Coober Pedy Opal

[den]

Coober Pedy is an Aboriginal word that means "Man In A Hole."


People wonder why a bloke would put himself through the difficulties and hardships to mine opals by hand. This is why.


This one was bought by my Grandfather in the mid 60s, when a trip to Coober Pedy took seven days and Alice Springs was a 2 week expedition away. In those days it was quicker to sail to Darwin than it was to drive, and opals had very little value. This one is 25mm x 15mm. Mum wears it.

This isn't a black opal. They are only found at Lightning Ridge.

Comments

[klwalton.livejournal.com]

Tim and I met in college about 29 years ago. I was a Theatre major and he was stage managing a show I was in. At the time, the college theatre consisted of a large boxy temporary building which has since been replaced by a gorgeous performing arts complex. But we loved it. The theatre department was small, and close knit, and it was one of the great times of my life.

In any case, there was, in the middle of the box that was the building that housed the theatre deparment, a pit with a trap door in whicn we stored flats and lights and other equipment. We called it Coobra Pedy. I don't know who started it, but it was annointed as such when Tim and I were there, and remained so until the building was demolished, abou5 ten years ago.

To this day, once in awhile, Tim will sidle up to me and whisper in my ear, "Coobra Pedy". It's very romantic. Really :).