"Outback Opal Hunters" Glory Days

1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,999 NARRATOR: On Outback Opal Hunters... 2 00:00:04,000 --> 00:00:05,599 MAN 1: She was cracked up. 3 00:00:05,680 --> 00:00:07,279 ..Bushmen Rod and Les 4 00:00:07,360 --> 00:00:11,399 resort to felling their own timber to support a dangerous mine route. 5 00:00:12,440 --> 00:00:14,199 MAN 2: Trying to kill me? 6 00:00:14,280 --> 00:00:15,999 It must just be really, really hard. 7 00:00:16,080 --> 00:00:18,839 Rory and Oscar Cheal are forced to operate 8 00:00:18,920 --> 00:00:22,519 their dad's 20-tonne drill rig for the first time. 9 00:00:22,600 --> 00:00:25,479 What are you doing? Moved over there.Why? 10 00:00:25,560 --> 00:00:27,159 It's the moment of truth. 11 00:00:27,240 --> 00:00:31,519 New family team the Tarontos struggle to find opal 12 00:00:31,600 --> 00:00:33,199 on their massive claim... 13 00:00:33,280 --> 00:00:35,679 Could have a disappointment. I don't feel good. 14 00:00:35,760 --> 00:00:39,679 ..and are struck down by sickness hundreds of kilometres from help. 15 00:00:39,760 --> 00:00:42,839 For him to walk out of the hole's...a big thing. 16 00:00:45,960 --> 00:00:47,559 # Money 17 00:00:49,840 --> 00:00:52,959 # And fancy clothes # 18 00:00:54,000 --> 00:01:00,074 Watch Online Movies and Series for FREE www.osdb.link/lm 19 00:01:02,520 --> 00:01:04,639 ROD: Yeah, heading out on me own again today. 20 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:07,999 Our father's sort of gotten crook again. 21 00:01:10,920 --> 00:01:12,839 I've been on my own for a fair while now 22 00:01:12,920 --> 00:01:15,159 cos he's just not been well enough to work. 23 00:01:16,440 --> 00:01:19,399 It's tough working on your own, especially in dangerous ground. 24 00:01:20,760 --> 00:01:22,839 The risks are so great. 25 00:01:27,720 --> 00:01:29,919 All right. Better get down there. 26 00:01:31,160 --> 00:01:33,799 Oh, Les. Yeah, I'm very concerned about him. 27 00:01:33,880 --> 00:01:37,759 He's had to go down to the city to get checked up by the docs. 28 00:01:38,960 --> 00:01:41,199 He's been having those problems with his heart. 29 00:01:43,360 --> 00:01:45,799 Where we're working is very, very dangerous ground. 30 00:01:45,880 --> 00:01:47,959 God! 31 00:01:48,040 --> 00:01:50,039 Something happens to me when I'm under there 32 00:01:50,120 --> 00:01:51,799 on my own, and then I'm . 33 00:01:54,800 --> 00:01:58,319 Oh, mate. Good on you, mate! 34 00:01:58,400 --> 00:02:03,119 Last month, Rod teamed up with his neighbours Sanger and Pat, 35 00:02:03,200 --> 00:02:07,879 unearthing $85,000 worth of crystal opal. 36 00:02:07,960 --> 00:02:10,039 85k does sound like a lot. 37 00:02:10,120 --> 00:02:14,719 But when you start and you split it four ways, not a real lot. 38 00:02:14,800 --> 00:02:18,839 It just pays the bills that I've run up since the last good find. 39 00:02:19,880 --> 00:02:22,559 This is where we were working with Sanger and the boys. 40 00:02:22,640 --> 00:02:25,799 This is where we hit the good money. It just got too dangerous. 41 00:02:25,880 --> 00:02:28,199 You know, I was real worried about the roof here. 42 00:02:28,280 --> 00:02:29,879 There's nothing holding it up. 43 00:02:29,960 --> 00:02:32,879 The rock there fell out last night. It wasn't there yesterday. 44 00:02:32,960 --> 00:02:36,199 Big there. You know, and that'll kill you if it hits ya. 45 00:02:38,560 --> 00:02:41,399 I had to pull out where Sanger and Les were working there 46 00:02:41,480 --> 00:02:44,959 because it got too dangerous and I've moved down to the side. 47 00:02:45,040 --> 00:02:47,679 Four metres from the precarious roof, 48 00:02:47,760 --> 00:02:52,999 Rod is hunting black opal worth $43,000 a gram. 49 00:02:53,080 --> 00:02:57,199 But operating the digger, even this distance from the unstable ceiling, 50 00:02:57,280 --> 00:02:59,679 is high risk. 51 00:02:59,760 --> 00:03:03,959 I'm digging away here, and I can have a collapse just there, 52 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:07,199 which can rock block this drive off, so I'm not gonna get out. 53 00:03:07,280 --> 00:03:08,879 You know, I'm sitting here. 54 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:10,639 Don't like to think about it. 55 00:03:13,440 --> 00:03:15,039 I've got to find colour. 56 00:03:15,120 --> 00:03:17,159 This is where the colour is. 57 00:03:17,240 --> 00:03:19,759 I can dig safer ground but colour there. 58 00:03:20,960 --> 00:03:24,599 Our goal last year was to find enough money so I could set 59 00:03:24,680 --> 00:03:26,519 Les up to retire. 60 00:03:26,600 --> 00:03:29,639 Last year didn't work out and this year, 61 00:03:29,720 --> 00:03:32,999 it's tough because I'm on my own but that's still my goal. 62 00:03:33,080 --> 00:03:34,679 He's been a good old mate. 63 00:03:34,760 --> 00:03:37,079 We've been through a hell of a lot together. 64 00:03:37,160 --> 00:03:39,119 And it means something to me to be able to... 65 00:03:40,400 --> 00:03:42,839 to be able to just give him a better life, you know? 66 00:03:44,120 --> 00:03:48,439 Last year, 74-year-old Les suffered serious burns 67 00:03:48,520 --> 00:03:50,959 to his body in a petrol explosion. 68 00:03:51,040 --> 00:03:54,639 And his recovery has been stalled by further setbacks. 69 00:04:00,760 --> 00:04:02,359 LES: Hey, Rod. 70 00:04:04,400 --> 00:04:05,999 Hey, Rod. 71 00:04:07,120 --> 00:04:08,799 Hey.What are you doing? 72 00:04:08,880 --> 00:04:11,399 You're supposed to be down the city seeing a vet. 73 00:04:11,480 --> 00:04:15,999 Yeah, I just got back. Is it good news or bad news? 74 00:04:16,080 --> 00:04:17,679 Probably not real good. 75 00:04:17,760 --> 00:04:21,559 Oh, Jesus! OK, all right, mate. Hang on, I'll come up. 76 00:04:27,000 --> 00:04:30,199 MICKY: How far back you coming? JOE: Back there, not far. 77 00:04:30,280 --> 00:04:33,999 Joe's gonna come in here and cut a ramping over there with the digger. 78 00:04:34,080 --> 00:04:36,919 Just to get rid of this bit of overburden on mulling 79 00:04:37,000 --> 00:04:40,639 on the top here, so it's safe and there's no overhang. 80 00:04:40,720 --> 00:04:43,839 And then, we'll be able to bring in the drill. 81 00:04:43,920 --> 00:04:46,919 In Outback Queensland, Micky Taranto, 82 00:04:47,000 --> 00:04:52,079 brother Joe and his son Jack are deep in their open cut mine 83 00:04:52,160 --> 00:04:56,479 building a ramp for their exploratory drill to access the pit. 84 00:04:56,560 --> 00:04:58,199 Always put safety number one, 85 00:04:58,280 --> 00:05:01,999 and I just gotta bit position myself so I can move that ramp out. 86 00:05:03,800 --> 00:05:06,359 That edge is a bit loose. 87 00:05:06,440 --> 00:05:08,119 If you're digging it from the front, 88 00:05:08,200 --> 00:05:11,319 you can always get yourself out of that . 89 00:05:11,400 --> 00:05:14,359 If you're digging it from the side, there's no chance. 90 00:05:14,440 --> 00:05:16,799 You got to know what you're doing with the digger. 91 00:05:16,880 --> 00:05:20,519 You always got to keep your bucket in the front, the autos in front. 