Aussie Lapidary Forum
Fossicking and Rockhounding => Trip Talk => Topic started by: Findem on October 22, 2009, 01:35:58 PM
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I think a new topic is in order now that the New England trip has come and gone.
Many of you will know that Sue and I head out most Wednesdays to seek our fortune, leaving from the Glen Innes Baptist Church at 9 am.
We had 7 people with us yesterday and because of the continuing dry weather made it easily to "Down the Hill" on Yarrow Creek. One of the vehicles with us was a campervan, which shows how easy it is to get around in the granite country when it's dry.
We've been to this place many times and once again saw the work of what I call "poachers" - people who don't have permission to be there and certainly don't pay the landowner for the privilege of being there like we do.
Anyhow, they didn't get them all. Everyone in the group found something good enough to make them happy. My two pics show the two best sapphire (3.8 and 3.2 carats) and 4 garnets totalling 9.1 carats. There are more where they came from and if it doesn't pour on one of the days before next Wednesday (as has been threatened), we'll be back there agin on 28th October. :)
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/Findem\'s_foundem/Dir_1/thumb_2307_2009 October 21 Down the Hill Yarrow Creek 4 largest garnets together 9.1 carats (1).jpg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=824)
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/Findem's_foundem/Dir_1/thumb_2305_2009 October 21 Down the Hill Yarrow Creek 2 largest sapphires 3.8 and 3.2 carats.jpg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=823)
Edited to move photos from message to gallery (admin)
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Oh to have your "Backyard". ;)
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We'll share it with you Merryn - just got to make some time to travel up here for a bit.
Nice half-way point on your way to visit Deb - just an idea ;D
cheers
Leah
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Nice half-way point on your way to visit Deb - just an idea ;D
Am always open to visitors ;) ;) Chooky ;D
Good suggestion Leah ;)
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If the body holds out long enuf, I'm holding hubby to his promise of next year. ;D
You guys are sweet for wanting to share. :-* :-*
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Hi Merryn
We'll probably be back down there before then, looking forward to some fossicking Tassie style.
Claude
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:o Blimey, you don't waste time. Fess up, you just like mint slices. ;D
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They seem to taste better in Tassie, maybe it's something in the water beers. Besides that I was talking to some fossickers from our club that went down in March and they did okeydokie ;). Im into brain picking mode.
Claude
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You pick away but Lesley might need a snoz warmer next time. ;)
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Lesley's snoz will be ok because we'll come down during warmer weather 8). I wouldnt be able to get her anywhere near water if it was a little chilly and it wouldnt be just her snoz that would need defrosting :o.
Claude
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It was too wet to get into Yarrow Creek this week so we went to Rainy Swamp. Nothing exciting - the usual small sapphires/zircons and quartz crystals.
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/Findem's_foundem/Dir_1/thumb_2309_2009 j October 28 Rainy Swamp.jpg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=825)
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I hear blood and bone is meant to work wonders. 8)
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We had some dry weather and easily got into Yarrow Creek at "Down the Hill". The water was up a bit but it hadn't washed a lot of sand into the hole I had worked in 2 weeks ago. :D
The last few seives were the best (naturally) and there wasn't time to pick through them there, so I had to do it at home. Always fun.
Since Friday we have had 56mm of rain. If we get dry, windy and warm days until Wednesday :) then we might make it out there again. Otherwise it will be one of the drier places, probably Pretty Valley.
Pic 1 lots of corundum
Pic 2 the best garnet and zircon
Pic 3 a nice dog tooth crystal
Pic 4 the best of the sapphire
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:o Drooling bad here ;D
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Thanks John for the 'inspiration' to get back down to there again :D
Always great to see what you find and beautiful stones
Anders
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Deb, Sounds like you need the kid's bib ;D
Findem they are wonderful, well done.
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The appetite has been whet once again! Love the Wednesday finds thread ;D
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Thought you'd been left behind on a dig soccermum!! Welcome back.
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I Haven't photographed last weeks finds yet (too hot blah blah) but I did get a 10.2 carat blue and a 4.3 carat yellow which look OK. We are going back to the same spot today - have to look out for the threatened thunderstorm, though. ::)
We passed 30 degrees yesterday for the first time in November that I can remember.
Findem
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I Haven't photographed last weeks finds yet (too hot blah blah) but I did get a 10.2 carat blue and a 4.3 carat yellow which look OK. We are going back to the same spot today - have to look out for the threatened thunderstorm, though. ::)
We passed 30 degrees yesterday for the first time in November that I can remember.
Findem
Oh I know about the heat up there over the past few days John I was digging in it for 3 days. :( Had intended on going out with you today on your Wednesday trip but went home yesterday, exhausted and with heat rash, leaky waders and some more pretty sapphires, garnets and topaz. ;D
Hope you enjoy today and do not get effected by the heat.
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Findem's 10.2 ct find was most unusual, looked black and opaque in the sieve but a lovely pale blue when held to the light.
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Ooo sounds like some great pics coming from a couple of you. YAY. :D
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Thanks Mehoose ;) It would be my dream to be left behind in a dig! ;D Unfortunately had to get back to earning a living for a while!
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Here are my Yarrow Creek finds from 11th and 18th November. Unfortunately (depending on your point of view) the sun went under a cloud just when I went out to take the pics. :D
1. 10.2 and 4.3 carat sapphires found 11.11.2009 (there were numerous other finds as well)
2. general finds found 18.11.2009
I think I will get one more day out of this hole. It's more than chest deep and there are lots of rocks on the bottom which I can relocate but not get out of the hole. I'm not into duck diving, unfortunately. ???
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Oh special. Must get lost in a hole with you one day Findem. ;) ;D
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John
Thanks for a great day on Wednesday we enjoyed the company and the scenery.We ended up with plenty of colour,best Garnet 2.5 Carat few around 1-1.5 Carat and some small sapphire.Watch you don't keep digging deeper in that same hole next week John or you are going to need a snorkel ! A few times i looked over to talk to you and all i could see was the top of your hat
You certainly do know how to findem !
P.S. Got a Topaz at Kookabookra 21 Carat but will lose a lot from a flaw
Thanks again John i look forward to next time
Best regards
Hotcoles
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As hotcoles has already said, we had a great day out on Wednesday Dave and Ria were there too plus several others. Here's a picture of my best sapphire finds: 1.5 to 2.7 carats.
We'll try the Glory Hole this week in case it rains. :) Well, it has to some time. Yarrow Creek is getting pretty low. mg, we'll keep Down the Hill for you on 16th Dec (unless something fantastic turns up at the Glory Hole, of course). :D
Findem
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Not strictly Wednesday finds, perhaps Thursday ones. :)
The pic attached is a small pile of black spinel picked up in Glen Innes last Thursday from a spot where someone must have used some sapphire mine waste to fill up some holes in a driveway.
As it's better than what we find most of the time in Yarrow Creek (it probably from Reddestone Creek) I think I might get some of it cut.
mg, there is some good practice material just waiting there for you to pick up! It's spiced up by some exciting fragments of blue, green and amber glass! :'(
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Oh they're all beautiful shades, now if only they were bigger ;)
Hehe, I need em bigger to see them to start cutting. Might get to reduce size eventually with ALOT more practice.
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Hi Findem,
We're coming up a week earlier now, so shall be annoying you on the 9th.
As you probably have noticed, I'm easily amused. I don't mind where we go as long as it's Yarrow Ck., Pretty Valley or Rainy Swamp.
Regards,
Michael.
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Hi findem,
Have been following these posts with interest ... just wondering how it works ... head out most Wednesdays to seek our fortune, leaving from the Glen Innes Baptist Church at 9 am.
. Do you need to book ahead? Is there a fee? Otherwise I assume you bring your own vehicle and fossicking gear.
I travel through Glen Innes to reach or return from the NSW mid-north coast for summer holidays ... but don't always know exactly when/if I'll be going through until a few days beforehand.
Cheers,
Fullerton
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G'day Fullerton
We are officially "The Glen Innes Baptist Church Fossicking and Friendship Group". We leave from outside the Baptist Church on the New England Highway at 9 am every Wednesday (except when we are away sometimes) or the weather is bad. We haven't missed a day in the past 4 months.
The assumption is that people drive their own transport and bring their own gear, though we do have a few spares for beginners if they let us know.
The $8 we collect from adults is split $5 for the landowner and $3 for the church. Children at school cost $2.
You can contact us by messaging me through ALF or ringing on 02 6732 3695. Naturally there are some weeks when we are alone, but most weeks someone joins us. So far there have been no calls for this Wednesday, but most people come via the Visitor Centre or the caravan parks so they often don't know about us until they arrive in town. Others just turn up, but we don't recommend that since that just might be one of our "away days".
We'd be glad to meet up with you some time.
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OK Michael, we'll be back at Down the Hill on 9th. On the way home we can show you where the blackjack came from.
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Here are our finds from the Glory Hole Yarrow Creek. The two largest sapphires weigh 2.4 nd 1.7 carats.
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Hi all
We had a very warm day at "Down the Hill" at Yarrow Creek yesterday. I struck a good patch towards the end of the day and most of the stones illustrated came from there. The nicest one is the 4.2 carat dog's tooth.
I had found some large water worn quartz crystal pieces nearby a few years ago so I wasn't surprised to find more, but 5 was unexpected. Two of them came out in the same shovelful of gravel! :D
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Sorry, the four pics are in my Gallery, but I obviously haven't understood how to attach a link here to bring them up. You will have to go there to see them, but it's worth the effort I think.
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Here are the images John was referring to:
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/Findem\\\\\\\'s_foundem/Dir_1/thumb_2318_09.12.2009 Down the Hill Yarrow Creek 4.jpg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=829) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/Findem\\\'s_foundem/Dir_1/thumb_2315_09.12.2009 Down the Hill Yarrow Creek 3.jpg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=828)
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/Findem\'s_foundem/Dir_1/thumb_2313_09.12.2009 Down the Hill Yarrow Creek 2.jpg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=827) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/Findem's_foundem/Dir_1/thumb_2311_09.12.2009 Down the Hill Yarrow Creek 1.jpg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=826)
For the benefit of others, you need to insert the "BBC embed code" which looks like this:
square bracket smg id=829 end square bracket
(just replace add the [ and ] either side of the smg bit)
Just put that in the message - with the relevant image number for your photo - and the thumbnail will display here with a link back to the gallery.
John - if you hit the "Modify" message button on your first post in this thread, you will see how I have done this.
cheers
Leah
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Hi John,
Looks good as always... ;D, just having trouble seeing the full-size ones..
Leah,
I can see the thumbnails in your post, but as I click on them they change to show something like "Sorry you are not allowed to view this file. Make sure you are connected to the server" if I then click on the 'more details...' link I get a new page and "Access to this album is denied "
Not sure if it is just me, or happening for others to...
Then if I look for John's album I don't seem to be able to see it in the Gallery under "user albums" ( I can see others though and view their content ) nor "albums"
Anders
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Not just you. Get an error message
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Try now...
Just tweaked a little something and hopefully all members should now be able to view this album:
Click here for Findem's Found'em (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=mgallery;sa=album;id=45) or the thumbnails -> more info.
cheers
Leah
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I know I came in a little late on this today, but everything just worked OK. Thanks Leah.
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yeah well I just flooded the keyboard.
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Thanks Leah,
Now it works fine, and I can now also see a few more albums under the 'user albums' category, bonus ;D
Try now...
Just tweaked a little something and hopefully all members should now be able to view this album:
Click here for Findem's Found'em (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=mgallery;sa=album;id=45) or the thumbnails -> more info.
cheers
Leah
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Hello everyone
I've put up photos from the past 4 weeks in my gallery, Findem's Foundem which seems the logical place for them to be. There has been lots of rain in the last 3 weeks. Yarrow Creek was running high and so I've been to Pretty Valley (in the rain, I might add) and Rainy Swamp the past 2 weeks. No visitors either day.
Don't be put off by the lousy photo of the Pretty Valley finds. The larger stone is actually quite a decent yellow. It came out of the very second hand gravel in the most obvious place of all to dig.
The Rainy Swamp material is typical. For those who've been there with me, I moved another 2 metres downstream and moved more rocks until I got down to weathered granite bottom. It's a real pity that the stones are so small from here. At least the nice quartz helps to compensate.
It looks like being fine and very warm next week, so it will be back to Yarrow Creek, I guess. I found a decent patch just before it was time to leave (see photo for 23rd December) which I want to return to. I know some ALFers are coming, so see you then! :D
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hey John
heres a photo if what we found on 13-01-10 as you can see there is nothing big but alot of beautiful colour. Thanks again we had a ball at Yarrow Cr.
http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=mgallery;sa=item;id=837 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=mgallery;sa=item;id=837)
cheers Ben
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Good to see your finds, Ben. I haven't photographed mine yet, but I know the best ones were in a pill bottle which I haven't seen since we were at the creek. We were out that way this week and I couldn't see it anywhere. Maybe someone will find it floating in the creek one day like I found one at Boolabinda once! That was a good day, because I also found a bucket and a tube of sun cream.
We went down the creek a bit further on Wednesday this week and I did a bit better, but the creek was full to the brim. More thunderstorms last weekend, no doubt. As we are about to get more heat no doubt the storms will return and keep the water levels high for some time yet.
John P
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Wayne, you'll find a photo of a group of 10 Yarrow Creek garnets in Findem's Foundem (my album). These are the ones I mentioned in "Sending Sapphires to Lamberts". I think I will get more of them cut now, after seeing the result. :)
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Any interesting finds yesterday John?
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Good John
I am waiting(now very anxiously)for the ones back from cutting i got with you,also those small pink ones,will try and post the pic too
Take care
HC
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Hi Mark
It was a showery day yesterday and Sue still isn't very well. She's started a series of tests to see if the doctor can work out what's wrong.
And Hi Wayne
I hope you will be as pleased with your garnets as we are with ours.
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Thats no good. Hope she feels better soon.
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It was a showery day yesterday and Sue still isn't very well. She's started a series of tests to see if the doctor can work out what's wrong.
Hope the doctors sort out what is wrong with Sue and can fix the problem.
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Hi Sue and John,
My best wishes that they find the problem and for a speedy recovery
Anders
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Sorry I'm a bit behind with my photography but the sun has been a rare visitor up here lately. Not so today, which was just made for fossicking.
As expected, the creek was running high and more sand had filled my holes AGAIN. We had quite a crowd, 47 all up. We went to "Down the Hill" on Yarrow Creek. I don't know how many of the 47 found cutters but at least 7 did (not including me :-[)
The weather looks OK for the next few days for Minerama. Next Wednesday should see us at The Old Mine, Yarrow Creek. It's been several months since we were there (mainly because of the weather) and I'm looking forward to checking out some spots I noticed last time.
Findem
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47 people! Wow! If that's any indication, it should be a very busy few days this weekend.
