We went off prospecting this morning, or 'noodling' as the locals call it when you fossick through the mullock heap looking for opal. We all found a few small bits of potch which is white opal that is worthless. C was so excited at the start but was positively depressed after an hour or so. The ugly side of disappointed youthful enthusiasm. We walked about the town a bit to have a look. Went into several opal places, but then again, every store in town...

The drive down to Coober Pedy was interesting. Firstly, we crossed the border, stopping to take photos. Then we saw a smashed caravan beside the road and I mean it was pulverised into a scattered trail of multi-coloured pieces each no bigger than a shoe. It was completely and totally wrecked. Either it was made of balsa wood or it was hit by a road train. Further on down the road we saw fields of wildflowers: yellow, white, purple and my favourite red. ...