Stray Tag-a-long Tales

Part 3 All that glitters is not gold!

It’s official! We are now certified fossickers. Having a fossicker’s licence for the next month allows us the pickings of any sites within Queensland.

And we haven’t been tardy in finding our first ‘colour’. But I’ll get to that later.

I need to update you on the find I had back before Eromanga. Remember I emailed the Natural History Museum with some photos? Well, a return email informed me, I didn’t find a ‘portal’ or a ‘dragon’s backbone’ but a very interesting weathering effect on ironstone. I like the dragon backbone theory better, but will accept they know a little more than I do. Oh well, maybe next time.

The email I received re the photos

Meanwhile up the track, and I do mean track, we took the road less travelled between Jundah and Winton. This track lead us through some great Mulga country, with a magnificent mountain range to the west of us. The colours of the outback never cease to amaze and inspire me. From deep red of the land, to the grey-green of the spinifex; the land forever changes depending on the light of the day. The road was quiet, with only three other vehicles passing us the entire two hundred and fifty kms.

We stopped on the banks of the glorious Mayne River. We were by ourselves in this camp and even though it was remote, felt at complete peace with nature.

The bird life was outstanding with Great Herons, Egrets, Pigeons. Even my Willy Wagtail made another appearance. Right on dusk, a raucous sounding from the trees echoed across the campsite. Red-tailed Black Cockatoos. Not enough light for photographs, but striking to behold. You can breathe deeply out here and feel the ‘serenity’.

Mayne River camp

Onwards next day and we pass the turn off to Opalton. We pass the sign vowing to return. Our mission today is to see the Dinosaur Stampede exhibition twenty kilometres further toward Winton.

Once again, no disappointment in this complex. Money doesn’t seem to be an issue where dinosaurs once ruled. Coming into the complex was stunning. From the flat dry country, we entered hills of red rocks, spinifex and gum trees. The undulating nature led us to the dinosaur centre. A large stainless steel covered building, set in amongst the mountain range.

As Molly Meldrum said “do yourself a favour” and check out this place.

To find this place initially and then to dedicate the hours is amazing. The tedious work, patience, and dedication the initial palaeontologist’s and volunteers completed is outstanding.

Following our tour, we then headed back the kilometres to the Opalton turnoff.

Turning, the dirt road we now encountered was no worse than travelled previously; until the corner heading north! Then it was down to twenty kilometres per hour as corrugations became the constant.

A road less travelled - Jundah to Winton

It was now becoming late in the day and we would normally have found a camp for the night, but the small mullock heaps which now dotted our horizon kept our mind seeking Oplaton. I didn’t think miners (of any sort) would appreciate us pulling up camp near one of their sites. (I’ve also watched too many movies about desperados).

Now passing a sign indicating ‘Fossicking Allowed Here’ gave us hope that our camp was only a short run from here. Opalton finally came into sight with a rustic ‘bush camping’ sign pointing to the left.

Dinosaur footprints

Heading the car into the camp we were greeted with ‘happy hour’ at the community information area. A donation of $2.50 per person, per night and a ‘pull over anywhere’ the recommendation, we were set up for the next couple of days.

Allan was the gentleman who issued our licences. A short explanation, from one of the semi-permanent ladies, about what opal looks like and where to go, and we were on our fossicking way.

Up early, unhook van and out to seek our fortune. The first twenty minutes proved our best haul of opal. Glinting in the sunlight, I picked-up a piece just near the front tyre - a small piece and a purple colour. A few other pieces later and much more time, we moved on.

As I said in a previous post, I love rocks. And this place didn’t disappoint. In fact, there were so many ‘nice’ rocks, I had to ban both of us from pulling any more back to the van. At one stage I had a pocket for rocks (general) and a pocket for opal. The pocket of rocks – full. Opals – nah, just a few bits. But at least I did find ‘colour’ which was my real motivation.

Opalton was a b onus on our trip, as I didn’t have any notion about its existence. Once a bustling town of over six-hundred people, all seeking their fortune one way or another, now no permanent resident. It was a positive experience in every way.

The people were helpful and friendly; the camp ample including campfire. Shower and flush toilet a bonus. The community centre a hub of activity each day at 4:00pm for debriefing, bragging about the days finds or general conversation with other like-minded people travelling the outback.

My Opal find

Leaving Opalton, we were feeling a tinge of sadness. But we needed to head to civilisation after eating the contents of the last tin of baked beans the previous night. Other supplies were also severely diminished. Especially for hubby – no grog!

We now sit at Winton; washing done, shopping complete and alcohol purchased. The Dinosaur Canyon our quest tomorrow before heading to Boulia to find Moon rocks!

Winton itself is a fascinating town. Very famous for the Banjo Patterson poet and Waltzing Matilda fame. Other eccentric attractions include Arno’s Wall and Musical Fence. Hubby found the Truck Museum stimulating as he reminisced over all the old engines, he plied his trade on eons ago.