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lol 47 people John thats great although you might want to start capping the numbers so there are still some pretty things left for when i get back down (just jokes).
every wednesday i always find myself thinking "i wonder if Johns out today and whats is he finding". you have to get the photos up mate so we can all enjoy what you find and (for some) relive a great day fossicking.
hope all is well with everyone down there
Ben
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We've had a few good outings on Wednesdays lately. The weather has been mild and the water temperature http is still OK. I've just put a pic in Findem's Foundem from 24th March. I hope this link will take you there but if not you will have to locate it yourselves. At least that should be easier than finding the gemstones were!
http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=946 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=946)
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You always come back with a nice bunch Findem. :D
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Not always, but fairly often lol.
Incidentally, I had a call from one of the landowners whose property we visit. He informed me that there had been someone on the place without permission during the week and also that someone pinched one of his new fenceposts which he had just cut, apparently on one of our Minerama trips.
These are the kinds of things which will deprive us (and everyone else) of access so if any ALF members know anything about these incidents please let me know. Thanks
John
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If you find out who belt them with a fence post >:(
Presume the post went into fire, cannot think of any other use for it except as a fence post. :-\
It really is a pain when some 'people' cannot do the right and proper thing. It stuffs it for everyone.
Suppose we all will have just to keep our eyes open for these characters again next Minerama.
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Hi John, it wasnt someone collecting fire wood was it.
Cheers Gussyy.
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Not me anyway. ;)
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And it wasn't me, I was being supervised..
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I guess it's about time to reactivate this topic, since the "busy" season is here.
I hope to be heading out to Yarrow Creek on Wednesday. The weather has confined us to Pretty Valley and Rainy Swamp the last 3 weeks.
I'll be speaking with landowner about condition of the track in and will put something here tomorrow night.
For those who are wondering what on earth I'm talking about, it's the regular Glen Innes Baptist Church fossicking trip each Wednesday.
John
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For those who need to know, here is the 5.30 pm News. No access to Yarrow Creek yet. We can only hope things will improve, but the landowner has told me that he has never seen the place so wet, the track in such a mess, trees down etc. In other words, he wants us to stay away for a while.
So it will be Pretty Valley again tomorrow. There will be a few people along who would probably be happier there anyhow.
Stay tuned for another road report this time next week.
Findem
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Hi all!
We made into Yarrow Creek OK last Wednesday, but were hit by a great downpour around 1pm. Escaped with our lives (just).
I've put up 3 pics in Findem's Foundem, 2 from the previous 2 weeks trips to Pretty Valley and one of 1 9.1 blue sapphire from the Black Jack Hole Yarrow Creek which I found last week just as the rain started. :-[
It looks good but it's a bit thin in places.
It's been raining off and on today and even if the track into Yarrow had recovered from last week's drenching it will no doubt be out of action again now.
So, I'll be aiming for Rainy Swamp tomorrow. :)
Findem
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We ended up staying home today. I think the rain band has actually passed us now, by the look of the radar. We had a few heavy downpours this morning so I'm glad we decided not to risk it.
Findem
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Don't blame ya!
Trying to get a concrete pad poured for a new shed, and the concreters probably decided to stay home today also!!!
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I intend to give Yarrow Creek another try tomorrow. It has hardly rained since last Thursday and today's wind should help dry things out a bit more. It will be the Black Jack Hole again.
Findem
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good luck! I'm down in Melbourne running a course and it's 30+ here today. Wish I was in the creek, though....
Shane
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AHA, it's all becoming clearer...Calx + Melbourne+30 deg = Inversion, Thunder storms and muggy as all...... here. ;)
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Ah well, it was too wet to get into Yarrow Creek so we ended up at Pretty Valley again. I haven't sorted my finds yet. However, the weather was quite unpleasant - drizzly, mist rain all day until we gave up at 2 pm. Naturally, it didn't rain in Glen Innes at all. It was cool, though, as I only registered a max of 16 today.
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good luck! I'm down in Melbourne running a course and it's 30+ here today. Wish I was in the creek, though....
Shane
Did you see my missus? She was down there today for work.
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Hi John hope you are well
The Garnets i got back from cutting were great
Still searching for that big blue sapphire
Will be up for few nights in the new year
Will see if can get out with you on the Wednesday
Kind regards
HC
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OK Wayne - the weather might have turned around a bit by then. :D
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Pretty Valley again tomorrow. I found 2 nice yellows, 2-3 carats. Also mg has reported finding several nice topaz. He will put up some pics when he gets a chance.
John
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Pretty Valley again tomorrow. I found 2 nice yellows, 2-3 carats. Also mg has reported finding several nice topaz. He will put up some pics when he gets a chance.
John
Good finds.
Sounds like the weather is still wet and the creeks up.
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Off to Yarrow Creek tomorrow - it should be fine day! There will be heaps of water, of course, but I located a spot where if I can shift a few rocks there ought to be some gravel, judging from what I saw last week.
It has been cool but relatively dry here in Glen Innes. I had to go up to Warwick today to fetch Sue who was heading for Brisbane by bus to visit the girls. The highway was well and truly flooded in Warwick so that was as far as she got. Plenty of flood water as far south as Stanthorpe.
Findem
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There are three new pics in my album (Findem's Foundem). For reasons unknown the one of last Wednesday's finds won't load up.
It was a pleasant day and Captain Mendoza and I found a few goodies each.
A massive storm has just passed south of Glen Innes. I'm planning to go to Yarrow Creek on Wednesday (if it's accessible after the storm), probably to the Bottom End where I'm certain some good finds are waiting for us.
Findem
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The final pic is now in Findem's Foundem. I think you will enjoy it.
We just had about 20mm in a downpour in Glen Innes and I think it's been pretty widespread. I will check with the landowner before attempting to get into Yarrow Creek on Wednesday. ???
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I like those little pinks, John.
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Pity they're only imported tumbled rhodolite garnets, isn't it? That makes at least 20 from the same hole.
It's pouring here again now (3.30 NSW time) so it looks like Rainy Swamp again. Very appropriate for the season.
Findem
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Well, we got our trip to Rainy Swamp in OK. I'm happy with my finds (pics if ever the sun comes out again). The rain started soon after we got home and continued right through to about 9 this morning (approx 40 mm). >:(
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Hopefully we'll get into Rainy Swamp this Wednesday. maybe Yarrow Ck next week! ;D
Try this link into Findem's foundem for a pic of finds from Rainy Swamp on 5th January. Not bad for this spot.http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=1735 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=1735)
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Hi everyone - it's hot up here at Glen Innes. :P
We are heading for the spot on Yarrow Creek we call Sue's Favourite Spot. Good shade and a few good swimming holes. We'll use both.
Also still a good place for a few cutters. :D
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Have fun findem... Off to Torrington tomorrow while we got a dry spell, ah the joys of 2wd! Shall compair stones and sun strokes when I get the chance... :-D
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Good luck Captain, you should have no trouble with the sun stroke. My finds of late have been gold on my farm. I knew that one of the most productive spots at Temora was just over the road from me, there are the remains of two shafts on my place and I assumed that they would have been to about the same depth as across the road (reportedly about 60-70ft.). I was digging strainer post holes and footings for the shed over Christmas and met very well consolidated clayey gravel at just over 18" depth. Could not resist throwing a couple of buckets of this stuff into the concrete mixer (don't have a puddler) and panning it. Sure enough there were a few tiny specs of gold (and a lot of red mud!!). Think I will stick to Olives though.
Cheers,
Allan
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Well got out of Torrington in one piece before the rain storm came and turned 2wd into 4wd :D
Found a few small topaz cutters nothing monsterous, but hey was trying more to sus out a new spot... Most interesting find was a pale pinkish purple looking topaz? Pity it be on the tad wee small size, but might give it a try on cutting it...
How'd you go findem??? ;)
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I found 4 little emeralds... One of which is about half the size of a pin head!! :D They'll make a friend of mine happy!!
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Sounds like you 2 had a good day at Torrington. I had a pretty meagre day, but it was great in the creek! :D
Water level is down quite a bit despite last Thursday's storm. You could see where the water had come up about a metre and then gone down again.
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A dip in Yarrow Creek would have been great yesterday .... it's so hot hotthirsty
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We had a resonable day at Yarrow Creek on Wednesday. I have a trifecta of zircon, garnet and sapphire cutters. Other nice stones were found as well. The grass is long but the track in was still possible to find. ;D
Here is a link to Findem's Foundem for a pic.
http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=1915 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=1915)
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Good result - next time we come to G.I. we'll make sure it hasn't rained for a couple of weeks.
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We had a good day at the Old Mine, Yarrow Creek today.
Struck another patch of what we think is "miners' rejects". I scored around 20 garnet cutters and maybe half a dozen sapphires. The others also did well.
Pics when I get a chance. Finally bought a new camera yesterday as no-one had come good with our lost one.
Findem
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Three pics from yesterday. The garnet one and another of hypersthene is there next to the sapphire one, for which the link is
http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=1988 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=1988)
I still have a lot to learn about this new camera.
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Expecting to head for the Old Mine Yarrow Creek tomorrow (Wednesday). I hope to find a few more cutters like we did two weeks ago, naturally. There have been a few enquiries, so I hope everyone enjoys their day out as much as we do. If any of you are around, and want to come, just turn up at the church a little before 9.
John
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There were a few more attractive garnets found today. We were hit by a heavy downpour just as it was time to leave. Thanks to the folk who helped push my car at one point on the way out.
Photos of my finds will follow soon.
John
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So is there a rainy season in that area? What is the brrr tempature range if I might ask. Looking at coming there for a holiday but not sure when is the best time. Thank you for your help and great finds!
Ken :)
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Hi Ken,
This should give ya a good idea of weather in Glen Innes
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/climate/station.jsp?lt=site&lc=56011 (http://www.weatherzone.com.au/climate/station.jsp?lt=site&lc=56011)
Bob beers
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RE: weather.
You can use the quick weather search box here - it is on the left hand side just below the seach box.
Type in a postcode or town and it will give you the Weatherzone data straight away.
cheers
Leah
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Winter is the driest season up here but of course the creeks are too cold for wading in. I've seen Yarrow Creek frozen over several times. We still go out through winter (it's great sitting around the fire!) but we dig holes rather than scrape up gravel from in the creek.
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Cold water...? No guts no glory??? Right???
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Cold water is only a temporary worry, after it is in your neoprene waders for a while it warms up ;D
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Hi Captain!
Join us one day in July and then tell me what you think of the water temerature. ;D
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The earliest I have jumped in is the 1st day of spring in Reddestone Ck... It was so cold it felt like it was hot... I was also sieving in a drum with icicles around the rim... All that's not too bad if you keep moving... Just don't stop or you'll freeze!!! brrr
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I tried not to get wet above the knees today. Have you tried to keep your bottom from getting wet when sieving in knee deep water? :o
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ROFL,,oh the one liners ;D
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I can recommend a set of exercises to tighten the gluteals....
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Nah, just wear shopping bags. No wet bum, and better yet a good use to all those bags left over from shopping... ;)
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Thanks a lot. Of course, I could take a chair and sit on that in the creek. Better still, I could just be more careful next time.
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Set up a milk crate in the creek to sit on while sieving to keep your bum dry.
Use plastic bag over the seat if you are an energetic splasher
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Hi everyone. The Baptist Church Fossicking Group will be going out as usual next Wednesday and additionally on Easter Saturday 23rd April.
Same arrangements as usual - meet at the church (on the New England Highway) ready to leave at 9am. Cost is $10 per adult and $2 for each school age child. Bring your own gear and follow us. (I always carry a few extra sieves and shovels in case people have none.)
Weather permitting, we will be at Yarrow Creek. There is likely to be rain tomorrow, but after that it looks like there will be run of fine weather.
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John,
I have recently moved down to the Hunter Valley from Queensland and am wondering if you will be running your trips this spring. If so when do you think you will start?
Regards
Richard
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We don't stop for winter Rastys! Admittedly, getting itno our best areas is still a problem. I went out to Yarrow Creek yesterday (no fossickers turned up) and the track is just as muddy as ever. It's now more than a year since you could say access was normal. I ended up at Rainy Swamp again for the usual pile of small stones, black tournaline and quartz.
By the end of September we can at least wade in the creeks. I did yesterday when a rock I was standing on slipped into the hole I was digging in.
Let me know when you'll be up this way and weather and health permitting you can join us.
John
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John,
Well I hope you put on better weather than you did last year! It was bad enough that we were non-stop wet, but the last straw was when it started snowing on our last day.
I guess if all else fails, Rainy Swamp is the go. By now you should have moved all the overburden for us.... ;D ... and I never got to the bottom of that hole son and I were digging into to pull out the smoky.
See you in around 4 weeks.
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You never know, it might still be there. :o
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Beautiful day today and yesterday!!! Just hope it holds enough to dry out a bit...?
Weather permitting, should see you John this Wednesday coming for a crack at Yarrow! ;)
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Not wishing to be negative (again) but there's going to be a fair bit of rain before next Wednesday. :'(
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Not wishing to be negative (again) but there's going to be a fair bit of rain before next Wednesday. :'(
Stop doing that!!! I want it to dry out a bit before I get there.... ;)
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Bucketed down rain today!!!
Rain 1
Good chance of fossicking (without being wet). 0
Oh well? :[
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well it was a beautiful sunny day here! I got my new camera (bought a D5100 last weekend) and took some pikkies, then had breakfast at a cafe, then went for a drive up the coast.
It must have been real dismal with the rain... so sad... ;D
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just make sure you bring some shine with you when you get here Calx, and hold the snow!!! ;)
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It looks like the rain will hold off long enough for us to try Garnet Corner on Yarrow Creek tomorrow. After tomorrow, the weather isn't looking too hot (literally).
We'll see how things pan out (not literally).
John
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I can't think of a pun about sieves, John. I'll give it some thought.
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See you tomorrow Findem!!! ;D
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Rainy Swamp tomorrow. It should be a great day weatherwise. Hopefully findwise too. ;D
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Hey Findem!!!
Is Pretty Valley happening this coming Wednesday???
Love to meet some fellow alfers - who's interested?
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I hadnt planned on going Wed BUT !!!! Pretty Valley ALWAYS makes me wanna go back :-[ Count me in if its on Droo
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Pretty Valley is Friday. Yarrow Creek (the Upper Crossing where we went 2 weeks ago) is Wednesday. For those not in the know, this is a few minutes walk from Garnet Corner. Sue and I went out to check it over this afternoon. I went in the creek almost to the waist (yes, the water is cold). Sapphire in every sieve, no cutters. Only one small piece of garnet - all the others were zircons. This is almost the exact opposite of Garnet Corner, which strongly suggests that the gabbro outcrop between these two spots is really the source of the garnet.
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Getting the car serviced on Friday...may need a lift from a friendly face goin the same way... :D
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Pretty Valley is Friday. Yarrow Creek (the Upper Crossing where we went 2 weeks ago) is Wednesday.
Thanks heaps for that John ... see you on Wednesday ... unless you'd like to come out to Scrubby Gully on Tuesday?
Regards, Paul
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Hi Paul,
Could Scrubby Gully be Thursday or Friday? We don't arrive until Tuesday afternoon.
