALFer) before Shane and Jerry happened along on Tuesday. By then we had found jelly beans galore at Stannifer, emerald at Torrington and some extremely small bits of topaz at Blatheram ;D.
Didnt do very well at Billabong Blue :'(, I think Jerry did the best there, but did marginally better at Yarrow Ck on the Wed. By then we had been joined by Mg and Jad who looked to be turning saphire blue by the end of the day. Jerry had a wetsuit and I had waders on and were reasonably warm, but Shane and Jad were only wearing shorts. Jad did recover and look some what normal following a long hot shower.
Joined by Ted and Muddy on Thursday for Pretty Valley where everyone found blue or green and yellow. We all however put in a huge day and nobody was looking too fresh at the end of it. Lesley hoped all that mud was good for her complexion :-*, she even slipped over and sat in it for a while.
Soccermom dropped in for a while Thursday night to say hi and the only other ALFer who made contact with us was Team Grace to say hi and tell us he was staying and fossicking at a friends place.
Unfortunately we had to leave early and would have liked to have met Andrew and Leah for Sat night Chinese, but it wasnt to be, we did however meet Leah's dad. At least we got to meet nine other ALFers that I had never met before. Look forward to the next trip.
Claude
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!!!! We only just arrived this very second, you can't leave yet! ;)
Any tips at the emerald mine? Did you leave us any? Was there any water to wet sieve there? Did calx get a go of the mechanical pulsator at 7 oaks?
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Sorry to miss you, but we are flying to Tassie tomorrow. All the ALFers left will be glad to see you. Some are staying at cabins 6&8 (I think) at the Fossickers C/Van Pk.
We spent about half a day at the emerald mine and as far as I can tell, you may be able to find something by splitting open one of the many quartz rocks around the site. The only water that I could see was in the fenced off area, which is 'out of bounds'. If you look over the ground closely you may find something, although three of us gave it a pretty good going over. By the way wear gloves and some glasses when you attack those rocks or you may come away with some major cuts like I did :'(.
I'm not sure what calx played with the other day, or if indeed he did go to 7 Oaks, but that could explain the smile he had when he got back to the C/Van Pk ;D.
Claude
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Hi AlFers - we are off to Rainy Swamp for sapphires etc this morning - leaving the Baptist Church at 9 am. Hope to meet up with some more of you this morning or tonight.
Findem
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Hey Michael
Youre into dogtooths arent you?
Lesley found about eight blue-green ones by just digging a tiny hole with her little shovel. Put my finds to shame, thats for sure.
Actually you wait till you see the 500+ ct jellybean that came out of her hole at Stannifer (again digging a little hole, with her little shovel, whilst in the shade under a coolibah tree). I couldnt measure the exact weight as my scales only go to 500ct's.
Claude
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Hey Claude, you could always take it to the supermarket and stick that whopper on their scales. Then multiply the grams x 5 and there's the carats ;D
Sounds like Lesley's the lucky charm, which means I might get to see some good sparklies, Wooohooo :D
KLKL, sounds like some pretty pics coming too.
This is exciting, It's going so fast.
Well have a great dinner 2night everyone, don't get hangovers, and keep em comin!!!! :D
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Hey Guys,
I guess this is my 'first post' here, after I have been lurking in the dark, or was that in the mud... for a while. So my first official ALF "Hi..."
I just wanted to say thanks for you guys organising this min-Minerama and thanks to Claude for alerting me to the fact, I had a few great days before I had to leave to get back to the rat-race at work.
Anyways, hope to see you all soon again, and take care and be safe out there
Anders
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Hey,
Welcome Anders 8) Hopefully first post of many ;D
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Well this was a great trip. Thanks to those who shed some experience and knowledge.
Spent my first night at Nundle on the way up. Worked like a trooper in painfull clay only to produce a few zircons.
For me Yarrow Creek was unproductive and just plain cold (Took a while to thaw out!) - Only found a couple of zircons and garnet fragments.
Pretty Valley was a good day. Found a good amount of tiny sapphires and zircons. No real cutters though, but better then fragments. Some pieces were little dog tooth crystals including blue, green and blue-green ones.
