Forget the Trans-Tasman rivalry going on at the “G” tonight. There was even more at stake today up at the
Blackwood recreation reserve.
Nestled between the Wombat and Lerdederg state forests, the picturesque old mining town was hosting the 21st Annual Australian gold panning championship and yes, contestants from afar afield as the land of the long white cloud were vying for the top honour.
There was a lot of fun had by all, as contestants showed their skills over a set time period to work the vats of pre-prepared ‘paydirt’. Quickly squirreling their finds away into specimen jars to be officially weighed, there was certainly a variety of skill levels on display as they searched for the elusive gold dust. I reckon I heard more bulldust than I saw gold dust though ;-)
Queen Vik and I had popped up to the town as it is only an hour’s drive from
Melbourne and the pub has new owners. A magnificent day to try some good pub fare, listen to some blues and try the luck at gold panning. While she has the fever, neither of us did any good.
Let the games begin - World Championship of gold panning
Look at the concentration - This is gold panning at its best!
Years of intense discipline are required to get to this level of competition
Blackwood hotel, scene of a great parmy and some cool blues.