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Copland Track - worth taking the detector?
gavin  
Posted : Thursday, 21 June 2012 7:58:25 PM(UTC)
gavin

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Howdee all,

Myself and a few mates are hoping to do the Copland Track in the summer. We'll be starting from the east side of the Southern Alps though, crossing over Copland Pass.

Question is... think it's worth me breaking down my detector to fit in my ruck-sack for a bit of gold hunting? Anyone know if the area has had much gold found in it? I'd guess there'd be a bit in the vicinity, but worth the hassle of the extra luggage to carry over?

Cheers,
Gavin
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treeman  
Posted : Thursday, 21 June 2012 8:58:48 PM(UTC)
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I would enjoy the valley. as for the detector I would leave it on the shelf or set some time out on the trip to poke around the west coast somewhere.

cheers Treeman
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simon  
Posted : Thursday, 21 June 2012 10:46:08 PM(UTC)
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gavin, i'm pretty sure i've read from several sources that there is gold coming up with all the hot water that is the hot springs there on the track. this must cool off somewhere you'd think.

i'd be worried more about damaging the detector on the tramp. it's pretty wet there and i hear the track is a good challenge. i haven't been there personally.

i guess if you can get in enough time it would be worth it.

the extra weight might put me off.

you could always pick up a gold bug as they are lighter and don't have all the battery pack waist belt side to it. i've used mine in the rain. just put a plastic bag over the thing and duct tape each end over the detector shaft above and below the box. you can still adjust the knobs easy enough and can see them easy too thru the clear plastic.
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kiwikeith  
Posted : Friday, 22 June 2012 6:20:19 PM(UTC)
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hi gavin
ive crossed the copland 3 times as\well as wisits up to douglas rock hut and welcome flat its a good walk and i personally wouldnt take the detector
but a young fit guy like you wouldnt notice the xtra weight anyway

its a great trip dont forget the ice axe and crampons for the top
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goldtimer  
Posted : Friday, 22 June 2012 8:51:41 PM(UTC)
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Best to enjoy your tramping.... You can't to justice to the both.
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gavin  
Posted : Saturday, 23 June 2012 2:46:36 PM(UTC)
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Cheers for all the advice - much appreciated!

I was thinking it might detract from the tramping experience taking a detector, but figured I'd probably only try to give it a go at the end of each day when settled at a hut. Might be too knackered to want to swing a coil around after walking all day - not sure how hard the track will be.

Good idea regarding trying to get hold of a smaller, lighter Gold Bug - might have to see if I can borrow one. A mate that often joins me on gold missions has been thinking of getting one. Might have to give him some more encouragement! ;)
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goldfinger  
Posted : Monday, 6 August 2012 2:51:25 AM(UTC)
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hi gavin.i worked for Alpine guides Mt Cook for a while... i think the Hooker moraine wall onto Copland ridge will make you wish u had left the detecter at home. i would take some scatching tools to test the creeks on your way down the Copland.i believe there is colour below Welcome flats.
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gavin  
Posted : Monday, 6 August 2012 1:23:02 PM(UTC)
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Hi goldfinger,

Thanks for the advice - very much appreciated! The Hooker moraine wall is sounding interesting!

Cheers,
Gavin :)
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Shelia  
Posted : Monday, 6 August 2012 5:24:24 PM(UTC)
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Goldfinger is right. The moraine is tough enough without any extra weight. Wish I had know there was colour at Welcome Flat. I didn't know & I looked after the hut for a bit. Blast!

Cheers,
S
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