Stannifer was great for the 'Jelly Bean Crystals'. Found a nice piece of citrine which I plan to have cut. A good amount of smokey also.
My attempted trip to Torrington failed due a crook back from a dodgy camping matress - I shall return...
I dropped into the fossicking ground near Uralla on the way home - found a couple of tiny garnets.
Other intersting things that I found in my sieve included a baby yabby, two scorpians, fragments of glass and a few deceptive bright red worms....
;D
JAD
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I heard Tingha was closed on Sunday??
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We arrived on Saturday afternoon and made ourselves at home, before driving to the creek and meeting the senior members of Team Grace who had already set up camp. After a catch up, we went back to base for dinner. Next morning, bright and early, we hit the sapphires. Wednesday we went out with John. We didn't turn many sieves, just enjoyed the scenery, as more a break from sapphiring. Thursday we went exploring. It was another relaxing day, driving around and good to be on holidays. We then hit the sapphires again. Tuesday came round and we went into town to get supplies and it was a pleasure to meet Dom, Jerry, Jad and Calx, who really doesn't look like his picture at all, even with it being afternoon light. The following days involved spraying blackberries, feral animal control and more sapphiring, only to turn around and leave Saturday morning. Got home and tried to weigh my pretties for the picture id taken, only to have my small scales over loaded at 100g, so went to the bigger ones, with 50g increments and got about 200g sapphire and 1kg black spinel. Planning on making the boss and a friend a bracelet of Spinel.
In the second week while doing some jobs there we had the most unfortunate experience. I was stepping backwards when I stepped onto a brown snake. This put me in a difficult position and I had to end its life. This is where I award an honorary Darwin award to my dog, as a day later, smelling nicely no doubt, the dog ate it. He got really, really sick, but is OK now.
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Hi Team Grace,
Where did you go sapphiring? 200g is very impressive for a couple of days :D
Regards, Paul
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Rust, that's 2 weeks condensed into one post and at the moment I'm not up to divulging secret spot 72. Only got two secret spots left, 1 and 72.
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andrewb,
Tingha doesn't operate the equipment on Sundays. You've gotta dig.
I rang them for BamBam to let them know a group was coming over cos he couldn't get through. It was organised for the Sunday, just not before 8 am.
Geez, I hope someone turned up? Or if not , gave them a call for the change of plans. That would be a bummer for organising down the track if neither eventuated.
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Hi all
Here are my pics from Rainy Swamp last Saturday.
I picked out all the gem material for the day when I got back - 43.8 grams of zircon and 27.1 grams of sapphire, not including the two larger stones in the first pic, which are from a different hole and are actually amongst the best I've found at this place. They are both basically yellow.
Have a great day.
Findem
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andrewb,
Tingha doesn't operate the equipment on Sundays. You've gotta dig.
I rang them for BamBam to let them know a group was coming over cos he couldn't get through. It was organised for the Sunday, just not before 8 am.
Geez, I hope someone turned up? Or if not , gave them a call for the change of plans. That would be a bummer for organising down the track if neither eventuated.
I was at Billabong Blue on Sunday and an ALFer turned up around 1pm and said they went to Tingha as per the plan but the gates were locked.
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Results from Torrington emerald mine on Saturday:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/jamtart/torringtonemeraldmine.jpg)
Billabong Blue on Sunday (two purchased bags as well as going through the main dirt.)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/jamtart/billabongblue.jpg)
Throw sieve in action:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/jamtart/throwsieve_shovel_01.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/jamtart/throwsieve_shovel.jpg)
Good fun - I almost want to do it again this weekend ;)
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Hi Andrew,
Great pics ! Did you wet seive at the Emerald Mine ? Also, where are you using the throw seive and what are you looking for there ?
Regards, Paul
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Hi Andrew,
Great pics ! Did you wet seive at the Emerald Mine ? Also, where are you using the throw seive and what are you looking for there ?
