For two days we searched the Golden Triangle, central Victoria, for just a little of that elusive colour.
That intoxicating lust the old timers must have felt was almost palpable here in a region which has given millions over the last 150 years.
Alas despite all our brazen confidence only Mark found the tiniest piece of gold barely larger than the echidna's face on our five cent coin.
It's more than enough however to make sure we come back and try again!
Photo: Robert Rath, 'The Echidna and the Gold', 20s f/16 ISO320 100mm+8mm Ext