SAPPHIRE

MALLEEFOWLS

SATURDAY 24 - SUNDAY 25.9.2011: Woke to the usual 6.00 am resident malleefowl alarm. They diligently make their way round to each of the vans and herald the start of the day. Saturday - rest day, today - THE REAL DEAL! We have practiced our fossicking for 2 days now and today are making our way to the gem fields. We signed up with "Tag Along Tours" - you drive out to the site, equipment is provided and you aim to make your fortune. The brochure stated "you will get your hands and clothes a bit dirty!" - Understatement! Poodle Palace made it on the dirt road up until the last 3 klms and we were then driven the final leg in a four wheel drive. Keith from Fascination Gem Fossicking explained the process, provided the equipment and then sent us on our way - some 500 metres from everyone else! 

STEP 1: THE PICK

STEP 2:THE SHOVEL

  



Carole has excelled herself with the choice of activities such as the Lava Tubes, Cobold Gorge and the Volcano - has to be said, they paled into insignificance. Sybil did 70% of the pick work, although there is no photographic evidence as she had collapsed by the time a photo opportunity arose.

STEP 3: WASHING AT THE WHILLOUGHBY

Made our way back to the caravan park with some trinkets from the day's activity. Finished the day watching the parade of cows and horses making their way home along the main road. This trip tends to remind you of the "box of chocolates" - never sure what you are going to get! 

STEP 4: THE HUGE SAPPHIRES!