Regards, Paul
Hi, yes, we brought 70L with us to the mine which was enough for 3 water changes in our smallish washing container although we did a fair amount of specking and found a bunch of small stuff on the opposite side of the main heap from the mine entrance... closeish to the road. The throw sieve pics were taken at Billabong Blue, going through the reclaimed pile away from the main pile. It has two grades of mesh, 12mm and 6.5mm so I didn't want to use it on the main pile everyone was using.. you'd lose all the small stuff and go through it about 10 times faster than everyone else... ie find the 3-4 decent sized chunks in the pile and leave half the pile for the other 10 people ;). The 12mm+ bucket is tipped over in one of the pics, I didn't care about that, only getting the 5.8mm-12mm stuff to go through to the other bucket... Didn't get to put much through it though because it started storming and we decided to leave on a high note by going through the $20 bags before we went, so I only got two large sieves worth and didn't find anything (wouldn't expect to be finding many top sieve sapphires in ten minutes). Great just shovelling it on and letting gravity do the work.. basically sorting it as fast as you can shovel.. need to tweak it though.. the rails that guide the stuff into the buckets need to be on a greater angle so there was less build up.
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I was at Billabong Blue on Sunday and an ALFer turned up around 1pm and said they went to Tingha as per the plan but the gates were locked.
Oh WHAT!!! Hope someone jumped the fence and banged on their door. >:( Will have to wait till everyone gets back to see if anyone got in. I promise when I rang they were expectin a bunch of you, even to the extent of being told the Sunday's price.
On a brighter note, you got yourself a nice bunch of pretties. :D
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It was great to meet some ALF'ers over last week. We are safely home now and keep looking at our treasures from the trip!
Thanks especially goes to Andrew and Leah for all their work in organising the Inaugural dinner - it was a delicious meal and your generosity was amazing. I loved hearing people's stories and marvelled how a bunch of people who have no other connection (other than a hobby) can come together and gel so well.
Andrew and Leah, you said the forum wouldn't exist if it wasn't for us but it was your idea and impetus that got it going. Thank you for making us all so welcome and for all the work you do in managing the fourm. You are very special people. It is a great thing to be a part of. We are looking forward to planning our next trip to Glen Innes and popping in to see the mine...sorry we missed it on Monday.
We had a ball fossicking and coming up with some goodies...we(hubbie and 2 kids) came home with a nice little stash of jellybean crystals from Stannifer...didn't manage to catch any scorpians Jonothan...phew! We then moved on to Tinga Sands for the afternoon. I had rung on Thursday to see if the shaker was working on the Friday and they said yes but when we turned up it wasn't working and they said it wouldn't be working again till Monday...the man kindly let us dig around in the waste pile and we came home with some beautiful crystals...I'll photograph the big one and put it on the forum soon. We had a nice little collection of smokey and clear. Spent an hour or two digging to the bottom of the pile!
Went to Billabong Blue on Sat and got some decent (we were happy with them, may not be super valuable :)) sapphires and lots of small stuff. We bought two bags to take home as well. Wondering if anyone had any luck at Seven Oaks? We bought a bag from there but came up with absolutely nothing. Met a lovely man there who taught us how to centre the dirt which made life so much easier! Really enjoyed the dinner with all of you on Sat night.
Sunday took us to Emmaville - spent quite some time chatting with Ron who works in the museum and is a fountain of knowledge. He had so many interesting stories. We then found some petrified wood and then headed up tp Torrington. IT had turned rainy by the time we got there and the mist was setting in so looking for emeralds was particularly hard. Tried some sifting and specking...my son was elated as he only wanted to take one thing home from our trip and that was an emerald..he found one just lying on a dump seconds after we got out of the car. Mission accomplished. We found a few other bits around but when it hit 5 degrees we headed back to the caravan park.
Can't wait to do it all again! Thanks for the stories and the memories. We had a ball at Lightning Ridge as well but I think the only way you'll find some decent stuff out there would be to get to know some one who will let you go down their mine. We are contemplating a trip to White Cliffs one day.
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What a great family hol that was soccermum. Congrats to your son for finding green. ;D
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Congrats soccermum.
I told Lesley that we had probably parked the car over some nice specimens. It's always good to gop after or during rain as it tends to wash the dirt off everything. Lesley found a couple of small bits and she was happy.
Claude