14 July Up early to explore the Sapphire Markets, this is four times the size of Ruby's market. The boys purchase a manly locket to store some of their gems. We say our good byes to those we have met at the RSL. We all really enjoyed our stay here, very peaceful, relaxing and great company. For us, this was by far a more interesting mining town than Lightening Ridge or Cooper Peedy or any other fossicking area we have been to prior. This is the first pl...

11 July Cam and I were up at sunrise to try and find the platypus, but, we think they had a sleep in. A short drive this morning north (approx 120kms) brought us to tonight's camp at Lake Maraboon, a man made irrigation lake, very much like Lake Eildon and Lake Argile. The caravan park is filled with "Mexicans" who come here for months of the year. We are told, they pull into the park and announce they are home. So many roof top tinnies here, my lot are ...

5 July continued. The tour of Coonamble Nakadoo Farm's shed was very interesting. Lots of old bits and pieces from around the area. A set of the old chains and links used as a measurement years and years ago caught my eye. Camo tested the shackles, chain and heavy weight around his ankles, he thought he could escape no worries, we all thought otherwise, a set of these for home and a muffler would be good!. We learnt that the dry sandy river beds in the a...