92 00:05:20,600 --> 00:05:24,879 JOE: The quickest I can get at it is by having my arm at full stretch. 93 00:05:26,920 --> 00:05:30,879 I'll need to stay in over the edge sometimes, but really soft ground. 94 00:05:30,960 --> 00:05:33,159 The ground can actually collapse underneath me. 95 00:05:35,800 --> 00:05:40,439 Up for a new adventure? Yeah.Off to the opal fields. 96 00:05:40,520 --> 00:05:42,119 To find the big one. 97 00:05:42,200 --> 00:05:44,559 VIVIANE: Taranto's valley, here we come. 98 00:05:44,640 --> 00:05:48,599 One week ago, Micky Taranto, his wife Viviane 99 00:05:48,680 --> 00:05:51,119 and their three-year-old-daughter Felicia 100 00:05:51,200 --> 00:05:54,479 drove 1,000km from the Queensland coast 101 00:05:54,560 --> 00:05:57,599 to Opalton, a remote desert outpost, 102 00:05:57,680 --> 00:06:00,959 where 50 degree temperatures and torrential storms 103 00:06:01,040 --> 00:06:05,479 have shaped one of the most inhospitable habitats on earth. 104 00:06:05,560 --> 00:06:07,559 Finally here. 105 00:06:07,640 --> 00:06:10,039 Hey.Hey, bro, how are you?Hey. 106 00:06:10,120 --> 00:06:11,719 Enjoying life, man. 107 00:06:11,800 --> 00:06:13,999 They've come to help Big Brother Joe 108 00:06:14,080 --> 00:06:16,519 continue a family dream. 109 00:06:16,600 --> 00:06:18,199 My dad and brother, 110 00:06:18,280 --> 00:06:21,119 when they hit opal, I was seven years old. 111 00:06:21,200 --> 00:06:23,719 I jumped over bit of spinifex grass 112 00:06:23,800 --> 00:06:26,159 and my dad looked down when I was jumping over 113 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:28,399 and he spotted a bit of colour. 114 00:06:28,480 --> 00:06:32,039 I just remember pancake boulders coming out everywhere. 115 00:06:32,120 --> 00:06:36,319 The best opal I've ever found in my life was from that first spot. 116 00:06:36,400 --> 00:06:39,999 Yeah, it's been 30 years since I've come across that opal 117 00:06:40,080 --> 00:06:42,279 but nothing compares to that. 118 00:06:42,360 --> 00:06:44,199 Oh, yeah, I feel like I missed out. 119 00:06:44,280 --> 00:06:46,679 I've had a few punts at it over the years, 120 00:06:46,760 --> 00:06:49,959 trying to find the big one like Joe and Dad did. 121 00:06:50,040 --> 00:06:51,759 But never quite got the big one. 122 00:06:51,840 --> 00:06:54,439 And I did miss out, and I'm keen to find it. 123 00:06:58,840 --> 00:07:04,319 What?What? I would like a red or orange and pink. 124 00:07:04,400 --> 00:07:06,479 Vivi's a farm girl from Brazil. 125 00:07:06,560 --> 00:07:09,959 So she naturally loves this type of country. 126 00:07:10,040 --> 00:07:13,159 With Joe's son Jack and partner Tash, 127 00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:17,879 the whole family has come together to seek their fortune. 128 00:07:17,960 --> 00:07:20,199 Finding opal for us in the moment 129 00:07:20,280 --> 00:07:22,159 has a few different meanings. 130 00:07:22,240 --> 00:07:27,079 So, we have been through such a challenging time, 131 00:07:27,160 --> 00:07:29,319 due to sickness, you know, I had breast cancer 132 00:07:29,400 --> 00:07:31,999 and the doctor said to us we couldn't have kids, 133 00:07:32,080 --> 00:07:34,439 and after a few years, we got Felicia through IVF. 134 00:07:36,040 --> 00:07:40,159 We want to have more kids, so it's important to find some opals 135 00:07:40,240 --> 00:07:44,199 so we can get the IVF done again so we can grow our family. 136 00:07:44,280 --> 00:07:47,439 We only got one chance and it'll cost money. 137 00:07:48,800 --> 00:07:51,519 It's enough for all of us. Yeah, got everything in there. 138 00:07:53,440 --> 00:07:56,479 Tash, she's my life partner and my mining partner. 139 00:07:56,560 --> 00:07:58,599 Joe, are you coming?Yes... 140 00:07:58,680 --> 00:08:02,879 Joe's story is, his first two years of mining, he found big opal, 141 00:08:02,960 --> 00:08:05,879 but all that money, he has nothing to show for it 142 00:08:05,960 --> 00:08:08,279 because it all went back into mining. 143 00:08:10,240 --> 00:08:12,439 Season target's 250. 144 00:08:12,520 --> 00:08:14,719 That'd be a really, really good kick off 145 00:08:14,800 --> 00:08:16,999 to everything that we're trying to achieve. 146 00:08:18,280 --> 00:08:22,559 The whole lot of us together, finding that big one, 147 00:08:22,640 --> 00:08:25,599 that will just unite us and make it so special. 148 00:08:28,720 --> 00:08:30,759 So here we go out, out to the new place. 149 00:08:30,840 --> 00:08:34,879 I haven't seen it for a while. Can't wait to show you all the work I've done there, mate. 150 00:08:34,960 --> 00:08:37,599 You've gone and moved a lot of dirt over the years. 151 00:08:37,680 --> 00:08:39,599 Yeah. Have a look at that. 152 00:08:39,680 --> 00:08:41,599 Massive, isn't it? 153 00:08:41,680 --> 00:08:43,799 The Tarantos' open cut mine 154 00:08:43,880 --> 00:08:47,119 sits on a mammoth 21-hectare claim, 155 00:08:47,200 --> 00:08:50,719 which Joe has worked down to a depth of eight metres. 156 00:08:52,480 --> 00:08:54,359 I brought a surprise in for you, Micky. 157 00:08:54,440 --> 00:08:58,719 Yeah.Yeah, just to bring back that excitement and just memories 158 00:08:58,800 --> 00:09:00,879 from way back of the stone that we found. 159 00:09:00,960 --> 00:09:04,759 Never forget that stone's the one that you and Dad found together in this area, eh? 160 00:09:04,840 --> 00:09:07,319 Yeah, that's the one. So, it's a Harlequin stone. 161 00:09:07,400 --> 00:09:10,399 So, you don't see many like this. It's amazing. 162 00:09:10,480 --> 00:09:12,079 Nothing like it. 163 00:09:12,160 --> 00:09:15,559 This is what makes you want to go back and try to find more, right? 164 00:09:15,640 --> 00:09:18,039 Yeah, yeah. Harlequin opal is very rare. 165 00:09:18,120 --> 00:09:20,879 It's named after the Harlequin Pantomime costume. 166 00:09:21,960 --> 00:09:24,919 When you get a clean Harlequin, there's...nothing beats it. 167 00:09:25,000 --> 00:09:27,679 It's what we're after. It's what dreams are made out of. 168 00:09:27,760 --> 00:09:30,839 That's my house renovated or your wedding done. 169 00:09:30,920 --> 00:09:34,599 Yeah.All of Vivi's medical conditions fixed.All our dreams. 170 00:09:34,680 --> 00:09:36,279 We only need one stone. 171 00:09:45,200 --> 00:09:48,359 A long way to come, boys, to not be able to go dig. 172 00:09:48,440 --> 00:09:52,719 MAN 1: It's just frustrating, man, like we want to get out here and get the season rolling. 173 00:09:52,800 --> 00:09:55,239 You know and this poxy rain doesn't help. 174 00:09:55,320 --> 00:09:57,319 It's just more pressure, you know? 175 00:09:57,400 --> 00:10:00,239 Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. 176 00:10:00,320 --> 00:10:02,439 famous for black opal, 177 00:10:02,520 --> 00:10:06,199 crippling summer droughts and deadly flash floods. 178 00:10:06,280 --> 00:10:08,199 CHRIS: Yeah, opal's hard enough to find. 179 00:10:08,280 --> 00:10:10,879 We haven't got the opportunity to actually dig for it. 180 00:10:10,960 --> 00:10:12,759 We got zero chance now.Yeah. 181 00:10:12,840 --> 00:10:16,039 OSCAR: Heavy rain overnight. We're going out now to check out the road 182 00:10:16,120 --> 00:10:19,359 to see if we can get out to the claim. If not, it'll put us out again. 