Richard Holmes

The Ratters Of Lightning Ridge Richard Holmes

Australia is unique in that it is the home of 95% of the world's known black opal reserves, all buried beneath the dry Outback soil in a small area of New South Wales known as Lightning Ridge. Under existing laws an individual can hold only two mining claims that measure 50 meters, or roughly one acre in size. These restrictions do not exist in other parts of Australia. This adventure story centers around two leading characters: Rusty, a 40-year old opal miner, and Kate, a 60-year old, tough-as-nails woman who raises sheep and cattle when she is not mining opal. This story, I believe, captures a sense of intrigue and calamity that continues to happen between opal miners, "ratters," and animals in the Outback are of Lightning Ridge, Australia. I find Australia an exciting and interesting country. The people there are warm and friendly and ready to help a stranger enjoy their home among the gum trees.