Alas, the four days I spent at the mother in laws place did not fill me with good fortune. First day, managed to get down to my spot at the falls, decided to check out a few areas especially as it looked like the river had been up 20 feet agin before subsiding. Didn't find much, only fine stuff and not much. Had to be back home in time for dinner at 5pm otherwise mum in law gets a bit cantankerous, and it was her that said "Better get down to the river". So not much time. Next day tried a couple of hours with eldest daugter in tow. She was enjoying herself, slipped and put her bum in the river, cut short that visit. Next day took other daughter, too cold and bored. So off home again.
Sorry folks but where else can I sound off??
The next day, well! Planned to go checkout the public fossicking area at the Lyall. Drove there to find the access was closed off as the Works guys were upgrading the road into the place. Couldn't get in, so turned around, back to Murchison, check out the Mangles but it's still up too high, go down to the Longford Bridge for a scratch, not a speck. Spent the rest of the day chopping and stacking fire wood. I am such a good son in law. Just crap when it comes to finding the bright stuff. Murchison, bloooody cold place in the winter. fog down until after midday so a wee bit of sun before it disappears behind Bunns Hill.
So on Saturday, went to have a look around some likely areas on the Northbank of the Wairau River, namely Bartletts Creek, Quartz creek. Some areas have not seen the sun for a while, just white everywhere. The road inland was closed off due to logging so I couldn't get to a couple of the rivers where alluvial gold has been found in the past. Good day out though. Have to wait for another chance. Only 30 minutes from home. Just have to dodge the loggers.
WWW