183 00:10:19,440 --> 00:10:23,359 And then, there's no point, really in being out here, we might as well be in Sydney. 184 00:10:23,440 --> 00:10:26,599 You get wet in these dams, innit? Yeah. 185 00:10:26,680 --> 00:10:28,479 I can't see this road at all. 186 00:10:28,560 --> 00:10:30,159 Oh, well, moment of truth, eh? 187 00:10:31,280 --> 00:10:32,879 Right, lads. 188 00:10:34,600 --> 00:10:37,359 Far out. We just can't get a win, can we? 189 00:10:40,280 --> 00:10:45,039 This season, Chris' sons Rory and Oscar have doubled down, 190 00:10:45,120 --> 00:10:47,639 putting their university studies on hold, 191 00:10:47,720 --> 00:10:50,239 as they attempt to launch their new business, 192 00:10:50,320 --> 00:10:51,919 Cheal Opal. 193 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:53,599 Got a bit of a present for you. 194 00:10:54,960 --> 00:10:57,839 Look what I brought last night. 195 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:03,959 It's probably been the worst start of the season we could've had. 196 00:11:04,040 --> 00:11:05,959 We just got to generate some opal and... 197 00:11:06,040 --> 00:11:08,359 and turn some money over. 198 00:11:08,440 --> 00:11:11,599 We've got a season target of 150,000 and... 199 00:11:11,680 --> 00:11:14,359 the delays we've had, that puts the pressure on. 200 00:11:16,560 --> 00:11:20,159 Next morning, the road to their mine is open. 201 00:11:20,240 --> 00:11:22,599 But access to their second agitator, 202 00:11:22,680 --> 00:11:26,879 which allows them to double the amount of opal dirt they process, 203 00:11:26,960 --> 00:11:28,559 remains shut. 204 00:11:28,640 --> 00:11:30,439 So, what's the plan? 205 00:11:30,520 --> 00:11:32,759 Start her up and go and get into it, you know? 206 00:11:32,840 --> 00:11:35,319 Can't get across the lake, the edge is too wet. 207 00:11:35,400 --> 00:11:38,039 So...three of us will just go in. 208 00:11:38,120 --> 00:11:41,519 Dig in that one side? Yeah, we're just gonna have to file one side up. 209 00:11:45,400 --> 00:11:49,679 We got about 20 metres to go before we are where we need to be. 210 00:12:09,360 --> 00:12:11,759 How do you feel about dumping on the rig? 211 00:12:11,840 --> 00:12:14,839 I think that's the smartest thing to do. The rigs are sacred. 212 00:12:14,920 --> 00:12:17,399 We should have it down as much as we can.Correct. 213 00:12:17,480 --> 00:12:20,359 Or we can drill away for couple hundred bucks. 214 00:12:20,440 --> 00:12:23,679 OK.You know, so if you can locate something that we can drive to. 215 00:12:26,560 --> 00:12:30,279 The Cheals' mega-claim is 22 blocks of land. 216 00:12:30,360 --> 00:12:34,239 The mining right's costing the team $7,000 a year. 217 00:12:35,400 --> 00:12:37,119 While Chris mines underground, 218 00:12:37,200 --> 00:12:41,319 he'll need the boys to operate the auger drill for the first time 219 00:12:41,400 --> 00:12:44,879 to determine which blocks show signs of opal 220 00:12:44,960 --> 00:12:47,559 and which claims aren't worth keeping. 221 00:12:47,640 --> 00:12:50,999 You drilled through it before?Yeah. Think our rig will get through it? 222 00:12:51,080 --> 00:12:53,439 You just gotta be patient with it and I'll just... 223 00:12:53,520 --> 00:12:55,679 Just gonna have to take you to the right strat. 224 00:13:00,680 --> 00:13:04,279 Hang on, mate. I'll come up there behind you.Righto, mate. 225 00:13:04,360 --> 00:13:07,239 Yeah, I don't wanna climb all the way up this ladder 226 00:13:07,320 --> 00:13:09,799 if it's not good news, Les. 227 00:13:09,880 --> 00:13:13,639 After a doctor's appointment to assess his ailing health, 228 00:13:13,720 --> 00:13:17,199 74-year-old Les Walsh is back at the mine. 229 00:13:19,480 --> 00:13:22,519 Now, what'd the vet say? He said I'll survive a bit longer. 230 00:13:22,600 --> 00:13:25,719 You're allowed back down or... Yeah...or you have to stay up here? 231 00:13:25,800 --> 00:13:27,879 I'm my own boss. I can go down the pulley. 232 00:13:27,960 --> 00:13:29,639 You can come down?I'll come down. 233 00:13:29,720 --> 00:13:32,119 And the doc said it's all right for you to go down? 234 00:13:32,200 --> 00:13:35,359 Yeah, he didn't say I couldn't.We got some problems down there, Les. 235 00:13:35,440 --> 00:13:38,479 Yeah.So I need you firing on all four cylinders, mate. 236 00:13:38,560 --> 00:13:41,479 Why don't you grab your helmet? We'll go down and have a look. 237 00:13:42,560 --> 00:13:44,159 It's good to be back. 238 00:13:44,240 --> 00:13:46,479 Back at the bush where you can breathe properly. 239 00:13:49,040 --> 00:13:52,879 The body don't feel too bad. It's just a matter of will and handling. 240 00:13:54,880 --> 00:13:57,279 You all right?Yeah. 241 00:13:57,360 --> 00:14:01,399 You survived the climb. Yeah, I was all right coming down. 242 00:14:01,480 --> 00:14:04,479 Things have changed a lot, mate, since I got that opal down here. 243 00:14:04,560 --> 00:14:07,439 All right, good.You see this? 244 00:14:07,520 --> 00:14:09,839 That's downright dangerous. 245 00:14:09,920 --> 00:14:12,359 It's a tomb if the roof comes down. 246 00:14:12,440 --> 00:14:14,359 No matter how much opal you find, 247 00:14:14,440 --> 00:14:17,719 if you get buried under a couple of tons of this, you can't spend it. 248 00:14:17,800 --> 00:14:19,719 You should've added a couple of props in. 249 00:14:19,800 --> 00:14:22,439 All right then, Les. Well, if you reckon you're up to it, 250 00:14:22,520 --> 00:14:25,839 we might go and cut a few props and get a bit organised to prop her, eh? 251 00:14:25,920 --> 00:14:27,519 Yes, I think we better. 252 00:14:29,080 --> 00:14:31,639 We need a few props, so we're gonna go out 253 00:14:31,720 --> 00:14:33,959 and scrub and try and find a few props. 254 00:14:36,000 --> 00:14:37,599 You all right?Yeah. 255 00:14:39,160 --> 00:14:42,679 The off-the-grid Grawin opal fields are surrounded 256 00:14:42,760 --> 00:14:46,399 by hundreds of kilometres of semi-arid woodland, 257 00:14:46,480 --> 00:14:48,359 scattered with Cyprus pines. 258 00:14:49,680 --> 00:14:52,879 We've just come out of worst drought on living memory. 259 00:14:52,960 --> 00:14:56,159 Probably 98 per cent of the pines have died. 260 00:14:56,240 --> 00:14:58,359 They are the ones we use for propping. 261 00:14:59,720 --> 00:15:01,919 Well, the drought's well and truly broken, Les, 262 00:15:02,000 --> 00:15:04,959 but crikey, didn't it do some damage. 263 00:15:06,280 --> 00:15:10,279 We'll be battling to get enough out of here. If any. 264 00:15:10,360 --> 00:15:12,319 Well, I haven't seen one, yeah. 265 00:15:12,400 --> 00:15:14,919 The props we use out here are Cyprus pines. 266 00:15:15,000 --> 00:15:16,599 Yeah, they've been tested 267 00:15:16,680 --> 00:15:19,759 and they've found to be the strongest of the lot. 268 00:15:19,840 --> 00:15:23,039 Jesus, it's hard to find one that's not dead, mate. 269 00:15:23,120 --> 00:15:24,719 I can't find a live one. 270 00:15:26,720 --> 00:15:28,479 I don't know what we're gonna do, mate. 271 00:15:28,560 --> 00:15:30,919 We can't mine unless we find something alive. 