Gold rush in Lawrence

After the big city of Christchurch we drove further south and after about 450 km we arrived in the former gold mining town of Lawrence. Gold was found here in 1860 and it was the only place where it didn't stop after a few years and where commercial mining was worthwhile until 1930. As soon as I arrived at our 150 square meter accommodation, I noticed a certain restlessness among the travel companions, but I didn't mind it because dinner was long overdue. So after I had fulfilled my duties as tour guide and driver, I quickly carried the suitcases in and slipped into my role as cook. Because a hungry travel companion is no fun. Birthday or not.

The next morning we were supposed to start and the travel companion had already decided on the route. We went to the old mining site, which now has a small museum and some hiking trails to the prospectors' stations and tunnels.

Once there, the equipment, drinks and sun protection factor were checked. There should no longer be a UV near-death experience.

However, the giant escort did not shoot past the slowly moving steam locomotive as usual, but always stayed behind. Of course it went uphill again and the steam locomotive was happy that it could set the pace. Only occasional scratching noises and falling stones could be heard from behind. At some point it became clear what was going on. The traveling companion was on a gold rush and was looking for nuggets that the gold diggers or all the tourists might have missed. I already knew the view from the Diamantfiber in Namibia, where the desert sand in the restricted area was searched for hours for the small rhinestones. So today there is a gold rush.

At some point we arrived at the viewpoint. At least the view made it worth it. The way back was similar and no matter how much digging was done, unfortunately, unfortunately no nuggets were found.