Day 9 Emerald to Rubyvale

A leisurely 75km drive from Emerald to Rubyvale via Anakie and Sapphire.  Great touring weather today.  We are now in the gem fields and did some fossicking this afternoon after acquiring a $10.10 fossicking licence.  Found nought but have been bitten by the bug. Contemplated buying a mining lease plus associated equipment (refer photos) but decided against it as the property was facing west.  This visit to Rubyvale has been fascinating, seeing how the miners live and wondering if there are indeed riches in "them thar hills."  There are mullock heaps everywhere which confirms there is an awful lot of useless dirt between the gems. There is a cacophony of sounds assaulting our senses at the moment.  The lorikeets, apostle birds and cockatoos are providing a real distraction.  

150414 Brolgas and emus on the roadside near Anakie

150414 Someone didn't read the sign

150414 Rock Tamers by name

150414 Mining for gems at Sapphire - a mullock heap in the making

150414 Diane fossicking - such a big hole she dug with zero return

150414 Miners' digs at Washpool outside Rubyvale.  We considered making an offer on the one in the distance

150414 Wedge-tailed eagle near Washpool

150414 Prickly problem - must have lodged in the post during last wet