272 00:15:32,080 --> 00:15:35,599 Dead ones are no good.Nah, they haven't got the strength. 273 00:15:35,680 --> 00:15:38,359 They're not looking too good. Not looking good at all. 274 00:15:44,520 --> 00:15:47,839 Just hold it up temporary for now. Yeah.And then, I'll try and... 275 00:15:47,920 --> 00:15:51,079 swing in like that and then I'll bring the machine around into it. 276 00:15:51,160 --> 00:15:52,799 Yeah.All right?I'm on your page. 277 00:15:52,880 --> 00:15:55,399 Brothers Joe and Micky Taranto 278 00:15:55,480 --> 00:15:59,399 are working together for the first time in 16 years, 279 00:15:59,480 --> 00:16:03,039 hoping to revive the glory days of the family claim. 280 00:16:03,120 --> 00:16:04,719 This is the start of it. 281 00:16:05,800 --> 00:16:08,759 To start to finding the opal, you've gotta use the drill to... 282 00:16:10,320 --> 00:16:14,119 to find where the levels are at and hopefully hit some opal with the drill. 283 00:16:14,200 --> 00:16:15,799 No drill, no opal. 284 00:16:18,640 --> 00:16:20,239 I'll get it again.You all right. 285 00:16:25,240 --> 00:16:28,239 Keep going that way. Yeah, that's it. 286 00:16:28,320 --> 00:16:30,639 Crowd up, yeah. 287 00:16:30,720 --> 00:16:34,319 One wrong move and I'm in the again.Yeah, I know. 288 00:16:34,400 --> 00:16:35,999 Yeah. 289 00:16:38,400 --> 00:16:39,999 Yeah, back on the opal hunt. 290 00:16:40,080 --> 00:16:42,679 Now we're ready to go now, we're laughing. 291 00:16:42,760 --> 00:16:46,559 Nine metres long and 50cm in diameter, 292 00:16:46,640 --> 00:16:50,399 the Tarantos' auger drill weighs in at three tonnes. 293 00:16:51,800 --> 00:16:54,799 Down to the can, find that opal. 294 00:16:56,640 --> 00:16:59,199 My wife, Viviane, has been through a lot. 295 00:16:59,280 --> 00:17:01,639 And I just want to make her better. 296 00:17:01,720 --> 00:17:05,039 Without finding opal, we can't have another child. 297 00:17:05,120 --> 00:17:08,879 There's a lot of things riding on finding the big one. 298 00:17:10,800 --> 00:17:14,359 Say, you're mapping out the area with the drill. 299 00:17:15,680 --> 00:17:17,599 It's your eyes on to the ground. 300 00:17:17,680 --> 00:17:20,439 At the moment, just drilling for a sand stone. 301 00:17:20,520 --> 00:17:24,399 But we're waiting to hear a grinding noise, we hear the . 302 00:17:24,480 --> 00:17:26,759 And that means you're cutting through the level. 303 00:17:29,320 --> 00:17:31,039 This is the moment of truth, so... 304 00:17:31,120 --> 00:17:33,759 this is where we can see what the ground's doing. 305 00:17:33,840 --> 00:17:35,919 This is our eyes on to the ground. 306 00:17:36,000 --> 00:17:38,479 We're getting our first glimpse 307 00:17:38,560 --> 00:17:40,159 on what's deeper. 308 00:17:43,920 --> 00:17:46,639 We're getting the old rig out, see if he goes. 309 00:17:50,280 --> 00:17:52,999 Unreal, eh? Haven't seen it in months. 310 00:17:54,560 --> 00:17:57,399 With access to one of their opal wash plants 311 00:17:57,480 --> 00:18:00,199 impossible due to flooded roads, 312 00:18:00,280 --> 00:18:04,719 Chris needs sons Rory and Oscar to operate his 20-tonne, 313 00:18:04,800 --> 00:18:09,199 $120,000 auger drill for the first time. 314 00:18:09,280 --> 00:18:12,719 We're still on one set of gear cos we can't get back across to the lake 315 00:18:12,800 --> 00:18:14,719 to the second agitator, so... 316 00:18:14,800 --> 00:18:18,399 it just makes sense to get the drill rig fired up and get them on that. 317 00:18:18,480 --> 00:18:21,839 You two boys, when you're lifting the tower or whatever... 318 00:18:21,920 --> 00:18:24,159 Yeah...always stand clear of the auger. 319 00:18:24,240 --> 00:18:26,599 Cos if you go half way up you know and... 320 00:18:26,680 --> 00:18:28,919 It just uncouples, it'll just come straight out. 321 00:18:29,000 --> 00:18:31,159 So, if you be mindful of that. 322 00:18:31,240 --> 00:18:34,199 If it takes you out, if it takes your legs out or your head out 323 00:18:34,280 --> 00:18:36,519 and you know, that's something we can't replace. 324 00:18:38,040 --> 00:18:41,239 It's a pretty big deal for Dad to trust us with the drill rig 325 00:18:41,320 --> 00:18:44,119 on our own because it can be quite dangerous. 326 00:18:44,200 --> 00:18:47,679 So, him leaving it to us shows he has a lot of faith in us. 327 00:18:47,760 --> 00:18:49,759 So we have to do it right. 328 00:18:49,840 --> 00:18:51,919 But the boys will have to be on their guard. 329 00:18:52,000 --> 00:18:53,639 It's a dangerous bit of machinery. 330 00:18:53,720 --> 00:18:56,239 There's no messing around, there's no second chances. 331 00:18:59,040 --> 00:19:02,159 The auger drill needs to penetrate a cement-like 332 00:19:02,240 --> 00:19:04,959 silcrete caprock at three metres 333 00:19:05,040 --> 00:19:08,679 before taking samples from the opal-bearing dirt layer, 334 00:19:08,760 --> 00:19:13,039 stopping at the drill's maximum depth of 27 metres. 335 00:19:18,120 --> 00:19:21,399 I'll get back digging.Yeah, so we can do the next hole by ourselves? 336 00:19:21,480 --> 00:19:24,039 I think so.Yeah, all good. All right. 337 00:19:24,120 --> 00:19:25,719 I'll leave youse to it then. 338 00:19:25,800 --> 00:19:27,519 Just come and get me if you need me. 339 00:19:27,600 --> 00:19:29,199 Shut her off. 340 00:19:31,440 --> 00:19:34,279 Dad's giving us the rundown on the drill rig. 341 00:19:34,360 --> 00:19:37,999 He's just going back underneath to start digging again. 342 00:19:38,080 --> 00:19:41,119 So, we're gonna move the rig to the next hole and keep on going. 343 00:19:42,200 --> 00:19:45,039 We're probably 400 metres away from where Dad is. 344 00:19:45,120 --> 00:19:47,279 We're gonna drive over and probably head 345 00:19:47,360 --> 00:19:49,519 10-15m ahead of where he's digging. 346 00:19:49,600 --> 00:19:52,039 So... you know, if we punch a hole down there 347 00:19:52,120 --> 00:19:55,039 and colour's coming up, we know exactly where to dig too and... 348 00:19:55,120 --> 00:19:57,679 you know, chances are, we're getting paid. 349 00:19:57,760 --> 00:19:59,719 In that spot there, eh?About there. 350 00:19:59,800 --> 00:20:02,479 I recon that'll be our best chance of doing some colour. 351 00:20:02,560 --> 00:20:04,159 Come straight back for a bit. 352 00:20:05,640 --> 00:20:07,239 Now turn. 353 00:20:07,320 --> 00:20:09,799 I do like the look of this country. I mean, we've heard 354 00:20:09,880 --> 00:20:12,839 some very good things about it, but I'd like to see for myself. 355 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:15,719 Yeah, it's pretty bang on. All right, yeah. It's on the money. 356 00:20:15,800 --> 00:20:17,399 Perfect.All right. 357 00:20:25,920 --> 00:20:28,119 We're just gonna bring it up to check the teeth. 358 00:20:28,200 --> 00:20:30,399 Cos sometimes, this cuts so hard 359 00:20:30,480 --> 00:20:32,279 that it actually wears the teeth back. 360 00:20:32,360 --> 00:20:34,039 That's probably why it's not going. 