TUESDAY 15 DECEMBER RUBYVALE
We got a reasonably early start and drove out to the Washpool fossicking area. We had cobbled together some gear – using our outside camp table and stand, the portable stove stand, and one of our plastic storage containers. We kind of “borrowed” a screen that was sitting unused on a dug area – but returned it after use!
We assumed this screening implement was left here to mark someone’s spot
At Washpool, we found a honeycomb of holes and diggings and tracks. There were some shacks and camps on claims out there too.
We dug and sieved as we went, rather than stockpiling a big heap. Used the big washup bowl for sieving in. Had taken a container of water out with us. Found a fat nothing.
Washing the finer gravel at the Washpool Fossicking Area
It was impossible for us novices to tell whether we were going over previously dug ground, or even looking where there was a chance of finding anything. It all looks the same! The recent rains have stimulated grass growth, which masks a lot.
We drove back to the van for lunch, then went out again. Still no luck. The only gain from the day was some exercise! It was exceedingly hot work, too.
Very makeshift gear. Very hot work. Very unproductive work.
That evening, the park owner told us to spend no more than one hour in one place, if nothing was found. Wish we’d known that this morning.
I made fish cakes for tea.
This Adventurous Age 