Ken and mbasko,
Was at Durikai today, no gold again. I was getting what is often referred to as "fly poo" with my shovel and pan in a lot of locations, but the bigger stuff still eludes me. I thought a detector would take the game up a notch, but it would seem that this is not so in the area and I am aware of the old exponential size to rarety relationship. I'm swinging a second hand Eureka Gold (didnt want to over do it on the first purchase). I have done as much research as can be done from pressing buttons on a keyboard without paying for information. However, I feel I have made some reasonable interpretations from the available data and tried to get some feet on the ground confirmation, albiet unsuccessfully for number of possible reasons. The most likely being that the area is well worked, and the data is available for that reason. I cant afford a Z thats for sure. I'm starting to think a Pin the Tail on the Donkey approch may get me better results. Also, to hear that Ken running his 4500 is having the same luck as me, is some what of a relief, but some what aggrivating, if results are not forthcoming with a piece of equipment like that what chance do I have?
mbasko, the only reason that Ken and myself are concentrating on the hot rock, is because thats all we have found out there. I like fishing, but if after 10 or 20 trips you get 200 snags, and not one fish, its pretty hard to keep paying for fuel, rego, tackle and rods etc. It's a six hour round trip for me to get to Durikai although I do enjoy being out there.
Back to the rock lol. I picked up one as per your description today Ken. Really sets the detector off like crazy, crushed it and panned it for a bit of fun, nil. And yes, could be some kind of Basalt mbasko, my rock identificatoon skills are still in their infancy, thanks for the ID.