Saturday the 27th of August was a fine and warm day, perfect for a Sausage Sizzle. Although there is a busy prospecting season well underway in the Western Australian goldfields, there were enough prospectors and detectorists around to make the Sausage Sizzle at Reeds Prospecting Supplies a highly entertaining and enjoyable event.
Well known prospector, DVD maker, forum and Treasure Talk contributor Jonathan Porter was one of the key draw cards. Jonathan’s broad knowledge of all of the Minelab gold detectors meant that he was able to have conversations with most prospectors as he has a strong working knowledge of each detector and can trouble shoot problems and offer invaluable advice. The recent release of his DVD: Unwrapping the GPX 5000 meant that many people were keen to speak to him about the Minelab GPX 5000; to gain answers to their queries and hopefully get an edge on running the detector. He was kept busy throughout the afternoon discussing various aspects of the GPX 5000 and answering other questions.
Jonathan Porter providing some advice
Another interesting guest visiting from the United States, was Chris Ralph, writer of Fists Full of Gold and Treasure Talk contributor. He explained how he wrote his book, over a ten year period, in response to the need for a book about gold prospecting and geology that was easily read by those who did not have a background in mining engineering or have university geology qualifications. He also said that he had wanted to come to Australia for a long time in order to prospect the West Australian gold fields. He was highly appreciative of the fact that Jonathan Porter had invited him along and that at last he was to fulfil his life-long dream.
Chris Ralf speaking about his latest book 'Fists Full of Gold'
Also at the Sausage Sizzle, all the way from Alaska (USA) was Steve Herschbach. He is from Alaska Mining & Diving Supply, the Minelab dealer in Alaska. He certainly made a few prospectors take note when he told of the difficulties he had getting to his “claims” in order to prospect. He spoke of having to travel by car, then by light plane and then often by helicopter into remote and mountainous locations. He also spoke of his need to be wary and cautious of the native fauna – in this case bears and some deadly snakes! I think that there are a few Australian prospectors who will not complain about their long flat drive in air-conditioned comfort in the West Australian goldfields again. Steve was also appreciative of the fact that he too had been invited to go prospecting by Jonathan Porter.
Steve Herschbach speaking about his metal detecting adventures in Alaska
It was an entertaining and informative afternoon, enjoying the spring sunshine, conversing with a large number of prospectors and coming away feeling that it had been a thoroughly rewarding and friendly occasion.
Reeds Prospecting Supplies
Thanks go to Jeff and the staff at Reeds Prospecting Supplies, Jonathan Porter, Chris Ralph, Steve Herschbach and all of the guests who supported this event.
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