We had originally planned to head across the Plenty Highway with my Mum & Dad and then do some Zircon hunting with them at the Mud Tank Zircon fields which are about 8okm’s along the Plenty Highway from the Alice Springs end. Unfortunately Mum & Dad weren’t able to come along with us on this trip due to problems with their ute, but they gave us a pick and a sieve and some basic instructions (and directions!!) and off we went! They also told us to look out for ‘Macca’ who they had met the previous year and say g’day to him from them!
So – we found Macca and after a few introductions he was kind enough to show us the ropes and lend us some of his digging tools. We then proceeded to spend the next couple of days getting filthy hunting for Zircons which are quite tricky to pick out from the ironstone. But Matt soon got his eye in (and a bit of an addiction to the chase of the Zircon!) and we had a few nice ones to be sent home to Grunda for cutting. Jack enjoyed it, but the younger two lost interest quite quickly as the Zircons were not as easy to spot as the Opal and Garnets we had found over the last couple of weeks! I enjoyed it but I am well and truly over dirt and dust after the week travelling from Boulia over the Plenty!!
We had a great three days here – again another good free camp spot – no showers but there was a long drop toilet called ‘Sonny’s Dunny’. This will be a spot to revist with the grandparents for sure!
The road in to Mud Tank – much better than the one in to Harts Range
Kids loved having the longer stop to get their lego out for a play
Macca showing us the ropes
Jack searching through the sieve
Lovely lady showing Lex and Toby what to do
‘Come to papa’ – Matt has lost his trusty Ergon Energy hat – it is a major calamity!!
The site where Matt finally got some nice little Zircon’s
Getting the campfire ready
Not a bad view while cooking tea
These boys are obsessed with fire!!
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