Michael.
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2 days fossicking in 1 week is about all my body can take these days. So Tuesday/Thursday are out for me.
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Hi Michael,
That shouldn't be a problem ... lets do it on Thursday. See you Wednesday.
Regards, Paul
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I found this topaz at Rainy Swamp last Wednesday. I guess it weighs in at around 50 carats. The colours are a delicate blue and pink. Here's the link to Findem's Foundem.
<img src="http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2878" alt="" /img>
Ahhh the link doesn't seem to work. You'll have to find you're own way there to enjoy it.
(tried to fix it but no good - Calx)
Pic here ...
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/Findem's_foundem/Dir_1/thumb_8328_Topaz from Rainy Swamp 26.10.2011.jpg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=2878)
Link to album ...
http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=45 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=45)
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Nice little collection Findem, you of course do know that around 1966 we moved into the decimal currency era, don't you?
Garry
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That's one nice piece of topaz! Well done.
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Very well done John ... must have looked v excellent in the seive Droo
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John you found another piece of topaz at Rainy Swamp previously (if my memory serves me correctly) which you thought may have fallen out of someones pocket. I think this latest piece may have fallen out of my pocket the previous Wednesday. I recognise it's clarity.
This latest find should lift Rainy Swamp's rating on Findem's Fossicking Rating Scale.
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You're not salting the fossicking areas are you mg? :P
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I'm too tight and miserable to throw away any of MY gemstones.
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You sure that its not just quartz you found findem? ;)
See you tomorrow for a dig... :]
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Definitey Rainy Swamp tomorrow - too much rain at the weekend to get into Yarrow (again!)
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A fantastic Stone John in any currency, well done,delicate colours, i am sure more are there for you.
HC
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Only one small bit of topaz in my piles this week, and that was colourless. :-[
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I managed to find my first pink sapphire from rainy swamp the other week... A bit on the wee size unfortunately? So small in fact that I think I miss placed it in my too small to cut box... Might take a while to find again? Might be quicker to find its bigger brother...
Is it rainy swamp again tomorrow Findem???
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Sorry this is a late answer, Capt'n. It would have been Rainy Swamp, but as we hadn't heard from anyone we won't be going. There's just too much to do around the house at the moment. Sorry to disappoint you (if you were planning to come, that is).
Incidentally, we have found a few small pink sapphires there to (also at Pretty Valley). Why are they always small? Just 2 I've found in 20 years were big enought to cut. :(
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Seeing that Sue and I couldn't get out with the group which went to The Old Mine area on Yarrow Creek (thanks mg and Mrs mg for leading) we decided to go out on our own yesterday.
The place is by no means exhausted yet!
For newcomers to the forum, check Findem's Foundem in the media collection so you can drool over what can be found around Glen Innes. Here's yesterday's best finds.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Hey, some lovely garnets :D
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You must have a "sapphire and garnet magnet" Findem. You seem to do so well on your days out! Well done! :)
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Some good colour there, I gather from your post that it's 'all in a day's work' - literally. How deep were you to get onto that lot?
Garry
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Yes, Garry - about 4-5 hours work I suppose. There was an even bigger pile of rubbish sapphire and another of top sieve blackjack and clear and smoky quartz.
Water is about waist deep with up to 40cm of sand over the rock bottom. The problem with the sand is that it is promptly replaced by more as soon as you shift it. There are also lots of sticks and branches to contend with plus my floating bucket keeps blowing away or heading downstream with the current.
As I've said many times to people who come with us - prepare to get wet and move lots of of sand and gravel. I think it's worth it, even if the ones we call banksitters obviously don't.
John
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Hi all
I'm assuming that the rain we've been having and will continue to have will put Yarrow Creek out of bounds tomorrow (Wednesday). We will head for Rainy Swamp unless it is actually raining in the morning. See you at the gate, Iain.
As for next week, hopefully we will make it to the Old Mine again, Gavin.
John
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Well, anyone living up this way won't be surprised to hear that we have stayed home today. It rained all night and it's still coming down. Not a large total, but not my sort of day to go fossicking. There's always next week. ;)
John
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The stones are not going anywhere in a hurry
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Too wet again for Yarrow Creek this Wednesday so we'll have another go at Rainy Swamp. There are always quartz crystals and small sapphires and zircons to be found there. I had another look at the finds from our last visit and there were several black spinels in the 5-10 carat range amongst the black tourmaline.
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Love to go Findem, but got some things to do :'(
Maybe next week...
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OK Capt'n. We'll make sure there's some tourmaline left for you.
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verry long page to read :D ;D :P
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Awe thanks findem... ;)
. I'm assuming the tourmaline your referring to is the pile around your table...? :D
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You're always welcome to anything I don't want, Capt'n. ;D
Anyway, you can find your own at Rainy Swamp, where I guess we'll be AGAIN this week after all the rain lately. Iain used his diviners to mark a few spots on the side of the hill so maybe we can try digging there again.
So, for all those enthusiasts, Rainy Swamp it will be this Wednesday.
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Hi John beers
How many places are there on Yarrow Creek? I'd like to have a few spots there for 2013 Minerama. Obviously we will need to catch up preferably before Minerama this year to figure out how many would be available for next year, assuming I can get them to agree to 7 days.
Bob beers
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Don't need divination to tell me where the stones are...there under the really big rocks we can't move! ;D
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Hi Bob. You'll have noticed that I've stayed out of the Minerama discussions as much as possible. I have access to just 2 properties on Yarrow Ck. for our Wednesday trips with about 12 locations we can drive to when the weather permits. There are others which require 4wd or a prolonged dry period or both which we rarely get to.
It's my intention to visit one site on each property for Minerama this year plus a different spot on each of the Wednesdays before and after Minerama. Of course, we've been going there regularly on Wednesday for the past 12 years and for 10 years before that for Minerama trips. One year I took 5 Minerama trips out Thursday to Monday as well as the Wednesdays.
Up to 2001 we also had access to several spots on Back Creek at Pinkett, but those properties were sold some time ago and I've had no sucess in getting back in there again.
All the best in not only trying to get something more like the "good old days" but for aiming for even better.
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Hi John, beers
I thought there was that many places from memory. Even if I put down 6 days on Yarrow it gives me plenty of options due to weather conditions to alter the final location.
My idea is Yarrow, Inverell, Torrington with a mix of free places for the 4th spot each day. Obviously, it will depend on weather & health issues as to who actually leads each trip & where too but in reality it gives a starting point.
Bob beers
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I don't think you'll come up with too many free places worth going to, Bob. And if you do, everyone will want to go there at other times which will soon denude them of anything worth finding.
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Not unless someone dressed in black in the middle of the night accidently drops a few bags of beauties in the free spots...eh.eh.eh. ;)
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Just watch jimny, think he still wants to put some moly in your sieve findem ;) . Then there's that garnet incident at yarrow, oh and the nice peridot from the road gravel at rainy swamp I found.
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If it's any good, I'll take it. ;)
I can always give it away again.
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Will be out tomorrow. Looking forward to catching up & doing a lil bit of fossicking. 8)
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Enjoy tomorrow Lord Thunda and Findem. :)
Have found out how to stop it raining heavily. Just put down a 5 metre plastic drainage grate. It has not rained since yesterday when I put it in. ;D
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Cap'n is coming tomorrow too ;)
I had planned to go to Bullock Mtn last Sat but 30mm in 2 hrs put a "dampener" :P on that. Got to get into shape for Minerama doing fact finding trips. ;D
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Finding facts won't be the only thing found...$10 bucks thunder finds a quartz crystal. ;D
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Hi all - here's a link to Findem's foundem for a pic of our finds yesterday from The Crossing, Yarrow Creek.
http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=3326 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=3326)
Hope it works this time.
These came from a spot worked over many times. The new gravel turned up under a rock I just managed to shift a little.
The link doesn't seem to work, nor could I get an attachment to add on - I got an error saying the Upload Folder was full (whatever one of them is).
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/Findem's_foundem/Dir_1/thumb_9631_Finds from The Crossing Yarrow Creek.jpg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=3320)
EDITED - corrected the link and added the thumbnail.
Upload folder is full again (!!) - one reason why I like people to add photos in the gallery instead as this does not have the same limit.
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Not only that Leah, Private folders are great too, then we can go look at someone's pics easily at our leisure without trying to remember which thread they were in. ;)
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Thanks, Leah. I must be doing something wrong with the gallery link.
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Nice looking sapphire you got there findem... Weather permitted, where are you planning to go on Wednesday? Taking any requests?
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Same place, I reckon. There will be quite a few there by the look of things - just what is needed to shift a few of those rocks. We need to stay away from the two Minerama locations until after the show, so the following Wednesday could be useful for following up any new discoveries.
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We had quite a good day again at Rainy Swamp yesterday. It was a shame no-one else came to share it with us!
The finds were not quite as good as the last visit but some nice cutters just the same. All were found by sliding the shovel under rocks, especially after shifting a few other rocks out of the way.
I hope the link to "Findem's foundem" works. http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=3421 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=3421)
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Would have liked to have gone, but sadly I had an errand looking for gem goodies in Torrington...
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I would have liked to have gone as well, but I was too busy revealing the secrets of the universe to a secret cabal. Or something....
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air bango secrets no doupt? :P
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I can't tell you...
But what I can tell you is that I found a pair of what I think are your sunnies in the fourby. I tried them on the cat, but he looked too hipster, so I guess they are still up for grabs... ;D
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For the benefit of those who may be interested, our trip next Wednesday will be to "Down the Hill" on Yarrow Creek (as usual, weather permitting of course). We already have several people who plan to join us for this trip.
We intend to take an extra trip on Saturday 7th April, to Rainy Swamp.
The purpose of these trips is to find gemstones - notably sapphire, garnet and zircon at Yarrow Creek and sapphire, zircon and quartz crystals at Rainy Swamp (+ black spinel, tourmaline and the occasional topaz).
Let us know by replying here or by PM if you would like to join us.
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Love to go for either trips... Don't know if I can...yet... ;)
I'll collect my sunnies next I see you calx. Good to have a backup pair just in case I decide to leave a pair in a mates fourby who lives further than 6hours away... 8)
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I totaly agree with the comment'oh to have your backyard "found all that in one day awesome.
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Can anyone here read Babylonian cunieform writing? That's what these zircons from Rainy Swamp seem to have on them! It probably says something like "wish these gems were bigger".
[attachment deleted by admin]
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I don't know of any babalonian writing, but I wish the large zircon on the far left stopped looking at me!!! :-\
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me to ;) :D ;D
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We returned to Garnet Corner (Yarrow Creek)for the first time in months. The track down is DRY!
Not a bad group of finds dug out the creek where hundreds of people have been before. It shows how careless we can all be as fossickers to leave gems like this behind.
Check out this link to Findem's Foundem album.
http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=45 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=45)
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So wish I'd gone now...thanks! ;D
. Where to this coming Wednesday Findem?
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We were expecting to be away - may be back again, however. Either way, I would love to go back to Garnet Corner (beware of showers ;D). mg and Mrs mg will be here and they want to go to Yarrow Creek (of course) so I've recruited them ILOU (in lieu of us). Wait and see I suppose.
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Frosty weather has arrived in New England!
We are planning to go to Yarrow Creek this Wednesday (9th May) - perhaps Garnet Corner or the Old Mine. Either way, it has reached the point where wading up to the knees is about my limit and even that may be asking too much!
Is anyone likely to be joining us? Captain, the attraction for Rainy Swamp remains, but it's hard to pass up a dry track into Yarrow.
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Know what you mean Findem... Mind you, I got a spot picked out for the old mine, as for garnet corner, I'll have to start looking for a new spot, likely to find a good one right at leaving time... ;)
Don't know yet if I can make it...work is getting in the road of my "real" job... :D
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I'll try to make it too. 8) Garnet Corner is a fav of mine Droo
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No trip this week. Sue's dad passed away on Sunday night and the funeral will be held on Wednesday.
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My condolences... Take care.
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My condolences too John
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me 3 so sory to here the bad news
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My condolences to you John and your family
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My condolences as well. I lost my dad last month. It's definitely not a good time.
Sue
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Sorry Sue and John and Family.
My wife enjoyed your company Sue last week
Best regards
Coles Family
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My thoughts are with you and your wife John as with you Sue. Never good to hear.
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Thank you all for your kind remarks. Everything is going as well as can be expected. Family members have all returned to their respective homes and Sue's mum has gone to stay with her sister for a little while.
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We had a good day at Rainy Swamp yesterday. See http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=3717 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=3717) for a pic of finds.
No, they weren't from your hole Capt'n. It was fine and warm (no fire needed 8) but no-one joined us for the day, sadly.
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Got back yesterday from the lismore gemshow and fossicking at drake, had heaps of fun camping... Looking at the weather I'd say I just got back in time! looks like it'll be rainy swamp again next week, I'll see you there findem, unless I'm working... ;)
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Hi Capt,
How was Drake? Did you go into the Ewingar SF?
Regards, Paul
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We're off the Rainy Swamp in the morning. Both the Captain and I have unfinished holes to work on. We might have to break the ice first, though. Literally.
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Surprised ya still heading out, what with the overnight minuses ;)
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Findem got away dry, I didn't. decided to jump in up to my knees. Saw some ice just after lunch time where I jumped in. Pretty much lost feeling in my hands and feet. But that's what the fires there for... Found a nice red zircon cutter for my troubles... :D
Sorry Wwoofa never went to Ewingar, would have liked to, thinking I'll need a wet suit to keep warm!!! I heard that a couple of fossicking ninjas are planning on hitting Ewingar, don't know when...Yes I said (ninjas) check out my blog on drake to see what a fossicking ninja looks like... www.JewelleryPirate.com.au/blog (http://www.JewelleryPirate.com.au/blog) ;)
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Blog was good read cappy, some nice pics too
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Thanks speckee... :D
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-4 at our place this morning. It should be good sitting by the fire at Garnet Corner on Wednesday. That's where we'll aim for this week. If it's still boggy at the top of the hill we'll go for the Upper Crossing and walk over to GC.
For the uninitiated, these are places on Yarrow Creek. brrr
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Once again my only leave for the year is in august (just like last year) so if you're going out on Wed Aug 15th, I'll be there :) nothing like forward planning. had heaps of fun last time i was there
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Love to go, unfortunately got to catchup on some work... Try again for the yarrow next week... maybe the lower lower crossing (hint hint)
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Maybe the upper lower crossing or the lower upper crossing. :o
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Just aswell I didn't go fossicking... Got so cold one of my pipes burst and watered my lawn for who knows how long... brrr
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Will try to make it next Wed ...
Already arranged to go to Tingha Sands today & got quite a few nice stones. The pond out there was covered in ice :o at 10am brrr Needed to find out if it was a viable option for a site for Minerama ... & it is ;D
Did ya have to break thru the ice on Yarrow Ck John ?
