Our Rockhounds love food!

The field trip to Britannia Creek in search of quartz crystals and citrine was again a very successful day with over 25 members attending. 

Majority of us all gathered at the club rooms between 7.30 and 8am, with only one late arrival that will go unnamed (Daryl) that still managed to catch up and meet us at Yarra Junction when we arrived around 9.15.  A short trek up the bush track later we squeezed our 12 cars in to the parking area that I am sure was meant for 2 and made our way down the little path to the creek.

Fossicking in the creek

Every one was very enthusiastic and shovels and sieves where being utilized at a frantic pace, which soon gave way to ooh’s and arr’s as the elusive quarry was found to be in more abundance than we had expected.  Many an item was being scurried away into the keeper containers to be further inspected at leisure and the leftrights were being thrown over the left shoulders to be scrutinized by the next lapidarian field trip enthusiasts that happens along.

A BBQ lunch was enjoyed by all after a morning that had reaped a bounty for most and brought on a savage hunger due to a new and un-attractive event for most of us of getting up before the sun and breakfasting before dawn.

Our BBQ lunch - we were starving!

After lunch some of our members departed to return home reluctantly, but most returned to the clear running water of the creek to continue on the adventure of dig and sieve.

John managed to dig up more that he was looking for with a few bullet casings and coins being added to his collection. Gavin tried to dig his way to china again which ended with him taking a wrong step and going down the hole up to his thigh and filling his gum boots with a few gallons of mountain cool water. Ping managed to attract a hungry leach which was a very unwelcome lunch participant. And Lyn, Tammy and husband disappeared down the creek not to be seen again, even when we had all packed up and were heading for home, their cries of "Eureka!" and "leave us here we're fine!" were still being heard off in the distance.

Fossicking in the afternoon

The day was overcast but the radiance of the Essendon member’s love and anticipation that the elusive big one will be in the next shovel full shone through to make us all proud of our chosen hobby.

Some of the quartz crystals and citrine we found.

With sore backs and light hearts we all had a very good day.  A day enjoyed by all that we will look forward to attending again maybe next year.