Please, All I Want Is Gold

The third day in the bush, fourth if last week’s day trip with Damien is included. And you don’t need scales to weigh my gold. Because I haven’t chuffing got any. WAAAAAH!

But wait! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and I’ve got no chuffing gold! WAAAAAH!

Today I’m going northwest to some mountains in the Kara Kara National Park and I reckon I’ll strike lucky there. No problem.

A scorcher again, and I immediately get lost in the hills. Luckily I’ve got my GPS and iPad and discover I’m walking southwards instead of northwards. It’s due to having the sun in the north moving from right to left, instead of in the south moving left to right. It disorientates old buggers like me.

Prospecting for gold is restricted in this park and I had planned to get to the western limit of the permitted zone, up in the hills, and then detect my way back to the car in, more or less, a straight line. And maybe this tactic is working.

And then………..

You can’t always get what you want. Thanks Mick. The bush can be really spooky, even in broad daylight. You’re alone, at least you hope you are, your machine makes whistling noises that would attract the dead, and you’re in the homeland of the Dja Dja Wurrung people who want gold prospectors not to gold hunt on these ancient lands. Well sorry guys but I bought my miner’s permit and I’m allowed. Is that ok with you? Pretty please.

There is a lot of dry grass, bone dry fallen branches and eucalyptus trees full of resin. I’m not surprised at the fires and the speed at which they raced through the land.

Ah well, the day is moving on, no gold and I’ve physically had enough. Like a rusty old boiler. Oh, here one is!

Back at the ranch after a Chinese meal and just about to shower and go to bed. I need a change to bring some new luck. Friday 13th wasn’t a gold day, but it was a great day. I’m in the freakin Aussie bush for Christ’s sake (written in a slightly high pitched Australian accent). I’m alive, pronounced aloive, and all is well. I’ve extended the metal detector hire for two more days. I’m moving to a place called Avoca and I’m going to find gold.

Night night.