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A few pools still had ice on them when we left to come home. The track down to GC was a bit moist but we made it back up with mud flying everywhere. Good finds were few (1 garnet cutter for me and a few amongst the other people) but the fire was the highlight of the day. A great day out.
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Just saw the forecast for tomorrow. ::) Are you going out tomorrow John? Rain should stay away til around 3pm so may not be too bad.
Bob beers
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I hope you're gonna turn on the heating before I arrive on 1 September!!! All this talk of ice on the creek is somewhat scary.
By the way, I'm up for new tyres on the Pajero - do I need to have something a little chunkier this time, to get thru the mud?
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63.5mm in 6 days Tues - Sun but the last few days have been beautiful during the day. Still cool at night but by Sept it should have that chill taken off.
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Hi all. We won't get into Yarrow Creek tomorrow as a result of last week's rain. The bog holes on the tracks are getting deeper. That leaves Rainy Swamp. If anyone wants to go there let me know and I'll come on down to the church with the key at the normal time.
My aches and pains are getting worse again. It's hard to move around when I first get up in the morning but it is better after 2-3 hours. Digging is just not on for me at the moment.
Calx, I'm no tyre expert, but when we have a group going in it doesn't matter how good your tyres are if someone else's aren't much good. When it's muddy, we just can't get in. :'(
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For those who delight in talking about the winter weather here in New England, you won't be surprised to read that we didn't get out fossicking today. It rained most of the time and reached a maximum of 9.
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Glad I decided to have cooking lessons with my little girl today...
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I woke up to rain & figured it wasn't going to stop. :( Seems like every Wed I plan on going out the weather changes for the worst. ::)
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Looks like a dry Wednesday this week, so I'm assuming we'll be heading out fossicking. If anyone, is planning to come, please let me know. Default location will be The Crossing, Yarrow Creek (unless you have some other preference).
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Might be in mind to take you up on you're generous offer... Give a call Wednesday morning....
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As usual circumstances are against me. ::) My modem, that I bought in May, decided to crash on me today so tomorrow I need to get a replacement. :-X So much for the newer ones being better ::)
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Ah well, we just had to manage without you, Bob!
I was too stiff and sore to do much, but the Captain did OK.
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Got a light blue and yellow parti cutter and a garnet cutter.... Also got a large 15-20ct bomb that has some interesting green stripes... I though I did rather well... :D
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Sorry, we can't make it this Wednesday or the next. Hope to see some of you on 15th August.
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I just noticed that this thread and the "divining" thread are very close in "view" count .... Wednesday Finds is winning (just) :D
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its got a lot more posts than this topic so it kinda wins in that way :D ;D 8) :o beers
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Heyo Peoples,
Just wondering if the trip is still a "go'er" for this Wednesday (15th) will be heading down to the hunter valley with the wife but the boss said I could stop in for a day or two, after 10 hours in a car I could use a bit of shovelin' to get the muscles working again :)
Cheers
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We'll be going (as usual, weather permitting). Hopefully it will be a bit warmer than today! The water will still be close to freezing, though. I'll post where we'll be going early next week.
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Looks OK for Wednesday 15th August. If anyone who is planning to come has a preference for location, let me know. Otherwise I'll select "Down the Hill" on Yarrow Creek. Plenty of firewood there!
Meet at the Baptist Church on the New England Highway ready to leave at 9AM.
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down the hill Sounds good findem! Great having some dryer weather... Might bring the family along too for a catchup...
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John,
Marg and I plan to spend 3 nights in Glen Innes in Sept on our way home from the Gold Coast.
We plan to join you on your Wednesday 26th Sept fossicking trip. I will contact you closer to the time.
While there, we are also planning to visit Andrew and Leah, we need to buy a few things.
cheers Wayne.
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We'll aim for another Yarrow Creek location this coming Wednesday. I've noticed that the local forecast mentions possible showers, so we'll have to see how things go. No showers - perhaps Garnet Corner will be OK.
I think everyone got at least one garnet cutter at Down the Hill (YC) last Wednesday plus some had a few small sapphire cutters as well.
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As we haven't heard from anyone about coming tomorrow, and as my joints are too stiff to let me do any fossicking, we won't be going. Please address any complaints to Mrs Findem.
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Enjoy your rest. need you firing for when im passing through in oct. :)
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...and the first weds in September, when I'll be there!
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Good idea findem! Enjoy the day relaxing... ;)
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Looks like staying fine for Wednesday, so Garnet Corner here we come. This time I know we'll have someone with us!
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Been having great weather of late in Glen... Wednesday should be great!
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The weather continues to be dry and fine, with subzero temperatures every morning. No sign of frost though, it's too dry to form.
I suggest we try the Old Mine area this Wednesday. Yarrow Creek is starting to go down (finally) so it should be possible to make some good finds made.
I don't know if I'll be able to give it a go but at least my joints are not as stiff as the past few weeks.
If anyone is planning to come along, just drop a note here.
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John,
I'll be there! You're not wrong about the cold mornings, either. Was getting wet in Blatherarm Creek around lunchtime today and the water was still very cold.
PS especially for Capt M: Found a large topaz, but no aqua, even after wandering around the bush near flagstone lode for about an hour (couldn't find the place I was after due to thick overgrowth and poor memory....)
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Well done on the topaz Calx! Old mine sounds great John, I hope the water will be down enough... Some pretty deep holes round there... ;)
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True, Capt'n, but now I've got someone to dig for me! Thanks, Calx.
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Enjoy your rest. need you firing for when im passing through in oct. :)
Ditto as I'll be up there the 1st weekend in October. So come the 3rd of October your booked :D.
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You sure John? Was trying to convince Calx into moving a massive boulder for me... "he sounded really enthusiastic about helping" ;)
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Enjoy your rest. need you firing for when im passing through in oct. :)
Ditto as I'll be up there the 1st weekend in October. So come the 3rd of October your booked :D.
Ditto, we would like to also book John for Wednesday 26th Sept, assuming that he is up to it.
Our last fossicking adventure with John was back on Wed 30th June 2010, it was a balmy MINUS 10.6 degrees, we have never experienced temperatures that low, I would prefer this trip to be warmer, if that's at all possible.
We arrive in Glenn Innes on Monday 24th Sept for 3 nights and plan to visit Andrew and Leah on Tuesday to buy 'stuff', I hope that they will be there.
cheers Wayne.
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The water temperature was just tolerable up to the knees today (for me, that is). I was able to get into the creek and do some fossicking for the first time since early July. None of us made great finds, though I did get two (just) top sieve garnets. The Capt'n and Calx were a little bolder when it came to getting wet. There was a total fire ban today so no barbecue lunch. :(
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I did manage to find a really nice blue cutter findem... Ok, so does a 1-2mm round brilliant after cutting count? :-\
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Worth more than $10, maybe?
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I think we'll aim for "Sue's Favourite Spot" on Yarrow tomorrow. Hopefully the water will be low enough to allow us to get in (a little bit, anyway). Capt'n, this is the next access track downstream from the Glory Hole.
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so want to go there... Unfortunately I'm grounded till next week. Got an appointment with my girl and her schooling advisor. I'll certainly love to go there next week if you're willing to go there again?
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Umm i have a quick question/s regarding Findems Wednesday trips as we will be coming down in a couple of weeks to hopefully tag along :)
They sound like good fun, are in remote areas, and go all day im guessing :) My wife and 13 yr old would like to come so the question is .... do i have to explain the idea of "a behind the bushes bathroom" ??? :)
Second question ??? How much $$$ to come along :)
Regards
Jason R
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G'day Jason! Costs $10 per fossicker. Half of which goes to the property owner, the other half goes to charity helping out disadvantaged kiddies over seas...
And yes, its bush bathrooms only, there was talk of renovation but the costs to completely renovate the bush were ridiculous!!! :D
Hope to see you there ;)
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Thanks for the reply Capt - kinda guessed that would be the case :)
I mentioned to her that she may have to use her imagination when looking for a suitable "bathroom" :) and that it is very rare to come across a nice amenities block with mirrors, fragrant flowing soap, and a hand dryer ... in the middle of the bush lol
Anyway we will be there during the week 24th - 28th Sept. Staying in Inverell. As we are coming down from Bris and its only a 6 or so hour drive we will have atleast 3 complete days digging the dirt so to speak.
So on the 26th, weather permitting, we will be up early heading to the Glen Innes Baptist church.
What time do you guys meet up ? and can a non 4wd Commodore come along for the ride. Or will it just end up in next years pics of dead cars in the middle of nowhere ? :)
Oh and one other thing Capt, I read your blog almost everyday for inspiration and to fuel the "cant wait" fire.
Also have a 19 year old son who has just moved here from NZ (long story there) So far I have pointed out to him your pics of the Tiger Leeches :) and touched on the fact that there are thousands of them everywhere as well as deadly Australian Drop bears :) So if you see a lady with a toilet strapped to her back, a slightly shorter than normal NZer in a full HazMat suit, and a bloke doing all the digging (me) THATS US ;D
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Hello Jason. The Captain has basically answered your questions.
We work on the principle that if our 20 year old Magna can make it there, so can everyone else. Of course, the reverse if true. If we can't make it (usually because of boggy track conditions) then even a Sherman tank can't make it, because we then go somewhere else. The fine, dry conditions can't last forever, though. A muddy Yarrow Creek track means we go back to Rainy Swamp, where we haven't been now for about 2 months.
As for the toilet questions, well, there is plenty of tea tree oil, but it's all still in the bushes, which also provide good privacy.
On another tack, yes Capt'n. If you want to go to Sue's Favourite Spot next week, that's fine. Sue can't come next week, unfortunately. I was able to do a bit yesterday and got several cutters. My shoulders are so sore that I suspect that this might be my last fossicking attempt. However, as long as we are still living here in Glen Innes, we intend to keep up the Wednesday trips.
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snip, snip.
So on the 26th, weather permitting, we will be up early heading to the Glen Innes Baptist church.
Well, it looks like we are 2 cars (jasonr and the snowman), 3 including Findem for Wed 26th Sept. The way it is going, we may have us 'a convoy'. Sorry, I do love this song. ;D ;D
C.W. McCall - Convoy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWO_AIh8drk#)
And here is the snowman. I also liked these movies. Am I showing my age. ;D
East Bound and Down (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnRwQjTYfGI#)
cheers Wayne.
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Will you be joining the convoy Capt Mendoza ? :)
be great to meet the mighty pirate in person :)
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I'll aim to be there on the 26th Sept... Though living in Glen, i usually take things on a weekly basis... The weather has been fantastic of late, but can change pretty quickly... brrr
"mighty pirate" you haven't been been playing any of the (secret of monkey island) computer games by any chance Jason? 8)
Sorry to hear about the shoulder findem, hearts willing...now if only the body can keep in line... :-\
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lol Captain ;)
I may have played that once or twice (maybe a little more)
Secret of monkey island, is, after all, a classic :)
Me being a computer fixit guy (day time job) means I tend to play games alot more than i probably should ...
Hope you can make it in a couple of weeks.
And if your shoulders are still on sick leave Findem, i will do the digging for you :) (bonus of that - you arent gonna tell me to dig where there is nothing :) )
See you all there hopefully - weather permitting
Cheers
J
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I'll be there on the 19th. Hope there is a trip on then. If not I'll just have to hang around for a few days longer than planned, which is fairly likely to happen anyway. ;D
Looking forward to it. :D :D
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I plan to be there on the 19th Gibbo... It is afterall "International talk like a pirate day" what better day to go out looking for buried treasure!!!
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Haha! Or should I say, haaaardy haaaa there me ol mateee. I'll see you there Capt. :D
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Greetings shipmates! Storms are in the offing, so it could turn out that we go to Rainy Swamp instead of Yarrow Creek. As the Capt'n knows, you only have to spit on the Yarrow track to make it impassable for us 2WDers. No more spitting, please. ;D
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Not much rain has fallen so far, still hoping ;)
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You've been spitting again, I think. !7mm at Armidale and more storms due tomorrow.
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Here's a pic from last Wednesday's outing. Enjoy
http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=4348 (http://aussiesapphire.com.au/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=4348)
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There's been quite a bit of rain since this time yesterday which means we will definitely going to Rainy Swamp tomorrow. :)
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Thought as much...rain n rainy swamp go so well together... :/
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Plenty of good digging left there yet! I had several more enquiries this afternoon, so it could be a productive day. ;)
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A brief report on last Wednesday's trip. I was just an observer but enjoyed seeing others find things. Our two ALFers both worked hard and were rewarded by some nice cutters, both sapphire and zircon. (Some pics would be nice, fellas). We also had some other people along who weren't quite as energetic or adventurous as Troy and Gavin and who found stuff in proportion to what they did.
As rain seems unlikely for this week, I'm assuming the destination will be "Sue's Favourite Spot" on Yarrow Creek. The water is warming up but a wetsuit would be an advantage! We are expecting a few ALFers again and no doubt there will be other people because of the school holidays.
I'll continue to be an observer.
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Oh yes pics guys. :D
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Thanks for the ripper trip Findems ;D.
Im leaving my coast trip early so I can make it this Wednesday. Will post some pics of all my finds when I get home in a few weeks.
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Well, I was proved wrong soon after I said the rain looked unlikely. True, it didn't amount to much but it was spectacular while it lasted!
Unless there is more bad weather (unlikely!) I think we should stick with the Yarrow Creek option. We will know almost as soon as we enter the gate whether the mud on the track is going to be too much for our 2WD vehicles. If so, it's about 15 minutes further along the road to Rainy Swamp where we went last week and that's certainly a good alternative.
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It took me most of Sunday to pick out the sapphire and zircon in my concentrated wash bucket... Sorry about being a bit slack on the picts, usually just stick it all up on my jewellerypirate blog with a story to go with. ;D
I'll see if i can get some up today... hotthirsty
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It appears that tomorrow will be bigger than Ben Hur.
Members that appear to be coming are jasonr, Capt Mendoza, snowman3195 and a surprise member that we met today, while out fossicking is The Rock Hunter plus our neighbours at Fossicker CP Ron and Shirley, not including any other guests.
See you all at the Baptist Church about 8:45am for a 9am departure.
cheers Wayne.
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Bring it on... Competition for the biggest cutter found on the day anyone?
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I think Gibbo won... Dark blood red garnet...
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What a brilliant day!
We all met at the Baptist Church just before 9am, paid John $10 a head and then away we went, following John. Our convoy consisted of John and Sue, The Rock Hunter, Gibbo75, Capt Mendoza, jasonr and snowman3195, all ALFers plus Ron and Shirl, plus Gary and his mate, 8 cars in all.
We headed south to Glencoe where we went east to a landowners property and then followed John through his paddocks, dodging cattle, sheep and kangaroos. We arrived at our destinated fossicking area, parked our cars and carried our gear to the creek. This is where the Master (John) took us along the creek pointing out various areas to fossick, we all went to different spots. Marg and I were not up to speed with what to bring, we had gumboots, but others had waders and 2 had wetsuits, I thought this is interesting. Marg and I found a spot where I could stand in the creek and not get wet, we didn't find much. John was walking past offering advice, like you need to go further into the creek, deeper than your gumboots, I declined, and we didn't find much. While having lunch, I decided to get a tad wet and the Master directed me where to dig. We found some small sapphires, small garnets and small zircons and heaps of spinel.