361 00:20:34,120 --> 00:20:36,959 Cos that drill had to be loose to be whiling around here. 362 00:20:37,040 --> 00:20:39,239 This is just starting to rattle out, this pin. 363 00:20:39,320 --> 00:20:41,359 So, if we didn't bring it up and check it, 364 00:20:41,440 --> 00:20:44,759 that pin could have come out and the whole head could have dropped off. 365 00:20:44,840 --> 00:20:48,279 We would have lost it.Yeah, I think Dad'd be very angry if we lost that. 366 00:20:48,360 --> 00:20:49,959 So, lucky we brought it up. 367 00:20:52,720 --> 00:20:55,239 That was lucky, yeah. That was actually really lucky. 368 00:20:58,000 --> 00:21:01,119 I don't even know how to get it chattering like it was over there. 369 00:21:03,200 --> 00:21:06,319 It looks right, it must just be really, really hard, honestly. 370 00:21:06,400 --> 00:21:08,679 Do you wanna go get Dad? Well, yeah, we have to. 371 00:21:14,240 --> 00:21:17,399 Geez, it's hard to find one that's not dead, mate. 372 00:21:17,480 --> 00:21:19,679 I can't find a live one. 373 00:21:19,760 --> 00:21:22,999 Maybe that.Maybe that one. Maybe that one there. 374 00:21:24,040 --> 00:21:26,319 Good as we're gonna get, old fella. 375 00:21:26,400 --> 00:21:28,639 This is our new chainsaw, I bought, lads. 376 00:21:28,720 --> 00:21:31,679 It's an expensive one too, mate. 150 bucks. 377 00:21:31,760 --> 00:21:34,439 A dangerous roof in Billy Goat's mine 378 00:21:34,520 --> 00:21:37,439 has the Bushmen searching for a drought stricken landscape, 379 00:21:37,520 --> 00:21:40,199 for Cyprus pines to use as props. 380 00:21:49,640 --> 00:21:52,359 Nearly put it in the forest, mate. Get to the payout. 381 00:21:53,640 --> 00:21:56,879 See that tree over there, mate? That's a good one, that one. 382 00:21:56,960 --> 00:22:00,719 What do you reckon we knock her out and drag her home?Yeah. 383 00:22:00,800 --> 00:22:05,119 It might be a little bit exciting, Les. I think it might have a wind crack in it. 384 00:22:05,200 --> 00:22:08,519 It's got a wind crack in it. So, they can explode on you. 385 00:22:08,600 --> 00:22:10,959 Ah, but we'll give her a go, mate. Give her a try. 386 00:22:12,040 --> 00:22:14,599 If I don't make it, Les, you can have my cowboy boots. 387 00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:18,519 They're no good to me. Probably too small. 388 00:22:27,720 --> 00:22:29,999 Jesus, Les. She was cracked up. 389 00:22:31,000 --> 00:22:32,759 Yeah, see all these cracks here? 390 00:22:32,840 --> 00:22:37,999 When...the pressure gets on this as it goes over, 391 00:22:38,080 --> 00:22:39,679 they kick and split out. 392 00:22:40,680 --> 00:22:42,319 And if you're in the road, well... 393 00:22:43,800 --> 00:22:46,039 Call 'em widowmakers or whatever you like. 394 00:22:49,640 --> 00:22:51,239 That'll do. 395 00:22:54,720 --> 00:22:56,559 We'll get over there and stick them in. 396 00:22:56,640 --> 00:22:59,399 Hold that roof up so we can get mining.Yep. 397 00:22:59,480 --> 00:23:02,199 Just driving around the paddock ain't making us any money. 398 00:23:02,280 --> 00:23:04,639 It ain't making us no money, that's sure. 399 00:23:07,680 --> 00:23:10,239 Props we use out here are Cyprus pine. 400 00:23:10,320 --> 00:23:12,839 They hold a lot of weight but more importantly, 401 00:23:12,920 --> 00:23:15,239 if your roof does start to sag, there's visuals. 402 00:23:15,320 --> 00:23:18,199 You know, you can see the top of them starting to balloon out. 403 00:23:18,280 --> 00:23:20,079 You all right?Yeah. 404 00:23:20,160 --> 00:23:21,759 I got it. 405 00:23:21,840 --> 00:23:25,239 And they make a certain noise. You know, they start cracking in there. 406 00:23:25,320 --> 00:23:28,239 So, when you hear that cracking noise, you run. 407 00:23:32,200 --> 00:23:33,799 And... 408 00:23:35,480 --> 00:23:39,399 Of course we didn't get too many props cos we can't find any. 409 00:23:39,480 --> 00:23:42,559 We're gonna put three and if we put two in there, 410 00:23:42,640 --> 00:23:44,439 that'll hold that section there. 411 00:23:47,680 --> 00:23:49,999 Les...That'd be right. 412 00:23:53,400 --> 00:23:55,759 Lucky. See? 413 00:23:55,840 --> 00:23:57,559 And now we gotta wedge it in there. 414 00:24:04,440 --> 00:24:07,679 Propping's the worst part because you're putting pressure on your roof. 415 00:24:12,880 --> 00:24:16,159 That'll do, all those settle. That'll keep us alive, mate. 416 00:24:16,240 --> 00:24:19,359 All right, let's get into it. See if we can find some colour, mate. 417 00:24:40,280 --> 00:24:44,359 You're out how far?I don't feel real good.What's the matter? 418 00:24:44,440 --> 00:24:47,239 I don't know, everything's gone all funny. 419 00:24:47,320 --> 00:24:49,359 You wanna sit down for a little while? 420 00:24:49,440 --> 00:24:51,239 Finding a bit hard to breathe. 421 00:24:57,960 --> 00:25:00,799 This is the moment of truth. We're getting our first glimpse 422 00:25:01,840 --> 00:25:04,359 of what's deeper. That's your clay. 423 00:25:04,440 --> 00:25:07,519 That's what the opal should be sitting in, that ground. 424 00:25:07,600 --> 00:25:10,519 That red stain is always colour. When we get that... 425 00:25:10,600 --> 00:25:12,919 it's a good indication that there's colour around. 426 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:15,679 This is what we came here to find and we're finding it. 427 00:25:15,760 --> 00:25:18,839 So, we found the rock, we found the trace and... 428 00:25:18,920 --> 00:25:21,399 Joe back in the past found colour here. 429 00:25:21,480 --> 00:25:23,759 So, the combinations are all there. 430 00:25:23,840 --> 00:25:26,079 I reckon if we brought the bigger machines here, 431 00:25:26,160 --> 00:25:27,759 put trench in it. 432 00:25:27,840 --> 00:25:30,919 Maybe get Jack to give us a hand and we'll get on these machines. 433 00:25:31,000 --> 00:25:32,599 Yeah. 434 00:25:32,680 --> 00:25:34,519 To have any hope of digging the trench, 435 00:25:34,600 --> 00:25:36,799 the Taranto brothers will need the skills 436 00:25:36,880 --> 00:25:40,199 of Joe's 16-year-old son, Jack. 437 00:25:40,280 --> 00:25:42,639 Jack, Jack, you got a copy there, Jack? 438 00:25:42,720 --> 00:25:44,319 JACK: Yeah, I'm here. 439 00:25:44,400 --> 00:25:46,839 We got a bit of a level here 440 00:25:46,920 --> 00:25:49,919 and I need to dig it out and see what's there. 441 00:25:50,000 --> 00:25:51,919 Can you come down for us? 442 00:25:52,000 --> 00:25:53,759 Yeah, I shouldn't be too far away. 443 00:26:00,280 --> 00:26:02,199 Hey, here he is. About time. 444 00:26:06,800 --> 00:26:08,959 Just, we'll get straight down to the job. 445 00:26:09,040 --> 00:26:10,839 Yeah, and then once you get down there, 446 00:26:10,920 --> 00:26:13,799 I'll explain everything to you. All right. I'll get on to it. 447 00:26:15,480 --> 00:26:18,919 Jack's my son, he's 16. He goes to school in Winton and... 448 00:26:19,000 --> 00:26:21,279 he's been living with me for the last two years. 449 00:26:22,280 --> 00:26:25,879 He keeps growing up, he always was on the machines, operating. 450 00:26:25,960 --> 00:26:27,879 Yeah, I love driving the machines. 