One of the things we did while 'down south' was to visit Bannockburn.
Why? you might ask?
Well, because it's there, is one answer. But the real answer is that, it has the best preserved example of the effects of sluicing by gold miners.
So? Well, sluicing was one of the key periods in the evolution of mining techniques. And there is a family connection, albeit not in Bannockburn! One of Desiree's ancestors (a John Edie) operated the first sluicing claim in the Waitahuna Valley.
So we were keen to see what the effects amounted to. And they are amazing! Have a look for yourself.
The area is now home to numerous vineyards and olive groves.
There are sign-boards at the entrance to the reserve to explain what's in front of you
And there are now some lovely wild-flowers growing in this wasteland:
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