The highlight of today was while in the water digging, a black snake entered the water about 10 feet from me, Marg ran and I stood and watched it swim about 2 feet towards, then it turned around and headed back to the bank and disappeared, after that while digging I kept an eye open, it didn't reappear.
I would like to thank John and Sue for a wonderful day.
Thank you both.
Wayne and Marg.
Here are a couple of today's action.
1. Following the Master uphill, down Dale.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07344.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07344.jpg)
2. Now across the land owners property.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07346.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07346.jpg)
3. We are here at last.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07347.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07347.jpg)
4. The pupil (me) and the Master.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07352.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07352.jpg)
5. The pupil is in the water and you can just see the Master's legs. High and dry and comfy. ;D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07353.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07353.jpg)
6. The Master directing where the 'wet' pupil should dig.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07362.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07362.jpg)
7. Is this what you want, Master?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07363.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07363.jpg)
8. I am a dick! At least, I am not totally drenched.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07365.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07365.jpg)
9. Marg, Ron, Shirl and Sue stressed to the max. Maybe not.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07367.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07367.jpg)
10. Some of the group.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07369.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07369.jpg)
11. Some are organised with waders.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07370.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07370.jpg)
12. Gibbo the Wetsuit man.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07372.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07372.jpg)
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Great picts Snowman! I'm reliving the moment... ;)
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Thanks for the pics ... almost like being there :D
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Here's one for you, Capt'n.
How much does a pirate pay for his earings?
Answer to follow.
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not that I really want to start a run of really bad jokes but ..... on a similar theme ...
How much did the pirate pay for his peg leg and hook?
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I'm"stumped" if I know Woofa?
Sorry can't think of a corny answer for you John?
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Wwoofa, my daughter reckons "an arm and a leg"????????? ;D
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Ur daughters right beers
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Hey John .. I reckon about $2 ;D
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How much does a pirate pay for his earings?
Answer: A buccaneer ;D
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Looking forward to joining you next time we are in Glen innes
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Looks like it will be OK for Yarrow Creek on Wednesday. We'll try for "Through the Fence", where we haven't been for several years. Failing that, it will be "Down the Hill". Same arrangements as usual.
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Will be there with wife and kids in tow.
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Sapphire and I will be there! One last trip before we head home. ;D
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Have fun peoples! Love to go, but the body is saying come on give me a break!!! Emmaville was great, but left me somewhat exhausted... 8)
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I've had a string of phone calls from people wanting to come tomorrow. There could be up to a dozen cars. Don't worry, there's plenty of creek! :o
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You guys and gals are having so much fun, sure wish I was close to be able to come along. Our club does try to have a monthly outing.
Find some sparkles.
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Some clubs are sadly geographically challenged more than others, but at least once month is better than not at all... ;)
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at least once month is better than not at all
Yes, I'm in the latter category as the closest club is 120km. And I've been told some club nights are cancelled at the last minute if there's insufficient interest ... so that does not enthuse me into making the drive over there. And the prospect of late night driving back home wouldn't be fun either.
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We do have meetings every month, some where between 35 and 70 members attend. Lots of members with lots of knowledge and a great shop.
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There won't be any outing this Wednesday or next. Sorry about that, but we have some business to attend to on those days.
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Thanks for letting us know John. Saves me making the 700km trip next tuseday. :-\ On second thoughts I think I'll come over anyway, stay for a week and hopefully catch up the following wednesday! ;D ;D ;D
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Hi John,
Are you planning a trip on the 24th?
Hopefully I'll be the area that week and it would be great to catchup with a few ALFers :D
Regards, Paul
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Hi Paul. I can't say if we'll be here or not especially as we've had a car problem and haven't gone yet.
Maybe you can organise a Yarrow Creek outing, Capt'n. Same goes for this week, though I've told the Visitor Centre it wouldn't be on so they'd need to be advised early enough to let enquirers know. If you want the Rainy Swamp key, let me know tomorrow.
For anyone interested, this link will take you to our snow video from Friday's fall in Glen Innes. Be assured it will warm up again this week, though the fire is going at home again tonight.
Glen Innes NSW snow 12th October 2012 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKGr-I1s9Wk#)
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WOW!! brrr
Wish we had have been there for that. Sapphire would have loved it.
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Loved the video John. Great fossicking weather :D
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Car repairs not finished - any takers for Wednesday to Rainy Swamp? You will need to collect the key as we won't be able to go.
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I would love to John but can't get over there until Thursday. If your still not able to go next week I'd be happy to fill in for you.
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I'll get the key for rainy if you don't mind me running a trip this Wednesday John... I'll give a call tomorrow...
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sounds like fun - shame I'm down in Hobart doing work....
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I'll be there 8)
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Just to let everyone know, I'll be running tomorrows and next weeks trip... This Wednesday will be Rainy Swamp, next week will be (weather permitting and it doesn't rain or snow) Yarrow Creek - possibly through the fence again...some nice cutters were found and is certainly worth another look!
See you there Gibbo, hope to see you Wwoofa next week?
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Woohoo!! ;D Off to Glen Innes again. ;D LG!! Lifes Good! ;D
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Thanks Captain ... hope I make it up there ... looking OK at the moment :D
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Yeah, the weathers looking pretty good at the moment...its certainly warmed up since the freek blizzard! Sure was fun making a snow man while sideways blowing snow was pelting me... brrr half my face went numb, but was sure worth the fun!!!
Was tempted to go fossicking just to get a photo... ;D
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I keep seeing these Wednesday trips and wish I was joining you lot, but a trip from Melbourne is a little far.
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I keep seeing these Wednesday trips and wish I was joining you lot, but a trip from Melbourne is a little far.
Melbourne might be further, but the temperature is about the same. Maybe you can head up into the Dandenongs Lapis and pretend your at GI. If you head Gembrook way you can even find sapphires to boot!
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If you're coming from that far need week minimum, two weeks prefered to see all there's to offer! Might see you one day Lapis! So Jamo, planning on visiting Glen again?
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Yeah Jamo. I tried William Wallace Creek (near Gembrook) and came up with zilch! And it WAS cold.
Capt'n, it's my intention to get up to GI one day (was last up that way a couple of years ago), but the family isn't that much into fossicking, so it'll take some convincing. Or I'll just sneak out one morning and say I'm taking a long walk to get the paper
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If you're coming from that far need week minimum, two weeks prefered to see all there's to offer! Might see you one day Lapis! So Jamo, planning on visiting Glen again?
Yep, will be up there some time in the next 12 months. Want to visit my mate Graham who has moved to Inverell & also do lots of fossicking. :) Not sure exactly when as I'm hoping to hit the national Gemboree next Easter which will probably be a bit too close to Minerama.
Lapis, perhaps you & I could plan a trip up together? Share the driving, the costs & the memories of finding HUGE sapphires!!! :D
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Jamo I am going up in the first week in March for a week or so at GI / Minerama and then back to Murray Bridge SA at the end of the month for the Gemboree. Our club is taking a club site for us all to camp together there.
See..... it's doable. ;D
Just need to make sure my ankle/leg is working properly by then. :(
beers beers
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Yeah Jamo that sounds like a great idea - might be a little while before I could do that though
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This weekends looking at being a hot one for Glen - chain of rain 50% for Sunday... Hopefully it won't wash out Inverells gem show this weekend and chances of getting to Yarrow ck on Wednesday...
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Jamo I am going up in the first week in March for a week or so at GI / Minerama and then back to Murray Bridge SA at the end of the month for the Gemboree. Our club is taking a club site for us all to camp together there.
See..... it's doable. ;D
Just need to make sure my ankle/leg is working properly by then. :(
beers beers
Well done on doing both. I'm afraid it will probably be one or the other for me. :(
If the leg remains a problem talk to Capt Mendoza, perhaps he has a spare wooden one you could borrow? lol :D
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snigger snigger
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Just call me Hoppy. ;D
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Hi Capt,
Just confirming that I'll be there bright and early tomorrow morning. The weather will be perfect for a swim :) See you then.
Regards, Paul
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Sunday was only a light shower so we'll try for Yarrow Ck tomorrow - hopefully those coming won't be too smoked by the fires south of us...
Weather should be good for a swim in the deeper pools...
See you there Wwoofa and anyone else that's coming...?
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One of those fires was the tip at Boggabri going up in flames on Monday. :(
Gave us something to watch for the afternoon.
Have a great time at Yarrow Ck Woofa. :)
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Thanks Capt. for filling in for John. I didn't find much but had a great time anyway. Good to meet another ALFer ... Gibbo beers
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Hi everyone. I hope you had a good time on the Wednesdays we were away. Thanks Capt'n for leading these trips.
We've come home with a different car - poor old Bertha only just made it to Lithgow before expiring.
We plan on heading out to Yarrow Creek next Wednesday, weather permitting. As I'm a bit wary of attempting the worst of our tracks yet, let's try the Black Jack Hole area. There are good things there still, aren't there Capt'n? No more digging for me, though. :'(
More info when we see what happens weatherwise.
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You're welcome Wwoofa, the best stones found total by everyone were a few Garnet cutters, and larger sapphire bombs...
You beat me to it findem... Was going to suggest the black jack hole aka(the lower lower lower crossing) - would be interesting to get in the deeper pools "weather permitting"
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What a brilliant day!
We all met at the Baptist Church just before 9am, paid John $10 a head and then away we went, following John. Our convoy consisted of John and Sue, The Rock Hunter, Gibbo75, Capt Mendoza, jasonr and snowman3195, all ALFers plus Ron and Shirl, plus Gary and his mate, 8 cars in all.
We headed south to Glencoe where we went east to a landowners property and then followed John through his paddocks, dodging cattle, sheep and kangaroos. We arrived at our destinated fossicking area, parked our cars and carried our gear to the creek. This is where the Master (John) took us along the creek pointing out various areas to fossick, we all went to different spots. Marg and I were not up to speed with what to bring, we had gumboots, but others had waders and 2 had wetsuits, I thought this is interesting. Marg and I found a spot where I could stand in the creek and not get wet, we didn't find much. John was walking past offering advice, like you need to go further into the creek, deeper than your gumboots, I declined, and we didn't find much. While having lunch, I decided to get a tad wet and the Master directed me where to dig. We found some small sapphires, small garnets and small zircons and heaps of spinel.
The highlight of today was while in the water digging, a black snake entered the water about 10 feet from me, Marg ran and I stood and watched it swim about 2 feet towards, then it turned around and headed back to the bank and disappeared, after that while digging I kept an eye open, it didn't reappear.
I would like to thank John and Sue for a wonderful day.
Thank you both.
Wayne and Marg.
Here are a couple of today's action.
1. Following the Master uphill, down Dale.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07344.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07344.jpg)
2. Now across the land owners property.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07346.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07346.jpg)
3. We are here at last.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07347.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07347.jpg)
4. The pupil (me) and the Master.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07352.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07352.jpg)
5. The pupil is in the water and you can just see the Master's legs. High and dry and comfy. ;D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07353.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07353.jpg)
6. The Master directing where the 'wet' pupil should dig.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07362.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07362.jpg)
7. Is this what you want, Master?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07363.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07363.jpg)
8. I am a dick! At least, I am not totally drenched.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07365.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07365.jpg)
9. Marg, Ron, Shirl and Sue stressed to the max. Maybe not.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07367.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07367.jpg)
10. Some of the group.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07369.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07369.jpg)
11. Some are organised with waders.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07370.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07370.jpg)
12. Gibbo the Wetsuit man.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/th_DSC07372.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Fiver/2012/2012-09-26-Findem/DSC07372.jpg)
hey you diden't tell me you took a pic of me backside snowman :D ;D :P beers we had fun hey still can't belive that first time when we met :D ;D
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Gday Findem,
We are trying to head down that way over the holidays for a look do you continue the trips over xmas weather permitting or do you shut down?
We are hoping to head down somewhere between mid dec and mid january.
Cheers
Garry
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What's this Garry.
Don't you like getting bogged at Washpool during the wet.
Hang on, you might send the big rains down there. Have fun in NSW. ;D
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Hi Garry - we'll keep everyone informed via the Forum.The truth is, we'd have moved away a year ago if we could have sold the house. While ever we're here and the weather allows, we'll keep heading out.
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Hi everyone. Well, it hasn't rained more than a few drops in Glen Innes, but there could have been rain out at Yarrow Ck. I guess we'll find out in the morning. We'll also have to keep an eye open for storms tomorrow.
Several visitors have contacted me today about going out and I hope I can get a lift with one of them rather than take our car. The Black Jack Hole is the target area.
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The weather is looking OK for Yarrow Ck this Wednesday's fossicking. My suggestion is the Old Mine area, especially the bend in the creek about 5 minutes walk from where we park. How about it Capt'n? Or do you have another suggestion?
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Is that the bend upstream...or down stream? ;D
Sounds good findem!
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Downstream, though if the creek stops flowing we'd have to call it "over the hill", "through the gate", "through the grass" or something like that.
I've had one phone call for 2 lots of visitors so far.
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Easier to call it the lower old mine :D
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How about "Round the Bend"? That has a nice ring to it. (Pun intended.) ;D
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Our trip "Round the Bend" went off OK with the usual finds. As I'm an observer these days I'll have to leave it to Captain Mendoza to tell you about his finds.
I'm suggesting Rainy Swamp this Wednesday partly because we haven't had a trip there for a while but mainly because 40mm of rain across the district last Friday/Saturday will have made the Yarrow Creek access tracks out of bounds for a little while longer yet. Hopefully the short Rainy Swamp track will be OK.
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Round the bend produced little for me, not so much because gems weren't there, but more the inability to get them from deep skinny cracks in deeper water... :(
Rainy Swamp will be fine to access I'm sure...
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the inability to get them from deep skinny cracks in deeper water... :(
Maybe you need a snorkel plus one of these:
(http://www.aussiesapphire.com.au/images/crevtool.jpg)
cheers
Leah
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Leah - what is that tool? I can see what it can do - looks interesting.
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Make it longer and it'll be perfect! Where do I buy one? :o
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Is it cut and welded pipe, or flattened round bar?
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I guess it will be Rainy Swamp again, Capt'n, unless you think the Yarrow Ck track will be dry.
No enquiries yet.
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Sadly Findem, I am actually working on Wednesday this week... Someone hasn't got my memo yet that I have a preference of fossicking on that day... :D
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That's OK. I could just go and look at the creek, I suppose. :-\
I repotted 4 or 5 plants yesterday. Today I know why I made the right decision not to go fossicking any more. :'(
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G'day John, wish we were up your way for a dig at yarrow ck. The time my son and I spent at ' the crossing ' with your group is a special memory :) Hope to get back up there this summer and we hope your aches and pains disappear with the warmer weather, Crab.
