Seven intrepid diggers set out from Marong for the official Bendigo Bonsai Club Dig Day.
It was intended to be a low key day searching for a few trees along the back roads on that side of Bendigo.
The morning was freezing cold but the sun was shining and in the end the weather could not have been better – it was perfect.
We started along the creek among the red gum trees and olives and everyone ended up digging as many olives, hawthorns and a few plums as they wanted.
Next stop was a little tricky, with a single lane bridge, narrow road and no where to park.
A nice chap in a brand new Peugeot and Hi-Viz vest drove up soon after we arrived. It turned out he was inspecting the bridge, and although we had a
friendly conversation about cleaning up the weeds along the creek, I figure he did not trust us as he took down all the number plates of the cars. We
did not know what sort of authority he wielded in the world of government agencies, but we figured that the only thing he had on us was as potential
terrorists plotting to blow up the bridge. Given that we looked wet, tired, and loaded down with botanic specimens, I suspect that we should be OK.
It was worth coming under suspicion from the anti-terrorist government agencies as the digging was excellent. Tim, Gail, Scott and Maureen in
particular carried out some great potential bonsai trees. Species included wild pears, plums and hawthorns.
Next stop was a reserve out the back of Shellbourne for a quick dig for some plums and quinces. After that we had a quick stop for a cup of tea and BBQ
at Johns house then we all rushed off. We were pretty tired by that stage and Gail summed up the feelings of the team when she said she was just
looking forward to a nice hot bath.