451 00:26:27,960 --> 00:26:30,799 It's good to have the feeling and the power of the machines. 452 00:26:32,880 --> 00:26:34,719 It's destruction. It's amazing. 453 00:26:39,240 --> 00:26:42,239 We're gonna dig a bit more than just a trench here now. 454 00:26:42,320 --> 00:26:43,919 We'll see what we got. 455 00:26:44,000 --> 00:26:46,239 Hopefully, we get on the level, we can all then, 456 00:26:46,320 --> 00:26:49,199 come down and have a crack at it, you know? 457 00:26:49,280 --> 00:26:51,159 Fingers crossed, there's opal there. 458 00:26:51,240 --> 00:26:52,839 We're after the big one. 459 00:26:57,560 --> 00:27:01,319 This is the rock we're chasing, it's always in this yellow clay, 460 00:27:01,400 --> 00:27:03,719 which is surrounded by the clay. 461 00:27:03,800 --> 00:27:05,399 And this is the good rock. 462 00:27:08,320 --> 00:27:10,479 We need some rock with some colour in them. 463 00:27:14,160 --> 00:27:15,759 That's good ground. 464 00:27:18,440 --> 00:27:20,879 Though it'd be greener. 465 00:27:20,960 --> 00:27:22,719 It's good indication. 466 00:27:22,800 --> 00:27:25,359 Yeah, well these are the signs that I was looking for. 467 00:27:25,440 --> 00:27:27,879 I wasn't actually looking for the opal, but I was... 468 00:27:27,960 --> 00:27:30,639 but I was looking for those indications that show me that 469 00:27:30,720 --> 00:27:33,039 it's gonna get better as I go deeper. 470 00:27:33,120 --> 00:27:35,279 This ain't enough to get the girls out here. 471 00:27:35,360 --> 00:27:37,599 I reckon we've got a couple little green lights. 472 00:27:37,680 --> 00:27:39,959 What do you reckon? We get them down here and... 473 00:27:40,040 --> 00:27:42,279 and check the level and we get them here and... 474 00:27:42,360 --> 00:27:45,279 You think that'll be enough to get them out here?I don't know. 475 00:27:45,360 --> 00:27:48,199 I think they got the opal bug, 476 00:27:48,280 --> 00:27:51,999 so I think they'll chase it when they see the little line. 477 00:27:52,080 --> 00:27:56,759 The more eyes the Tarantos have in their huge 10,000m sq 478 00:27:56,840 --> 00:28:00,959 open cut, the more chance they have to find opal. 479 00:28:01,040 --> 00:28:04,199 Get on the excavator, dig a level...Yeah. 480 00:28:04,280 --> 00:28:06,799 ..and I'll get down in the hole, Tash and I, 481 00:28:06,880 --> 00:28:10,759 and Vivi and little Felicia, you can stay on top. 482 00:28:10,840 --> 00:28:13,799 Yeah.So, what we mean is youse guys can... 483 00:28:13,880 --> 00:28:15,719 OK, we can check. ..double check for us. 484 00:28:15,800 --> 00:28:17,879 You can check what's coming out of my bucket. 485 00:28:24,120 --> 00:28:25,719 Vivi... 486 00:28:27,640 --> 00:28:30,519 See what I found? Red line. Oh, yeah, that's a good line. 487 00:28:30,600 --> 00:28:33,399 Tash, look at this. Red line there. 488 00:28:34,400 --> 00:28:37,399 We got a line in here with a bit of red in it. 489 00:28:37,480 --> 00:28:39,959 That is awesome. 490 00:28:40,040 --> 00:28:43,399 That is something special. 491 00:28:44,480 --> 00:28:46,079 I found the brother. 492 00:28:47,880 --> 00:28:50,279 Tash!You found the brother. 493 00:28:51,440 --> 00:28:53,279 He found your brother like that. 494 00:28:53,360 --> 00:28:55,359 That is amazing like that. 495 00:28:55,440 --> 00:28:58,559 They call the brother the one that's come off it. 496 00:28:58,640 --> 00:29:01,999 Twins.Woo-hoo! Good start. Got bit of red. 497 00:29:18,080 --> 00:29:19,679 Where you going? 498 00:29:19,760 --> 00:29:22,439 No!I don't feel good. I need the bigger hammer. 499 00:29:22,520 --> 00:29:24,319 I can't break this up. 500 00:29:28,120 --> 00:29:30,439 Yeah, he was complaining about tummy ache, so... 501 00:29:31,520 --> 00:29:33,879 I reckon he's gotta be crook, maybe needs to 502 00:29:33,960 --> 00:29:35,599 go to the car and sit down out there. 503 00:29:35,680 --> 00:29:37,679 Out of the hole for a bit. 504 00:29:37,760 --> 00:29:39,359 Joe out of all people, you know? 505 00:29:39,440 --> 00:29:42,719 He's normally in there 110 per cent. 506 00:29:42,800 --> 00:29:45,799 And for him to walk out of the hole is... a big thing. 507 00:29:52,840 --> 00:29:54,439 RORY: Hey, Chris. 508 00:29:54,520 --> 00:29:56,119 What's going on? 509 00:29:56,200 --> 00:29:58,999 Oscar and I are just having a bit of trouble with the drill. 510 00:29:59,080 --> 00:30:01,679 It's not chattering through the hard cap. 511 00:30:01,760 --> 00:30:04,039 Is it going down?Not really, no. 512 00:30:06,000 --> 00:30:09,239 Chris Cheal has given sons Rory and Oscar 513 00:30:09,320 --> 00:30:12,999 the responsibility to drill for opal trace alone... 514 00:30:13,080 --> 00:30:14,679 for the first time. 515 00:30:19,400 --> 00:30:20,999 What is he doing? 516 00:30:21,080 --> 00:30:23,959 He moved over there.Why? 517 00:30:24,040 --> 00:30:27,079 Well, we'd done five holes already. Hadn't seen anything. 518 00:30:28,080 --> 00:30:31,519 Change of scenery, mate? Yeah, we're moving over. 519 00:30:31,600 --> 00:30:33,959 To the other side. 520 00:30:34,040 --> 00:30:37,999 Didn't last long over there. Oh, I put five holes down. 521 00:30:38,080 --> 00:30:39,839 There need to be about 50 over there. 522 00:30:41,960 --> 00:30:43,559 Now, what's going on with this? 523 00:30:46,880 --> 00:30:49,439 How long have you've been in that cap for? 524 00:30:49,520 --> 00:30:51,639 We've been in that spot for about 15 minutes. 525 00:30:57,200 --> 00:30:58,799 And that is still all right. 526 00:31:00,080 --> 00:31:01,679 We'll have to get a new one. 527 00:31:01,760 --> 00:31:03,359 The outside... 528 00:31:03,440 --> 00:31:05,039 right as you cut your clearance, 529 00:31:05,120 --> 00:31:08,439 they've worn and it's worn the first auger. 530 00:31:08,520 --> 00:31:10,439 It's a pretty big job, isn't it? It is. 531 00:31:10,520 --> 00:31:12,159 It's not really what we needed. 532 00:31:14,520 --> 00:31:16,679 That hard cap's just really hard on the gear. 533 00:31:18,640 --> 00:31:20,999 We can't drill in more holes till we fix this. 534 00:31:21,080 --> 00:31:23,799 And the boys, you know, they probably had the right idea 535 00:31:23,880 --> 00:31:27,519 coming over here, giving me something to dig to because we are under pressure. 536 00:31:27,600 --> 00:31:30,919 So, we've gotta build this all up. 537 00:31:31,000 --> 00:31:32,839 New set of teeth. 538 00:31:32,920 --> 00:31:37,559 That's not a five-minute-job. That's three days, messing around. 539 00:31:37,640 --> 00:31:40,479 I mean, not much has gone right for us this whole season. 540 00:31:40,560 --> 00:31:42,399 So, it's another flat moment right there. 541 00:31:42,480 --> 00:31:45,359 Bit of wear and tear on the gear. Back to the drawing board. 542 00:31:45,440 --> 00:31:48,679 We'll have to go fix it back up and try again another time, I guess. 543 00:31:48,760 --> 00:31:52,159 We can't really afford to fix this. Can't really afford to keep digging. 544 00:31:52,240 --> 00:31:55,879 So...it's been a shocking start of the season, to tell you the truth. 