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Hi Crab - thanks for the kind words. Any time out fossicking is a good time, whether I'm sitting on the bank or down in the creek. We'll see what happens but for the time being it's bank sitting! :'(
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Working again this wednesday, sorry findem?!
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That's OK Capt'n. mg and mrs mg wil be along next Wednesday.
As for yesterday, the finds remained unpicked (just like yours) so I can't be sure that any cutters turned up, but I noticed several that looked OK.
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Still yet to go through my concentrate wash from the last time we went to rainy...
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There have been lots of storms around the past few day, especially to the east of Glen Innes, so I'm guessing the Yarrow Creek tracks will be inaccessible again.
That means Rainy Swamp for this Wednesday. Capt'n - your hole will be cleaned out by the time you get out again. :-[
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Cleaned out? More like full of sand from all the rain! :P
. Can't wait to get back out there... Maybe next week if work hasn't got me all tied up... hotthirsty
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If there was rain out Pinkett way like there was in Glen Innes then I guess a lot of sand is now on the move! 4 hours + of rain including a nasty hail storm.
I hope those of you who came out today survived the wind, rain and hail without too much distress. Michael and Jan - perhaps the Yarrow Creek access will be wet by now! :'(
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16mm rain & 3 hrs of blackout here. No hail but a lightning storm was impressive. Haven't needed to water the veges for over a week now due to storms every nite. :o An impressive 72 mm for the past week. ;D Water tanks full, dam filling nicely too after being able to walk across it 3 weeks ago.
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This is what the hail looked like at our place yesterday afternoon. Enjoy and be glad your car wasn't out in it like lots of people's were.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwg8gOd6yO8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwg8gOd6yO8)
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I had minor damage to the car,
fortunately no smashed glass!
. should See you this coming Wednesday Findem...
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16mm rain & 3 hrs of blackout here. No hail but a lightning storm was impressive. Haven't needed to water the veges for over a week now due to storms every nite. :o An impressive 72 mm for the past week. ;D Water tanks full, dam filling nicely too after being able to walk across it 3 weeks ago.
Glad someones getting some rain. We've just had the driest November on record. Cracks starting to open up in the ground. Lost the dog the other day, so I started looking for her in some of the cracks!!! ;)
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That's some cracks to loose a dog! Great Dane or Mexican Rat-Dog?
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That's some cracks to loose a dog! Great Dane or Mexican Rat-Dog?
Neither ... it's a killer kelpie (killer of the chooks that is! :-\)
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Findem,
Thanks for posting the hail storm video, nasty, glad you came out O.K. I also watched a couple of area associated videos on the "tube". To date, these are my best tourist trips in AU, beautiful country. With the exception of tree species, were you to come here to Oregon, you couldn't tell much difference, including the occasional road washout and the cows in open range areas. Makes us want to come visit you folks even more, hopefully in a couple years. People ask why we want to go to AU, why else, mostly to meet with like-minded people and hunt rocks.
Larry Larson
McMinnville, Oregon US
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Hi llarson - I'm hoping to to put up more local area videos shortly, especially fossicking ones. I hope you enjoy watching them as much as I enjoy making them. :)
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Once again the storms over the past few days will result in another visit to Rainy Swamp tomorrow. Capt'n, no enquiries yet. They have tended to get fewer until after Christmas in previous years.
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I've begun to prepare a series of videos on the various places we go to on Wednesdays. The first of these is The Old Mine area, Yarrow Creek. You will find it at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74akn8re2Vw&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74akn8re2Vw&feature=youtu.be)
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More please ;)
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Excellent idea John. Great place to start with :D
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You do realise this is cruel Findem to those of us way down south. My eyes become almost Gollum-like when I see those beautiful sapphires and garnets.
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Thanks Findem can't wait to refresh myself in the area in March13...haven't been for more than 30 years!!
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Hello everyone. Thanks for the comments about the first video. Here's another, this time fossicking at Rainy Swamp. The creek from here runs into Yarrow Creek but the gemstones are different: no garnets and more black tourmaline are the obvious differences. The sapphire is more varied in colour too and usually more worn. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONpyGzpYpeU&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONpyGzpYpeU&feature=youtu.be)
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I never seem to be in Glen Innes on a Wednesday ... always seems to be a weekend. Will have to time my travel better as these videos make your Wednesday trips look like a great social and fossicking occassion.
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Hopefully you guys will be goin out on the 19th. Was gonna pop down to GI for the day.
I'm 0/2 so far in managing to get out with ya john ;)
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We aim to go out every Wednesday and at the moment it's only the weather that is likely to stop us. Once again storms could prevent us from making it into Yarrow Creek next week but Rainy Swamp is always accessible.
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Not that there's anything wrong with Rainy Swamp - though after several months of the same location...a change of scenery is very much welcome... 8)
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More thunderstorms tonight with more to follow, I suspect.
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Please do, keep 'em coming. The more we see of Australia, the more we want to see in person. We aren't city or tourist trap people, getting out in the brush and enjoying natures bounty [especially the rocks] is the good life for us. Thank you.
L. Larson
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This video is a change from fossicking. I take you along with me on a walk I do fairly often out into the countryside near my home. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6mDPEHEFqA&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6mDPEHEFqA&feature=youtu.be)
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Think I'll give tomorrow a miss findem... :'(
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The more we see of Australia, the more we want to see in person.
I really hope you can get over here llarson, give us plenty of notice and I'm sure there'll be a few of us that could help with additional directions, tips and itinerary planning. It's a big country and there's multiple gems rich areas to focus on.
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I ended up not going today - the people who rang yesterday didn't show up. Perhaps they were scared off by the wind and the 14 degree temperature. Better luck next week. The one after is Boxing Day so I hope we have a few holiday makers who can come and enjoy a warm day in Yarrow Creek. hotthirsty
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Gday Findem,
started Heading that way yesterday Maybe a starter for the boxing day run.
14 deg brrr may need the paramedics on standby ;D
Cheers
Garry
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Here's my third Glen Innes area fossicking video. It's of the place we know as The Bottom End on Yarrow Creek, because it's at the bottom end of the property where the water flows on into the neighbour's place.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey3vFrb11TE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey3vFrb11TE)
We visited this area frequently from 2002-2006 but what you see in the video was photographed only after 2006. It's one of those places with extensive pools which no-one really wants to enter.
May I suggest that anyone who is following these videos becomes a subscriber on Youtube? My name there is celticjohn1. Someone beat me to my real name findem, though I haven't come across them yet. You may need to have a Youtube name yourself to be able to do this.
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Watched your tours, thanks. Handy for you to have firewood available where you go, several of our places we have to carry ours with us.
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John and Sue,thanks for taking the time to do these clips,they are great,and encourage you to get back up there into that beautiful New England countryside.
Keep well
H.C.
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Thanks for the comments, everyone.
Now for this Wednesday 19th. I'd like to aim for Yarrow Creek, however possible showers are on the forecast at the moment. Any suggestions for a location from anyone who might be going? If not, I'd suggest the Black Jack Hole and Glory Hole (adjoining spots).
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I was kinda thinking the lower down the hill via the method of walking... At this point, I plan to be there... Rain does look probable, hopefully its a storm or shower late in the arvo...
then again, a dip in the hole might be refreshing!
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We could try the old route in to the Underground River site though it's going to be heavily overgrown after 8 years. Walking from DTH is certainly more reliable.
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Another video, this time at the Black Jack Hole, Yarrow Creek. This is the one where you will see Captain Mendoza in the creek in July. Our winter, of course.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsVHRV_DdVo&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsVHRV_DdVo&feature=youtu.be)
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Weather permitting, of course, I'm hoping to get out fossicking on Wednesday as usual. So far I only know of people who aren't coming, so if anyone here wants to join us, please let me know.
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Gday Findem,
Count me in as a starter possibly better half also. Camped at three waters till end of the week.
Quick question we have a little maltese terrier are dogs allowed? will keep leashed if necessary.
Cheers
Garry
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Hi Garry. That's good - haven't heard from anyone else yet. We've often had little dogs along, the only problems happen if the landowner turns up with all his dogs on board, which is a rare event but has happened.
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gday John,
Let us know tonight if you are still going tomorrow or not if low numbers. Have good Christmas day.
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Another video is now up on YouTube, this time Garnet Corner, Yarrow Creek.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqz-nkLn7jU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqz-nkLn7jU)
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It looks like good weather for fossicking this week. I'm hoping that the access track into Yarrow Creek will be dry by Wednesday, so I'm going to suggest Sue's Favourite Spot. There are some places there just crying out for a keen fossicker to get stuck into them. I expect the water level to be up quite a bit since our last visit. After all, there has been at least 70mm of rain since this time last week.
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Love to go, but sadly I got my own plumbing issues to deal with that day... :'(
Digging a trench for some new pipe work... ;) maybe I'll find an old penny or random sapphire in the process!
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OK Capt'n. We'll just have to manage without you somehow.
Speaking of plumbing, it would be nice to be able to pull the plug on parts of Yarrow Creek sometimes, wouldn't it?
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I'll save that day when I can afford an excavator thanks! ;D
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Another Yarrow Creek Glen Innes fossicking video - "Through the Fence" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ish7V64zHrU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ish7V64zHrU) . Enjoy.
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Wednesday looks like being the first of a run of hot days up here in New England (hasn't passed 25 for about a week). I haven't had any callers about a trip yet, but assuming there will be I'm going to suggest the Glory Hole/Black Jack Hole area on Yarrow Creek. There are some good swimming hole along that part of the creek. hotthirsty
Naturally there are some good gemstones hiding there too. Droo
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We ended up not going last Wednesday, so this week we'll try for the same location as above -the Glory Hole/Black Jack Hole area on Yarrow Creek. Hopefully last night's rain will not have affected the track in too badly.
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It turned out to be a productive day yesterday at the Glory Hole. The weather was good too. I'll let Captain M put up a pic when he's ready as I'm an observer these days. I liked what I was observing yesterday! At a rough guess, I'd say the four fossickers averaged 10 cutters each (garnet and sapphire mostly - it was a zircon holiday apparently). Lots of nice quartz pieces too.
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How hard are sapphires to facet? I've done a couple garnet, not to bad.
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Hi Steveo,
Basically pretty easy, don't get scratches much, but prepolish can be slow so I use a hard ceramic lap with 8000 diamond. Now not getting a too dark result that's another story! beers Ted
(http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/gallery/albums/Gemstones_Rough_and_Cut/Dir_1/thumb_main_4766.jpg) (http://aussielapidaryforum.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=4766) Try some manmade to start with.
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It's been raining non-stop for 5 hours in Glen Innes. No Yarrow Creek for next week's fossicking, I suppose. BUT - lots of sand should be being flushed away at Rainy Swamp!
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It's been raining non-stop for 5 hours in Glen Innes. No Yarrow Creek for next week's fossicking, I suppose. BUT - lots of sand should be being flushed away at Rainy Swamp!
Lets hope it is not replaced by new sand ;D
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well it's okay for some, huh? Down this way we had a tiny spot of hot weather, that managed, in a single 8 hour period of 45 degrees, take a perfectly healthy garden and turn it into a dried flower arrangement.
I'm particularly sad about the tomato plant - I watered it the previous night and counted 14 large tomatoes in tip-top condition, just starting to show tinges of red. When I got home the following day, the entire plant was brown, the tomatoes shrivelled like raisins. 48 hours later, it still looks just as dead despite steady watering and the sacrifice of 4 large chickens and a rather indignant goat (although it could have been a deer. or an old table. It was dark at the time and I had been drinking...).
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
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We are sorry for your all, but our house is still for sale if anyone wants to move to Glen Innes in Cool Country. brrr
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Can relate to you Calx it's as dry as chips down here. No useful rain since Oct - which is terrible for here as we usually have over 1000mm annually, which is spread over all the months! Garden drying, etc.. My only positive thought is that possible fossicking spots that were previously too deep with water to get into, may now be fossick-able :-\
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OMG Calx, hope it wasn't your unicorn!
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Wasn't the unicorn, I secretly "borrowed it" for the iolite guessing comp... ;D
FINDEM - won't be able to make it this Wednesday. Will certainly try for the glory hole the following week if the rains are kept at bay...
Still trying to pick out the stones from the last trip. So no photo yet...
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We've had our share of rain in Glen Innes over the past few days. Not as much as some, of course, but no doubt enough to overflow Yarrow Creek.
As I haven't heard from anyone about going out tomorrow, I guess we aren't. Let things dry out a bit then give it another go.
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Agree, let it dry out... hotthirsty
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Here's another fossicking video folks, this time at The Crossing, Yarrow Creek Glen Innes. Enjoy.
Fossicking at The Crossing, Yarrow Creek near Glen Innes NSW (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7AhmPMLtwY#)
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Wow great Finds Findem. Excuse my noobishness but the reds are Garnet ?
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Sure are, Razorback. Pyrope garnets are the most plentiful gemstones in Yarrow Creek.
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Nice video Findem, thanks for sharing! The sieves the gentleman is pumping into from the creek, are they larger than the standard ones? If so where would someone find a set like that?
Cheers
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Hi Wolfram. The bloke on the left is me, the one on the right is my son. The large diameter sieves are as follows: top sieve a coarse "stone remover" and the bottom the same mesh as the normal small size bottom sieve. After chucking the stones away (always hoping for a big gemstone in there of course) the contents of the bottom one (after shaking through the sand) are then transferred to a normal pair of gem sieves and the process repeated until there is an accumulation in there. These are then finished off and taken to the table for my wife to do the picking.
More recently, when my fine large diameter sieve wore out, I substituted a normal diameter bottom sieve. That works fine so long as you're a good shot with the shovel or pump. Several of the regulars on our trips have a specially made stone remover that fits better than my arrangement.
More recently still, I just watch them find all the goodies anyway! :'(
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Thanks Findem, sounds like a well oiled production line you have going there, I have never used one of those 'yabbie pumps' before I am thinking I might have to give it a try.
All the best,
Wolfram
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Any starters for Yarrow Creek tomorrow? (Back to the Glory Hole perhaps.)
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Findem, is there a particular type of yabby pump that works best for gems? I looked in at BCF and got confused for choice.
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Hi Chookie. I've worn out 4 or 5 normal stainless steel ones. The edges quickly get burred over and the sand isn't kind to washers either. The best ones I've seen have had a poly pipe extension on them, sometimes with a curved part for getting into more difficult spots but useless for pushing down into gravelly creek bottoms. Hope that helps.
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Hi Chookie. I've worn out 4 or 5 normal stainless steel ones. The edges quickly get burred over and the sand isn't kind to washers either. The best ones I've seen have had a poly pipe extension on them, sometimes with a curved part for getting into more difficult spots but useless for pushing down into gravelly creek bottoms. Hope that helps.
You can make a poly pipe extension to push onto the yabby pump very easily :) Just make sure you can take it off again for washer maintence.
