October 2009 New England fossicking trip

[moonshadow_dancer]

"Here Puddy Puddy" 

[andrewb]

Hiya all, I'm pretty interested in this shindig.. I'm wondering though if you've planned any kind of itinerary is as I'd only be able to do the weekend and would be interested to see what sites you'd be looking at for Sat & Sun..

[Aussie Sapphire]

gday Andrew - I think this will be a pretty informal get together but Mithras has been doing quite a bit of organising.  Maybe drop him a message (just click on his name further up the thread to send a PM or email) or maybe one of the other "definites" can fill you in...

the more, the merrier so definitely come along if you can.

cheers
Leah

[Mithras]

Gday Andrewb

The weekend should be full of fun.   I was thinking about heading north into the Torrington to chase emeralds and Topaz, maybe even lighten the wallet in Torrington town.

The weekend dig would probably be a big get together at the RSL or other pub for a meal, and a chat.

[dom105]

Hi Michael
How did you get the name Bam Bam and where's Pebbles?
Do you have an itinerary for the trip as yet? As you know we get there the weekend of the 3/10 and we only have a week, so if you can show me what you have organised thus far I might be able to fill in some gaps between the Sat and the Tuesday when you get there.
Thanks
Claude

[Mithras]

Hi guys

The main problem we had last year on MM was the weather, and having to change trips and locations to suit.  As the itinery is not finalised I will give a list of places that we intend on going.

As stated before, the itinery is not compulsory, and you are more then welcome to join our exploits, or go and do your own thing and join up for a beer later throught the day, or at the hopeful 'Tent City'

Please note that on the two Wednesday we intend on going out with John Paix.

Torrington - Emerald mine
Torrington - Topaz
Copeton - Diamond
Staggy Creek - Topaz, Diamonds, tormaline
Stannifer- Jelly beans, (Quartz, Smokey, Citrine)
Wellingrove - Sapphire, Zircons,

I am also hopeful to fit in Tingha sands, Billabong Blue or 7 oaks, and maybe a few more sites

[mehoose]

He likes whacking things with a big hammer. Must think he's gonna find pebbles in there somewhere.

[dom105]

Hi MIchael
So are you going to organise the trips when you get up there depending on the weather and that list of locations could be random?
Claude

[moonshadow_dancer]

Hi Claude,

Not sure if there is a set itinery as yet, would be good for everyone to work on though so as things can be prepaid for and just knowing we don't have to hit the hole in the wall before leaving for the adventure.

Take Care,
Deb

[dom105]

Good point Deb, we were at the Minerama and I think John Paix was charging $10/person just for his trips and I know it costs you money to fossick at Billabong Blue.
Does anyone know whether the other locations are free?
It cost us roughly $300 for fuel and accommodation is about $600 for the week, so it can add up.
Claude

[Aussie Sapphire]

Minerama is different as the cost of the trips are set by the committee and Council - the cost includes a payment to the landholders.  I'm pretty sure John charges differently for his Wednesday trips as this is not a Minerama activity.

Billabong Blue is more than $10 but everything is laid on for you - similar for 7 Oaks.  Quite a few of the locations that Mithras has mentioned are free though - Torrington, Stannifer, etc.  The fossicking reserve at Wellingrove is not free unless Mithras is thinking of another spot along that creek - have to book at the Glen Innes tourist centre but is not expensive.

cheers
Leah

[dom105]

Hi Leah
Thanks for getting back to me. What I'm trying to work out is what I can do between Sun 4/10 when we get there and Wed 7/10, when everybody else does. There will be at least four possibly five of us. Can you suggest anywhere good to go. I've only ever been up there the once, last Minerama and only went to limited locations. Is there a site I can get onto to organise this?
Cheers
Claude

[calxoddity]

Claude,
  I'll be driving up there on the Monday, so will be there Monday arvo.  I intend going out somewhere for a fossick on the Tuesday to a random location, so you're welcome to tag along.  Depending on the weather, it could be anything from 7 Oaks to Billabong to the sand heap at Stannifer, or Tingha Sands, or even a speculative trip to Sara River to the east of Glen Innes.

Regards,
Shane

[dom105]

Sounds good Shane. We are booked in at the Fossickers C/van Park. We'll catch up Monday night.
Cheers
Claude

[andrewb]

Gday Andrewb

The weekend should be full of fun.   I was thinking about heading north into the Torrington to chase emeralds and Topaz, maybe even lighten the wallet in Torrington town.

The weekend dig would probably be a big get together at the RSL or other pub for a meal, and a chat.

Ah excellent! If we're talking emeralds and beer i'm in