545 00:31:55,960 --> 00:31:59,679 All they can do now, is wash the small amount of dirt 546 00:31:59,760 --> 00:32:03,279 they have dug in their only accessible agitator. 547 00:32:04,400 --> 00:32:06,159 We've got a bit of dirt in the tile out 548 00:32:06,240 --> 00:32:09,079 so we just gotta hope that we can get something out of that. 549 00:32:14,840 --> 00:32:17,839 You all right, Alpha? I don't feel real good. 550 00:32:17,920 --> 00:32:21,719 I want to keep going at it but I don't think I can do it. So, yeah. 551 00:32:21,800 --> 00:32:24,799 I'm gonna go ahead and try and get you up that ladder, all right? 552 00:32:24,880 --> 00:32:26,479 Yeah, please. 553 00:32:26,560 --> 00:32:29,359 So, what do you - You think it's your heart, mate? Or... 554 00:32:29,440 --> 00:32:32,119 No, I just think I might have overdone a little bit. 555 00:32:32,200 --> 00:32:34,919 How do you think you'd go, getting up that ladder? 556 00:32:35,000 --> 00:32:37,959 Oh, might take a while but I'll get this. 557 00:32:39,240 --> 00:32:42,719 The Bushmen's attempt to get 74-year-old Les 558 00:32:42,800 --> 00:32:46,639 back on the tools is fast becoming a medical crisis. 559 00:32:54,200 --> 00:32:57,399 Yeah, I'm pretty worried about this climb. It's a long way up there. 560 00:32:57,480 --> 00:32:59,799 But this is the only way you can get out of here. 561 00:32:59,880 --> 00:33:01,479 This is it, so... 562 00:33:01,560 --> 00:33:03,919 You simply gotta climb the ladder. You all right? 563 00:33:04,000 --> 00:33:06,159 Yeah.Just take your time. 564 00:33:06,240 --> 00:33:07,919 I am taking my time. 565 00:33:08,000 --> 00:33:09,919 I might come underneath you, mate. 566 00:33:10,000 --> 00:33:12,839 Just in case you fall, I can sort of block your fall a bit. 567 00:33:12,920 --> 00:33:15,039 Yeah, whatever.Just hang on. 568 00:33:19,320 --> 00:33:21,399 This is getting at the worst stage, mate. 569 00:33:22,600 --> 00:33:24,719 Cos this is the furtherest to fall, so... 570 00:33:24,800 --> 00:33:26,919 Oh yeah, I know. You gotta do this. 571 00:33:28,280 --> 00:33:29,879 You're getting close. 572 00:33:31,480 --> 00:33:33,919 That's it, mate. You made it. 573 00:33:34,000 --> 00:33:36,399 Well done. 574 00:33:36,480 --> 00:33:38,119 Just step back away from the hole. 575 00:33:41,920 --> 00:33:45,159 You all right, mate? Yeah.All right? 576 00:33:45,240 --> 00:33:46,839 Yeah, all right. 577 00:33:46,920 --> 00:33:48,719 The ground's changed down there, mate. 578 00:33:48,800 --> 00:33:51,079 I don't think I'm gonna get an opal in a minute. 579 00:33:51,160 --> 00:33:54,159 So, I gotta get back to work. Are you all right to drive home 580 00:33:54,240 --> 00:33:57,199 or do you want me to take you? No, I'll be all right.You sure? 581 00:33:57,280 --> 00:33:59,079 Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, come on, then. 582 00:34:06,480 --> 00:34:09,439 We need to find opal. Mainly for the old bloke, you know? 583 00:34:09,520 --> 00:34:11,599 Being crook and everything. 584 00:34:11,680 --> 00:34:13,279 One thing I know about Les, 585 00:34:13,360 --> 00:34:16,039 he gets a lot happier when he sees a big handful of opal. 586 00:34:16,120 --> 00:34:19,319 So, I'd love to be able to climb up that ladder and show him some. 587 00:34:24,640 --> 00:34:28,079 See, that dirt's looking good. That is so close. 588 00:34:33,880 --> 00:34:35,479 Trying to kill me? 589 00:34:38,360 --> 00:34:40,559 Look at that! 590 00:34:42,080 --> 00:34:43,679 Geez! Look at that! 591 00:34:44,720 --> 00:34:48,119 This is it, mate. This is the big and the cheesy stuff. 592 00:34:49,240 --> 00:34:50,839 Look at this. 593 00:34:53,000 --> 00:34:55,319 It's big and it's cheesy, look at it. 594 00:34:55,400 --> 00:34:58,719 Oh, I knew it was coming. 595 00:34:58,800 --> 00:35:00,679 Look, there's another piece. 596 00:35:00,760 --> 00:35:02,759 Oh my God! Look at the size of that. 597 00:35:02,840 --> 00:35:05,039 Look at the size of that. 598 00:35:05,120 --> 00:35:07,479 Geez, that's beautiful! 599 00:35:09,600 --> 00:35:11,399 Les is gonna be over the moon. 600 00:35:11,480 --> 00:35:14,839 I don't think I'll dig any longer, I'll take this and show it to Les. 601 00:35:14,920 --> 00:35:17,319 It ain't going nowhere. 602 00:35:17,400 --> 00:35:20,319 And if he comes back and there's more, we can dig it together. 603 00:35:20,400 --> 00:35:21,999 I mean, this is... 604 00:35:22,080 --> 00:35:24,839 Doesn't get much better than this, it really doesn't. 605 00:35:24,920 --> 00:35:27,079 Look at the colours in it. 606 00:35:27,160 --> 00:35:28,759 It really is beautiful. 607 00:35:34,440 --> 00:35:37,479 He might have got some gastro... 608 00:35:37,560 --> 00:35:39,159 don't know what it is. 609 00:35:39,240 --> 00:35:43,319 Yeah, it says 186. High so seen. 610 00:35:43,400 --> 00:35:45,359 OK, just do the 40, eh? 611 00:35:46,560 --> 00:35:48,159 OK. 612 00:35:48,240 --> 00:35:50,959 Calling the Flying Doctors to see what advice... 613 00:35:51,040 --> 00:35:52,879 which one to give them. 614 00:35:52,960 --> 00:35:55,839 Out here, we've got a Flying Doctor's first aid kit. 615 00:35:57,480 --> 00:36:01,039 200 kilometres from the nearest major hospital, 616 00:36:01,120 --> 00:36:05,319 Joe and his son Jack have been hit with a stomach bug, 617 00:36:05,400 --> 00:36:08,839 forcing the whole Taranto family to stop work. 618 00:36:10,000 --> 00:36:14,439 Thanks for that. Hopefully I don't have to ring you later. 619 00:36:14,520 --> 00:36:17,119 So, we give them one of them every eight hours. 620 00:36:17,200 --> 00:36:20,039 That just stops the vomiting. 621 00:36:20,120 --> 00:36:22,239 Yeah.He said don't worry about the diarrhoea. 622 00:36:22,320 --> 00:36:23,919 They gotta get it out one way. 623 00:36:24,000 --> 00:36:27,719 And he says better to come out the other end than the top end. 624 00:36:27,800 --> 00:36:30,359 It's more tolerable. 625 00:36:30,440 --> 00:36:33,359 So, under the tongue for Jack. I'm not touching him. 626 00:36:37,520 --> 00:36:40,679 at any time in the outback. You can call them and... 627 00:36:40,760 --> 00:36:42,839 They said they will survive. 628 00:36:42,920 --> 00:36:45,039 Big babies! Look at him. 629 00:36:45,120 --> 00:36:46,719 It's pathetic. 630 00:36:46,800 --> 00:36:49,159 This big tough opal miner boy. 631 00:36:51,840 --> 00:36:53,439 Harden up, boys. 632 00:36:54,440 --> 00:36:57,279 It's a devastating blow to the family, 633 00:36:57,360 --> 00:36:59,599 barely days into their season. 634 00:37:01,520 --> 00:37:03,119 We're on really good ground. 635 00:37:04,680 --> 00:37:07,559 We pulled up the iron stone we were looking for, 636 00:37:07,640 --> 00:37:10,679 in one of the holes and we got trace. 637 00:37:10,760 --> 00:37:13,759 We were all thinking we were that close to hitting the big one. 638 00:37:13,840 --> 00:37:16,079 So we were all getting excited. 639 00:37:17,640 --> 00:37:21,439 We were on some really good trace today, which was really exciting. 640 00:37:21,520 --> 00:37:24,359 Then Jack's come down with gastro. 