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you can save money on washers buy using old rubber thongs
put the thong on the ground than cut it out using the yabby pump just like a cookie cutter
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Wow a lot of help , thanks folks, look forward to trying it out in GI in March ....not long now...counting sleeps! ;D ;D ;D
beers
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Here's another "Fossicking Around Glen Innes" video, this time of Pretty Valley. Many of you know this place and it's still producing cutters after 20 years.
http://youtu.be/cYG0XwEwHXc (http://youtu.be/cYG0XwEwHXc)
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A wonderful place and an excellent video ... Thanks John. I hope I can get back there sometime later this year beers
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I remember meeting that mob of sheep one time. :)
It was cold so they had on their woolly jumpers. ;D
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Still my favourite spot. ;D It is one spot I never fail to find plenty of sapphires. What size I dont get I get in quantity. ;)
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A video on "Down the Hill", Yarrow Creek is now up on YouTube.
Gemstone Fossicking at Down the Hill Yarrow Creek NSW Australia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v93Df72pQj8#)
I've got several more videos to go to complete the set on places we've been with the Baptist Church Fossicking Group. Anyone coming for Minerama can get an idea of what each place is like (and hopefully get enthused about the possibilities).
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Recognize few bodies and vehicles :)
and a lot of the sand hotthirsty
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For some reason the flow of Wednesday fossickers seems to have dried up. As Captain Mendoza will agree, the supply of gemstones has not. Unless I get a belated phone call, there will be no trip tomorrow.
Yes, Jerry. There is one celebrated fossicker doing what I do best on trips these days. :D
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There is one celebrated fossicker doing what I do best on trips these days. :D
I also meant Woofa :)
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Thought so!
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Findem please count me in on Wednesday March 6th.
I am staying at Boolabinda for the duration of Minerama and will arrive by 4th or 5th all being well. PS don't have 4WD! if that makes a difference.
Many thanks Chookie.
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Findem please count me in on Wednesday March 6th.
I am staying at Boolabinda for the duration of Minerama and will arrive by 4th or 5th all being well. PS don't have 4WD! if that makes a difference.
Many thanks Chookie.
Has Boolabinda at toilet and shower block?
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Yes Jimny they do.I have hired their onsite van being the sook that I am.Here's a link to a discussion.
http://www.aussiesapphire.com.au/index.php?main_page=document_general_info&cPath=151&products_id=354 (http://www.aussiesapphire.com.au/index.php?main_page=document_general_info&cPath=151&products_id=354)
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Thanks for the info Chookie :)
May camp there this time rather than at the caravan park at the north end of town. It has been going down hill fast for years.
Still to see how long I can get away for.
BTW I have a 4WD ;)
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Thanks so much for the new video, the more we see, the more we get enthused about coming for a visit soon.
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Hope to see you there Jimny ...a 4WD huh ...watch out - you might have a new best friend if I can't get places in the pug. I will arrive on 4th or 5th and go out with Findem on the 6th if he is going.
I brought a yabby pump today. ;D It is the longer SS one, but have no idea how to fix an extension to it, so will wait till I see the 'experts' with theirs.
One great thing about being at Boolabinda is you can stake out a bit of creek to camp by and fossick to your hearts content as part of the deal.
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Here's another Yarrow Creek fossicking video, this time at the Glory Hole. Only 2 more to go to complete the series of places visited by the Baptist Church Fossicking group.
http://youtu.be/j1cZ6dZ_K-U (http://youtu.be/j1cZ6dZ_K-U)
I'm aiming to go there this Wednesday if anyone's interested. The weather is getting cooler rather earlier than most years, so make the most of the opportunity to get in and get wet. brrr
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Doing a wonderful job with those videos Findem :)
The Gloryhole one ... memories to last a lifetime.
Any luck with the house ?
Hoping you are still around in April :)
Regards,
Jason
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Hope it's not too cool! I was up to my beard in water last time... :D
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They look like mighty fine garnets in the Feb 2013 section...wowseroo ;D!!
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Various replies: house not sold, but we are getting a few lookers, which is something.
The garnets are always fine in Yarrow Creek.
The water is nearly always cold in Yarrow Creek.
The landowner (Malcolm) has now locked his gate but has given me a key which we have yet to use, since we didn't go out last week. All is well for Minerama (weather permitting etc) and as long as we are here. After that, we will have to wait and see.
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It's been drizzly most of the day. Not looking promising for Yarrow Creek access tomorrow, I'm afraid.
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I think I'll pass on fossicking tomorrow... Not liking the rains coming. ::)
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OK Capt'n. One thing that has dried up is the flow of fossickers compared to previous years. :(
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Cost of petrol? Cost of living? or lack of good finds do you think? People sometimes forget to just have fun regardless and want a big reward don't they. Nothing better than puddling round in acreek in our great Aussie bush if you ask me, no better reward than the birdsong needed....though a few nic gems are always appreciated too! ;D beers
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It's hard to know, Chookie, but I reckon that it's related to the increase in the number of fee-paying areas. The fact remains that we haven't had anyone come out yet this month. Today, by the way, has turned out to be mainly fine if a bit windy.
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If I ever get a chance to get down that way I'd gladly come out for a fossick ;D It would be great to be able to take the youngsters somewhere there was no croc's
Cheers
Wal
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Only a bit of winter ice to contend with, but that doesn't bother the fearless Captain Mendoza. See the Black Jack Hole video.
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Tip one, when jumping into freezing water... Its better to wear shoes (with socks) that get wet than to wear gum boots full of freezing water!
Tried the latter once and found I could barely walk due to frozen toes.
Tip two, the waters fine once your in... But once your in keep digging and don't stop, the moment you get out for a break, when you get back in its like really really cold!!! brrr
Tip three, hot drinks and a warm fire by the creek when you get out. ;D
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Make sure the socks are woollen . They stay warmer.
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Hello everyone! :D I've been reading around this forum for a while now, just registered today. I love what you guys have got going here, seems like a really supportive and friendly community.
I'm heading up to Glen Innes this coming week (first time ever fossicking in this area- yayyy!) & I'm wondering if there'll be a Wednesday trip this week? Fingers crossed :)
If not, it'd be great to get in contact with some of the Glen Innes folk for a beers some time while I'm there.
All the best!
Reuben
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Hi Reuben, Welcome to ALF.
While in GI be sure to call in and say hi to Andrew & Leah at Aussie Sapphire.They will have all the gen for you on the area and everything you might need as well.
Can you stick around a while until the Minerama festival begins on 8th March?.......with lots of field trips happening...weather permitting...and lots of us will rock up the week ahead of it too! Best time to be in GI for sure!
Boolabinda Homestead has fossicking by the day on the premises and so do several other places, the GI Information Centre will set you straight on where best to go.
Have a great time! ;D beers beers
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Cheers Chookie!
Yeah, I really wish I could hang around until Minerama, unfortunately I start uni on the 4th however... some other year perhaps! Sounds like a really fun time.
I'll definitely check out all those places! I guess the township won't be quite as bustling as the following week, but I was expecting a fairly low-key fossicking holiday anyhow :)
I wonder if the Wednesday warriors will want to have a week off before Minerama comes to town?
Anyhoo, thanks again Chookie (sorry, Chookie2! ^^), great to have such encouragement so early into my ALF experience!
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Welcome to ALF Reuben :)
I wonder if the Wednesday warriors will want to have a week off before Minerama comes to town?
You could always pm Findem to check if he is going out on Wednesday.
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Hi Reubajam - welcome to the Forum.
It's our intention to go out every Wednesday we can, weather permitting. I can tell you now that Yarrow Creek will be inaccessible next Wednesday - we've had upwards of 50mm in town and there is always more in the east, where YC is. It may even be in flood, which is not a good sign for Minerama, I'm afraid.
I'll be aiming for Rainy Swamp next Wednesday, which we've not been to now for about 4 weeks. At least we can get there and as it's only a small creek a lot of water is actually an advantage.
For the Wednesdays before and after Minerama I want to head for Down the Hill (before) and The Old Mine (after) - if we can get there, that is. Check the YouTube videos of these areas to get a good idea of what's there.
Let me know if you are interested in coming out.
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All that water is not good for us shorties.
We may shrink even more :o
Still raining down here as well
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Get a longer shovel Jimney! ;D
G'day Reubajam! Welcome to Alf Club
First rule in Alf Club, " talk about Alf Club..."
May see you on Wednesday...Weather and Work permitting!
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Long shovel packed. Just turn the taps off next week OK.
My son was down from Brissie at the weekend and thinks I have gone nuts....."water up to my waist... don't be ridiculous Mother you can't do that!" Kids...... doncha luv em! I guarantee I will fall in at least once...do I care! ;D ;D
beers
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Thanks for the response Findem, and cheers for the invitation! I’d really love to join you guys on Wednesday, so if it’s all good, let’s lock it in :) Hope to see you there too Cap'n!
I gave Boolabinda a call yesterday and they said camping was not an option in this weather :S I was hoping it could be a bit of good fortune in disguise, time will tell I guess!
At the very least, at 6’4” I could do with a bit of shortening ;D
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Here's a link to our latest fossicking video at Yarrow Creek Glen Innes - "Sue's Favourite Spot".
Gemstone fossicking at Sue's Favourite Spot Yarrow Ck Glen Innes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWkUcSMvTe4#)
Please subscribe to my Youtube channel - celticjohn1 - to be kept informed of future movies.
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Well done Findem. :)
Do not seem to be able to remember where this spot is. :-[
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It's a fine (relatively) morning here in Glen Innes. We missed seeing a few of you who had said you were coming out fossicking yesterday. Maybe the recent wind and rain discouraged you.
Anyway, we spent the day at Rainy Swamp where the usual small zircons and sapphires turned upmin the sieves plus some nice small smokies. Some of the sapphires will cut.
I guess there will be a few less comments from those up here for Minerama until they get back from their trips out today.
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Here is the link to the last fossicking video in this series - The Blockup, Yarrow Creek.
Gemstone fossicking at The Blockup Yarrow Ck near Glen Innes NSW (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XX9CzvULzk#)
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I can see already that this Wednesday will be a busy one for me, so I won't be able to take anyone out. The following Wednesday should be OK (at this stage), though I wouldn't even be sure of that.
What are you going to be doing, Capt'n? The Old Mine would be a great spot at the moment, I reckon.
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Don't know what I'm doing yet Findem... Definately give this coming week a miss, but the following week might be good, I'll give a call closer to the date...
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Save the call until the Tuesday afternoon after Easter, Capt'n. Hopefully the house will be sold by then and we'll know what's going on.
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Good to hear you have a buyer for your place Findem. :)
The upper mountains are just turning nice so you will enjoy shopping for your new home.
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Sounds promising Findem!!!
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Hi Capt'n and everyone else! We've just got back home from a week at Lithgow. Still no more word about the house sale while we were away. :'(
There's a message on my answering service from someone wanting to go fossicking this Wednesday. Unfortunately, I can't go so it would be good to know if you can.
Thanks Capt'n.
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Had a fair amount of rain on Sunday, so going to wait till next Wednesday for everything to dry out...
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Should be dry this Wednesday, Capt'n. I had several enquiries today and I'm thinking it might be time for the Old Mine again before the water gets too cold (for the average fossicker of course).
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I think I might be able to be persuaded... brrr ;D
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Would you like me to bring some ice cubes just in case the water isn't cold enough yet? hotthirsty hotthirsty hotthirsty
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Would you like me to bring some ice cubes just in case the water isn't cold enough yet? hotthirsty hotthirsty hotthirsty
Just bring an ice pick and a picture of a warm fire ;D :D
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Too late, weathers changed for rain... Don't think its rained out at yarrow though... See you tomorrow!!! :)
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Heyah Capt :) been awhile ....
Sat the 27th April, keep it free if ya can. Meeting up with Findem for a trip out and I think he was gonna ask if you wanted to come along.
Cheers and maybe see you then :)
Jason R
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Here is a link to the video of yesterday's trip to The Old Mine, Yarrow Creek.
Fossicking at the Old Mine Yarrow Creek NSW Australia April 10 2013 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iItcCfMsaHw#)
Yes, my camera is working again. Maybe not quite as good as before, but good enough to save me spending $300+ on another one.
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Another great video John, keep 'em comin' ;)
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Findem we enjoyed watching your video of wednesday yarrow creek. We are looking forward t our trip up your way. Do you find any cutting size stones on these trips??? ::) The terrain is quite different than down here so open and hopefully sunny. The colours of the stones looks lovely
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I wouldn't go so far as to say that there are always cutters found, but there are most days. Some days the diamond (sapphire) and some days the stone, as the old song says.
Check out my album (Findem's Foundem) for pics. Most are a single day's finds.
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Another great video John, keep up the good work
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I'll Try to keep a day open jasonr... Wouldn't mind getting back out to Pretty Valley, waters been somewhat cold to go beyond the point of no return... See what happens... :D
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Ironically enough Capt, I was looking through your blog at all the possibilities and thought "I hope Pretty Valley is the chosen one" ....
What do you think Findem ??? Weather permitting do that Sat ? I can then get note and get to Sues Fav Spot on the Sunday ... then alas back to Bris Monday.
Cheers Jason R
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Sounds OK to me. The only downside would be that you'll be on your own when it comes to exploring other places on Yarrow Creek, but that's the position I was in at the beginning anyhow, so you might have a more open mind about places to search than I do by now.
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Thanks for the video Findem, have spent several days in Yarrow creek with you. My grandson came away with 2 beautiful garnet that cut to more than 1 carat each. My find was from one of those "black stones"that I brought home to look at later. I will never go Fossicking with out an Led light again. Over the light, one stone was a beautiful dark red which cut to 1.2 carats. So Havarim yes, yes, yes.
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Thanks pegatha thats encouraging been studying the maps and books fo your area should be lots of spots to see but going home with some good sized stones would be even better . Of course everyone asks did you find much ??? so its good if you can tell
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Hi Jason - sorry to "throw a spanner in the works", but I found out today that I won't be able to come with you on that weekend at all. Let's see if we can work something out with the Captain. It won't affect access to SFS, just a little planning to make it possible.
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Jason - I've managed to get the spanner out of the works - everything is back to where we were.
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I hope it's abnormally warm that week... :P
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Thats good to hear Findem :)
usually when spanners get in there, takes alot to get em back out ....
Where is Pretty Valley in relation to SFS ?
From what Ive heard the Capt is pretty keen on getting back out there ?
Would it be warmer :)
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Hi Jason - Pretty Valley is approached by a different road (the Pinkett Road). Firewood is a bit scarce there unfortunately.
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I've had 4 phone calls this morning about going out tomorrow. Are you likely to be coming, Capt'n? If so, where would you like to go? Glory Hole? Crossing? Old Mine? Down the Hill? Rainy Swamp? The mind boggles. ::)
The weather could be showery, but it certainly looks good today. Wrong day, unfortunately!
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Currently seeing storms out to the west coming this way... Yes the boggles were to go... Think we'll take it as it comes! :P
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A bit of rain around tonight. The Capt'n reckons Pretty Valley is the place to go, so unless there's a mutiny by the visitors, that's where we'll be. After all, PV has never let me down (even though I'll feel like I'm letting it down by not being able to dig there!).
