INVERELL - POPULATION: 9,347

THURSDAY 31.03 - MONDAY 4.04.2016: "We're off to do some fossicking, some fossicking..........." - Carole that is! This trip we are trying the Billabong Blue Sapphire and bush camping at Inverell. The bush camp set up costing $15.00 per night and $20.00 for a full day of fossicking. Lee the Camp Manager, met us at the gate and explained the set up. We drove up the 1.2km of dirt road and some 15 minutes later arrived at our destination - what a peaceful environment.

Our only care in the world was to heed the warning of keeping the dogs on leads as there were snakes about! Fossicker Peel began the first day with gusto, but by day two and three the manual labouring assistant (Sybil), had to be employed! We had decided to drive the motorhome down to the fossicking site each day and set the dogs up. Lee had found us the perfect spot so that it did not impact on cars entering or exiting. Sunday was expected to be busy so we determined we would drive down early to ensure "our spot."

CAROLE & LEE

For those that know us, an early morning start does not occur often! We were patting ourselves on the back for being the first in the car park. Lee as usual guided us into position then came up to ask if we were on QLD time. "What you talkin' about?" Daylight saving of course - no wonder we were able to park with ease, it was 7.45AM NOT 8.45AM! NOT HAPPY! We sat down and had a leisurely breakfast.

We have had an excellent time here and the fossicker actually found "some colour." Have to add though, three days of hard slog and just as we are leaving Carole looks to the ground and picks up the largest sapphire she has found in her time here! Lee has enhanced our experience by passing on of all his fossicking expertise - the amateurs were very appreciative.

ORIGINAL TOILET

BUSH DOG!

BILLABONG BLUE
CAMP KITCHEN

Spent Monday evening back at Guyra Mother of Ducks free camp. Visited the local Bowls/Golf Club and made our usual club donation. People wonder why free camping areas are closing. At Guyra the camping area signage is very evident. Guess where one of the motorhomes parked overnight!