Winter Tour

[tinker]

Hi all, my wife has decided to release me from my bonds next month, whilst she goes to Bali for two weeks with my daughters.  Yah, no house work, I am intending to go north is search of pretty stones.   I have been release on three weeks good behaviour.    I am intending to travel up the Newell Hwy from  Parkes to Moree and then visit a mate in Tingha,  then over to Warialda and then possibly Tamworth on my way home, can anybody give me advise one what I can find in these area's or places to look, I also intend to go to Tamworth if I get time.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Jamo]

Heading to Inverell after Moree? Wife & I will be in Inverell for a couple of days early July (although probably not much fossicking happening )

[Fullerton]

The sand dump and creek at Stannifer is definitely worth a look ... only 8km from Tingha. Also the prase mine at Nundle if you are in the Tamworth area. Pick up some serpentine while at Bingara or Nundle while your there.

[tinker]

Thanks Jamo, Im not leaving here until around the 19th July, Fullerton hows the weather been up that way do you know, I know it would be cold, but has there been much rain do you know and hows the road into the Tingha Sands Mine I guess that whats 8km out of the town.

[Fullerton]

Hi Tinker,

Have no idea about the weather there ... I'm a further 1800km north from Tingha. I just like to fossick at Tingha over my summer holidays.

Tingha sands is the crushing plant on the western side of Tingha, maybe 5km out at a guess. The sand dump I was referring to is in the vicinity of Stannifer. Both are well worth a look.

[Jamo]

Might have to see if I can sneak to Tingha as well, given I'll be so close.

[daz]

Been to Tingha sands a few times and the road is always pretty good wet or dry.

[bjhodgkin]

Hey Tinker, I could do you a couple of mud maps to show you where I have found some stuff up there. Road to Tingah is fine, best ones are the road that  goes in past the airport and near the Copeton dam turnoff - tar all the way. 

Tingah sands is fantastic, especially if they have the sieve running (the quartz drops into a scraps bin, is easy to identify because it is wet & you just scoop it up with a long handle shovel - unfortunately I haven't been there when it is going but my father-in-law has & he got fantastic crystals). The other waste piles are great too and I have found heaps of Smokey & rutilated there.

Only found the Stannifer dumps last time I was there & got some really nice jelly beans, tiny sapphires & a few citrine jelly beans.

Capt. Mendoza should also be able to suggest a few sapphire sites over near Glenn Innes but unfortunately am yet to go over that way & missed out on going on one of Findem's tours.

Will do the maps for you & send to you - wont be that much different to the tourist info. centre maps but should be helpful - Woofa's guides to the areas where all we used to get started & are fantastic.

Rob

[tinker]

Thanks bjhodgins, that would be great if you could.





T

[Capt. Mendoza]

Weathers been pretty wet and or overcast for the last few weeks... Certainly need some sun and exercise. Usually always keen for some fossicking...

[tinker]

Okay Captn, how can I contact you, might have to take you up on your offer.