641 00:37:24,440 --> 00:37:26,799 Jack never gets sick so it must be pretty bad. 642 00:37:26,880 --> 00:37:30,639 Then, two hours later, Joe came down with the gastro 643 00:37:30,720 --> 00:37:33,039 and he never gets sick but really, 644 00:37:33,120 --> 00:37:36,399 I'm spewing because now, I'm gonna have to sleep in the swag outside. 645 00:37:36,480 --> 00:37:40,919 Away from our cosy, feathered doona which I don't even wanna touch now. 646 00:37:41,000 --> 00:37:42,599 It's probably infected. 647 00:37:42,680 --> 00:37:44,719 I'll get some of the concrete in the back 648 00:37:44,800 --> 00:37:46,799 and tell them to eat it and harden up, eh? 649 00:37:46,880 --> 00:37:48,839 Everyone wash their hands. I just... 650 00:37:48,920 --> 00:37:53,039 I can't catch this, cos I can't get sick. 651 00:37:54,600 --> 00:37:57,319 This season, me and Joe are gonna find the big one 652 00:37:57,400 --> 00:37:59,599 with the whole family. 653 00:37:59,680 --> 00:38:03,439 Together, I think we'll be a good team to find opal. 654 00:38:03,520 --> 00:38:05,599 But I think we'll have a really good season. 655 00:38:06,920 --> 00:38:08,719 Oh, the goat piss! 656 00:38:10,720 --> 00:38:13,399 But if the machines aren't breaking down, the people are. 657 00:38:21,600 --> 00:38:23,399 Hopefully we can get some gems in this 658 00:38:23,480 --> 00:38:25,159 tail out and pay for this show. 659 00:38:28,600 --> 00:38:30,359 Now, we going. 660 00:38:31,880 --> 00:38:34,999 Well, hope there's something here cos we need a few dollars rolling, 661 00:38:35,080 --> 00:38:37,719 it's just been a shocking start to the season. 662 00:38:37,800 --> 00:38:40,119 At their one accessible agitator, 663 00:38:40,200 --> 00:38:44,319 the Cheals have assembled their entire team for the tail out, 664 00:38:44,400 --> 00:38:47,159 mine partner Scott, his daughter Hannah, 665 00:38:47,240 --> 00:38:49,039 and family friend Faron. 666 00:38:59,520 --> 00:39:02,359 I didn't really see anything while we were digging it, so... 667 00:39:02,440 --> 00:39:04,599 I'll be surprised if there's anything in this. 668 00:39:22,840 --> 00:39:24,439 Hey, look at that. 669 00:39:25,440 --> 00:39:27,039 Whoa! 670 00:39:34,040 --> 00:39:37,159 That's not bad, eh? Good size nobbie. 671 00:39:37,240 --> 00:39:41,239 I found the two, right? Grabbed that from here, that's ice. 672 00:39:41,320 --> 00:39:42,919 Blue green crystal. 673 00:40:02,920 --> 00:40:05,159 All right. Let's tip it out, see what we've got. 674 00:40:10,120 --> 00:40:11,719 Bit of material, eh, there? 675 00:40:11,800 --> 00:40:14,519 Oh, there's a lot more material than I thought there'd be. 676 00:40:14,600 --> 00:40:16,599 Could be five grand in just that one spot. 677 00:40:16,680 --> 00:40:20,159 There's a few little ones in there with a few colour bars in them in there. 678 00:40:20,240 --> 00:40:23,239 Yeah, basically. There'd be up to ten grand in that. 679 00:40:23,320 --> 00:40:25,999 The Cheals have found crystal opal, 680 00:40:26,080 --> 00:40:27,999 blue-green in colour. 681 00:40:28,080 --> 00:40:31,079 It's in the rough, weighs 15g 682 00:40:31,160 --> 00:40:34,959 and has an estimated value of $10,000. 683 00:40:36,840 --> 00:40:38,919 There's a bit of a surprise in there for me. 684 00:40:39,000 --> 00:40:40,599 I didn't think we'd get anything. 685 00:40:40,680 --> 00:40:43,479 I didn't see anything while we were digging that drive. 686 00:40:43,560 --> 00:40:45,519 You know, it's not a major amount of money 687 00:40:45,600 --> 00:40:47,439 but it's certainly paid its way and... 688 00:40:47,520 --> 00:40:49,839 and we'll be able to put a bit back in the kitty. 689 00:40:49,920 --> 00:40:51,599 And you know, we're digging out to 690 00:40:51,680 --> 00:40:53,559 where we know there's really good colour. 691 00:40:53,640 --> 00:40:55,999 Pretty excited. Pretty stoked, actually. 692 00:40:56,080 --> 00:40:59,839 You know, I was a bit down, I guess leading up to that tail out and 693 00:40:59,920 --> 00:41:02,919 certainly turned it around, so spirits are up and, 694 00:41:03,000 --> 00:41:04,839 yeah, we'll be in it again next week. 695 00:41:18,920 --> 00:41:22,719 Right. How you doing, fellow? Not bad, yourself? 696 00:41:22,800 --> 00:41:26,119 I'm pretty good, mate. Pretty good. What do we got there? 697 00:41:26,200 --> 00:41:29,079 I brought you a cup of ginger beer, it's handmade stuff. 698 00:41:29,160 --> 00:41:32,039 Got something else to show you, come and have a look at this. 699 00:41:32,120 --> 00:41:33,719 Yeah, what do you got? 700 00:41:33,800 --> 00:41:37,399 I got something that I reckon is gonna put a big smile on your face. 701 00:41:37,480 --> 00:41:39,759 Yeah, that looks good.Look at that. 702 00:41:39,840 --> 00:41:42,399 That's not a bad piece of rock, eh? Eh? 703 00:41:42,480 --> 00:41:44,919 Yeah. Good piece. 704 00:41:45,000 --> 00:41:48,079 Not bad, is it?No. It's big and cheesy, mate. 705 00:41:48,160 --> 00:41:49,759 It is. 706 00:41:49,840 --> 00:41:52,159 Yeah, this'll pick me up a little bit, anyway. 707 00:41:52,240 --> 00:41:54,719 Yeah, this is making me feel... 708 00:41:54,800 --> 00:41:56,959 pretty good and wanna get back into it again. 709 00:41:59,160 --> 00:42:02,839 So, what do you reckon? I've gotta bit of an idea in mind what it's worth. 710 00:42:02,920 --> 00:42:05,199 What do you think it's worth? 711 00:42:05,280 --> 00:42:07,239 It'd have to be around the 30, I'd reckon. 712 00:42:07,320 --> 00:42:08,959 You know what the buyers are like. 713 00:42:09,040 --> 00:42:11,559 They're gonna talk it down cos it's on grey base. 714 00:42:11,640 --> 00:42:13,239 Well, we try for 25. 715 00:42:13,320 --> 00:42:17,199 Try for 25 and accept 20. Yeah. That sounds good. 716 00:42:17,280 --> 00:42:20,079 The Bushmen's parcel of grey-based opal 717 00:42:20,160 --> 00:42:22,239 is loaded with colour. 718 00:42:22,320 --> 00:42:26,439 Green, blue, purple, orange and red. 719 00:42:26,520 --> 00:42:29,639 It's in the rough, weighs 500g 720 00:42:29,720 --> 00:42:33,399 and has an estimated value of $20,000. 721 00:42:35,800 --> 00:42:39,119 A beer up your mate? Might as well, now.Grab a seat. 722 00:42:43,360 --> 00:42:45,719 Well, mate, cheers to you. 723 00:42:45,800 --> 00:42:47,399 Yeah, cheers. 724 00:42:47,480 --> 00:42:49,879 Yeah, everything's great at the moment. 725 00:42:49,960 --> 00:42:52,439 You know, the old fella's back. We're moving forward. 726 00:42:52,520 --> 00:42:55,679 We're on to some good ground. It's starting to make. 727 00:42:55,760 --> 00:42:57,719 Everything's going well for us. 728 00:42:57,800 --> 00:42:59,799 I reckon this might be the one, mate. 729 00:42:59,880 --> 00:43:01,639 It should be a good year. 730 00:43:01,720 --> 00:43:03,759 And I'm gonna be in here for the long haul. 731 00:43:03,840 --> 00:43:06,799 You're gonna be all right? Gonna be in here for the long haul. 732 00:43:06,880 --> 00:43:08,479 With the old bloke back, 733 00:43:08,560 --> 00:43:12,039 yeah, our fortunes might be changing and we might be onto a bit. 734 00:43:12,120 --> 00:43:13,719 Might be our year after all. 735 00:43:17,800 --> 00:43:19,799 Subtitles by Deluxe 736 00:43:33,280 --> 00:43:35,759 # Money # 736 00:43:36,305 --> 00:44:36,613 -== [ www.OpenSubtitles.org ] ==-