P&O International Fossil Hunting!
It must be over twelve months since we last told you of our exploits with Essex Rock and Mineral outings. We have been going on trips now for over a couple of years with you guys, and making some new friends along the way, as well as picking up LOTS of tips on fossil preparation.
Some two years ago I sold some mixed fossils on eBay. I had an enquiry from a guy in Italy who asked if I had any fish. I said I did not but would be going to Thirslington quarry again next year. I never kept any email address as I thought it was just a general enquiry. Low and behold, a year and a day later, an email arrives from the same guy asking if I went to the quarry on the dig, and could he buy a fish from me.
To cut a long and boring story short, we ended up communicating via emails for a period of time. I sent him a box of trilobites which worked out more to post than the cost of the air fare, so we both went out to see him in Italy with rug sacks full of fossils. Enrico is a young man, with a passion for fossils, any fossils! His bedroom and house is stuffed full. His ageing mother and father find it amusing that he has so much ROCK!
He arranged for us to go digging in the French Alps, in the middle of December. We were so lucky as they were having a heat wave, bright blue skies and not a cloud in it. Perfect for ammonite and nautilus hunting. So after spending a long weekend we were sad to leave.
It was now our turn to repay the hospitality, and in June Enrico flew over to join us for the annual trip to Thrislington. And if anyone could have seen his face when he found his first fish ….. it was a sight to behold. A young man aged 10 again!
Enrico & Paul – Thrislington June 05
We only stayed the first day and searched the lower levels, although between the 3 of us, we did find 7 complete fish. The camaraderie of the other members is something Enrico had not experienced as there seems to be a lack of clubs of this type in Italy. We don’t realize what we have until someone else points it out for us. We really should support the club in all its guises.
Enrico’s first fish – Thrislington June 05
On the Sunday we decide to try Kettleness which was an adventure in itself. Access to the beach is down a cliff, on a rope which you hope is firmly fixed! It certainly has seen better days.
Enrico’s rope assisted accent of Kettleness June 05
We did find some very nice ammonites, and Enrico found a belemnite complete over 10 inches long. I got talking to a gentleman who had come from Canada who was collecting ammonites off the steep cliffs but waiting for the tide to go completely out so he could look for jet to take back to Canada. I didn’t realize it is such a commercial product.
Now it’s our turn to go back to Italy …. can’t wait!
Paul and Oonagh
Please note: The above article first appeared in our October 2005 Newsletter circulated to members, but without the pictures