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so how was PV ?
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From an observer's point of view, Pretty Valley was great! I'm uploading a video at the moment. It is always a slow process, but this one has been ridiculously slow - 7 hours+ upload time for less than 5 minutes viewing time. How some YouTubers can upload 20 minute videos every day, I don't know. At this rate, the first one wouldn't be finished before you were ready for the next one.
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Well, it's finally finished!
Gemstone fossicking at Pretty Valley near Glen Innes April 17 2013 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYZuaaXl_lA#)
Enjoy!
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Thanks for the video Findem, I have never seen pretty Valley with that much water. I hope everyone had great day. Its a pity GI is so far for us, we will be back one day soon.
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Another great video John, keep 'em coming.
Think we should take a collection and buy capt'n some waders ;)
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findem my husband and I are sittinh here in victoria wishing we went to pretty valley too. we are leaving to come up 26th April.. am really hoping to get out there with ou guys. we are wearing waders down this way now its getting cold. looks warmer there. brrr
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Warmer today, maybe, but it won't be soon. You may have noticed that Glen Innes often records the lowest minimum temperature in Australia in winter. It's never put us off fossikcing, though.
So long as it's possible for me to go out on Wednesdays, I certainly plan on doing so. Yesterday tempted me greatly to jump in again but I didn't give in!
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Are you coming out this Wednesday, Capt'n?
For the information of anyone interested in information, we'll be doing a trip to Pretty Valley this Saturday (mainly for jasonr's benefit, but who needs an excuse to go to Pretty Valley?) Any other visitors would be welcome to join us. Meet at the Baptist church as usual.
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:) how is the weather shaping up Findem ...
And yes if it wasn't for me nagging you would be enjoying a nice peaceful, quiet Saturday, at home. ;)
Thanks heaps John. :) Sooooooo looking forward to it.
C you all there ....
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The weather is great - cool nights, warm days. What more could you ask for? How about a nice fall of snow? I guess we'll have to wait a few months for that. See you Saturday.
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Check your email haverim :)
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Hi John
Hope your family is well
Would be a great trip,i cannot get there this time but have been keen to visit PV again.Will contact you or Michael when up with my wife next to see if you are free.
Anyhow good luck to all on the day,hope the sun is shining.
HC
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Love the little bug on your profile pic jasonr beers
Just had me looking at my computer wondering how it got in there ;D
Cheers
Wal
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:) the first time i saw it .... some 12 years ago now, i was smacking my old CRT with a slipper.
Wondering why the damn bug wouldn't die.
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Hi jasonr and Captain Mendoza! I'll be at the church in the morning as planned. I've had one enquiry from someone who'll be joining us. My hands have been so bad in the mornings that I've decided not to join you for the day. Hope you don't mind. I'll have the note and key for Sunday for you, Jason. If neither of you get to read this, it won't change things for the day for you anyhow.
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Hope your hands get better soon John....
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Sorry to hear about you hands John..
Pitty you have gone to so much trouble. And now not being able to come.
I will be at the church from about 7.30. Sat. C. U. All when you get there.
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Glad you've both got my message. Why so early, Jason? I'm not planning to be there until 8.45.
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Cool see you then..
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I've had several enquiries for Wednesday this week. Maybe it's time to dig a hole at The Crossing to follow up some of those cracks which cross the creek.
I haven't picked up the key yet, Captain - must do that before Wednesday morning or we'll end up going somewhere else eg Down the Hill.
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Hi findem. This is havarim. Planning to join you tomorrow morning. Can you pm me your phone no. We are in inverall
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I'll be there. Finally made it to Glen Innes.
See you in the morning. You coming Capt?
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Here's the video from yesterday's trip to "Down the Hill" Yarrow Creek. You'll se ALF members havarim, Brero and Captain Mendoza and Findem's shadow. A good time was had by all. A few pink sapphires turned up, but I missed out on photographing them somehow.
Gemstone Fossicking at Down the Hill Yarrow Creek NSW Australia 1st May 2013 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGDdfT4tjw0#)
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Was a awesome day... met some great people too!
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I had a great day too. Was great to meet a few ALFers. I learnt a lot from Findem and the Capt. Both very generous teachers. Thank you. beers
I didn't realise you were getting video John. I thought you were just taking snaps. :-[
It was great to see the Capt in action. Picked up so many valuable little tricks just watching him.
Next time ill try not to run around like a chook with my head cut off and stay put for a while and get some work done.
The pump worked ok though I didn't find much. Thinking about it after I think the trick is to really clean out a crack and not give up when I see too much sand. Maybe probe the whole first to make sure the bottom is within reach.
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Going through my concentrate (copied the Capt) when I got home I noticed an odd looking bit of large(bit bigger then average) spinel. On closer inspection I noticed a gold flash at a particular angle. A star/cat eye sapphire I guess? It was very pretty and I was quite happy till I dropped it in the grass. No hope of finding it. I really hope it wasn't a rare find.
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Thanks for the video ... very good :D
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saw Havarem.s and Robs finds, very nice, they had a good day with you all.
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Havarem and Rob's finds
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Jamo's curiosity was killing him lol
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Jamo's curiosity was killing him lol
I am a cat lover ... so that's probably why it was killing me. Thanks Liz for satisfying my curiosity. ;D
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Sounds like a bronze sheen sapphire / corrundum Brero... Easy to miss with so much black jack about... Sometimes you can only see em at the right angle of sunlight, or by their hexagonal shape...
Sorry to hear you lost it... Plenty to find next time you're up... Coming this Wednesday?
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Hi everyone - capt :)
Sorry for such a late report on my trip down last weekend ....
Had a great time. Pretty Valley was hard work but got a few nice bits and pieces from there.
Had key access for Yarrow Creek (thanks Findem) and after spending a few hours trying to recall the way there (no coverage to call Findem or Capt for directions) finally found the spot after talking to a nice landowner who actually gave us permission to go through his land to get to where we needed to go. Which was the gates we actually went through last year to get to Sues Fav Spot :)
But good time was had and i managed to find a nice "trap" just past the big round (deep) pool further upstream from Sues Spot. In this trap I found a whole pile of little garnets, some big topaz ( i think ) and lots of small spinel.
Would love to team up with someone for safety, then suit up with wetsuit and see what lies at the bottom of that big waterhole.
Anyway, pics coming soon :)
Cheers Jason R
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snip, snip ...
then suit up with wetsuit and see what lies at the bottom of that big waterhole.
Hi Jason R,
Marg and I will be in Glen Innes (27th Sep-3rdOct 2013) and if you want someone to 'frock up' sorry I mean put on my floral wetsuit and help you, then Jason, I am your man. ;D ;D
Wayne.
PS: We are purposely staying until Thursday morning, so we can join the Wednesday mob, but as it is only 5 months away, I won't start annoying John and the Captain, just yet. ;D
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Hello all. It's good to read your various reports. I thought you would like to know that we have finally had an offer from someone to buy our house. While it's not the best we could have hoped for, we think it can be brought to a satisfactory conclusion (soon!). Meanwhile, Wednesdays as usual.
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That's great news Findem!
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Are you coming tomorrow, Capt'n? I've had several enquiries, one from a beginner this afternoon, and the other was several weeks back and I haven't heard from them since.
I doubt that yesterday afternoon's rain fell out in "gem country", so Yarrow Creek access should be fine. You choose the spot if you come, otherwise I'll choose The Crossing.
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Rains are coming soon, so id better go while the weather is good... See you tomorrow findem!
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i wont make it up unfortunately. I hope its not long before my next trip though.
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I've had several enquiries for tomorrow. The rain has gone and it's back to normal with cold nights and cool days.
How does Rainy Swamp sound to you, Capt'n? It allows for vehicles to come that might have bog hole problems getting into Yarrow Creek, which could include mine if you're not coming.
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Not going sorry...
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grrrr... I'm working and you're playing. Not fair!
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Sigh
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Going through withdrawal are you Calx? So you coming to mini minerama this year?
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Hello all. This time I can report that our house has definitely been sold, so we have only a few weeks left in Glen Innes.
I haven't had any enquiries for tomorrow and I can certainly use the time back home. Hopefully we will get at least one more Wednesday outing in before we leave.
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John
That is both good and bad news all at once.
Thankyou for providing the inspiration and opportunities to learn about fossicking in Glen innes.
I am sure many other people have enjoyed the Wednesday finds reports as we have,and will be missed, although photo's of large Sapphires hurt a little John.
Best wishes
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John,
Good news for you, but sad for us. I will miss the Wednesday trips that you talk about, and also the ones we have been on with you. I hope you don't stop searching for stones and you are somewhere near gem stones. Good luck and God bless you both. Peg and Ken :(
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Congratulations John - I know you have been working on this move for a long time now. Enjoy the Blue Mountains.
Now it is time for someone else to step up and fill the void. Is there anyone else in the district who could take over for you - it would be a great pity to lose the tours for visitors to the area - Captain, Lord_Thunda??? They do not necessarily have to be on a Wednesday if another day is easier??
I know a great many have enjoyed the outings over the years that John has been taking people out so thanking you on their behalf.
cheers
Leah
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John 'the Baptist',
Congratulations on the sale of your house.
Marg and I will miss your Wednesday trips, the two that we had done over the years were great fun. You will definitely be missed.
As Leah said hopefully, someone else will put their hand up.
Thank you again for all the time and effort that you and Sue gave to us, the fossickers from all over Oz.
Wayne and Marg
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Congrats John and thank you so much for all your work over the years ... it really has been greatly appreciated :D
Let me know when you've settled in at your new place and we'll organise a tour of Oberon. I'm sure there's plenty of people who'd like to join in beers
Regards, Paul
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Finally sold yay!!! :-( :'( :D
I'll possibly be taking the fossicking tours over... Just have to sort out the stupid ( I broke a nail, now im going to sue you issue)
The day it's on will possibly change to a Saturday...
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Congrats John and thank you so much for all your work over the years ... it really has been greatly appreciated :D
Let me know when you've settled in at your new place and we'll organise a tour of Oberon. I'm sure there's plenty of people who'd like to join in beers
Regards, Paul
I will second that :)
And John will still be closer to the sapphires spots at Oberon then us Paul.
Let us know when you finally move into the upper mountains.
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Congrats John & Sue! Everything comes to those who wait & we know it has been a long wait.
I also would like to thank you both for the amount of effort you have both put in over the years. It was indirectly as a result of your efforts in Minerama that I came up here & stayed. ;D The information & experience you have given freely to others is immeasurable. You will be greatly missed but hope you will come back & visit as you will be very welcome.
Wishing you both a safe & pleasant trip down south & a brand new venture full of excitement. beers
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Oh wackydo, a new adventure with a whole new playground!!!
Definitely thanks for the write ups, lets a person pretend they're actually in on it.
No heavy lifting, safe travels and catch you here later when you're all sorted.
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Best wishes in your new future home John & Sue. Thanks for sharing yourselves, your time and your knowledge so generously with us all. Much appreciated.
Wishing you both all the best in life and fossicking may they never diverge.
beers
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I'm heading to syd around xmas to visit family and friends and spend a week camping at porters retreat or a spot that was generously pointed out to me in the Vulcan hope to catch you guys out there
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G'day Findem, congratulation's on your good news. Only got to go on one of your Wednesday trips, with my son,( the crossing) but it was a privilege. Kick-started a passion for fossicking that is still going strong. All the best with life down South mate ! cheers Crab
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Thanks for your kind words, everyone. It has been a great experience taking people out fossicking for the past 10+ years and I'm glad to have met so many of you.
While I'm posting this, a message for the Captain - could you arrange to call around and pick up whatever gear you would like to take? I've got some more quartz for you too.
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All the best for the future Findem. Enjoyed your trips in 2012, thanks heaps. Jamo :)
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I'm disappointed that I haven't been able to take part in one of your treks John but good luck for the future and thanks for your donation to the hobby in general.
Garry
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I missed your trips too Findem. In 2010 I was up that way and missed a trip with you because rain washed the trip out!
All the best Findem.
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Hopefully catch up with you before Wednesday John...
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Good luck with your new adventure Findem
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I was sorry to disappoint a fossicker who enquired about going out tomorrow. There's too much going on as we get ready to move next week. Next week! I'd better get packing! This week Glen Innes, next Thursday Lithgow.
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its all happening so fast...!
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It sure is. I have the keys and a few more specimens here for you to collect, Capt'n.
I've just finished another Blog entry on "Quartz at Down the Hill Yarrow Creek" or something like that, for those who are interested.
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Hi everyone. It's taken the best part of a week to get back on line with our new phone number, but here we are. We've settled in and unpacked boxes ad infinitum. The weather here in Lithgow has been much the same as in Glen Innes, so to that extent nothing has changed. No more Wednesday finds, though. Keep an eye on my blog for new developments!
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Good to hear you got there safe & sound John. ;D
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John,
Great to hear that you arrived safely. Now the fun starts, unpacking and setting up a new home.
Wayne.
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Hmmm... Lithgow... Think of all the coal specimens you could dig up....
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True. I thought burning coal in household fires was banned here these days. Not so - I could smell coal smoke last night and have seen piles of it in several backyards while driving around.
Hopefully we'll be out and about in a few more days.
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The locals in Lithgow have a habit of using free coal to burn. ;)
The greenies only get upset when they see clouds of white water vapour comming from power stations or if you burn native hollow logs ;D
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Great to see you online findem...
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To whom it may concern, Captain ;)
Are the Wednesday fossicking adventures still happening or do we have to make our own fun?
Marg and I were hoping to join the Wed 25th Sep group, if it is a goer.
We arrive in GI on Tues 24th Sep and leaving Mon 30th Sep.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Wayne.
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What's the weather like up there at the moment Wayne? Last time I passed through Glen Innes around this time of year it was hovering around the -2 mark.
Looking forward to catching up in October and checking out your booty, gemstones that is, mind you, you do cut a fine figure in your wetsuit.
Bucket
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What's the weather like up there at the moment Wayne? Last time I passed through Glen Innes around this time of year it was hovering around the -2 mark.
Looking forward to catching up in October and checking out your booty, gemstones that is, mind you, you do cut a fine figure in your wetsuit.
Bucket
We are still on the Gold Coast until 24th Sept.
This was today's view at Surfers when I rode there this morning. It is forecast to reach 25degs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v446/Frosty2/Bike/2013-08-GC/Wk04/DSC00502.jpg)
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Hoping to get trips happening soon, indemnity form is pretty much done, taking care of a few minor things like letter head and insurance etc... Once all that is sorted a visit to some of the property owners, and hopefully some new ones!
Will keep updates when I got something new...
Who here thinks Friday would be a better day for fossicking trips rather than a Wednesday? ( might need to change the title ) :D
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Hi Captain,
Any day will suit us.
From a very selfish point of view, I hope that you are up and going during our stay in September.
Wayne
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Hi Wayne ... :)
Feel free to stop in for a visit if you want.
We are in Brisbane ....
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Poachers ruin it for those who do it the right way