Quicksand Fans

Okay, some of you might remember my occasional posts about trying to find a location for sinking near Sydney, Australia. Tonight, I finally found one that I could actually confirm. Last year, my research identified Thirlmere Lakes National Park as being a prime candidate location, and it looked okay on Google Maps, but I ran out of time to check it out in person. News articles have appeared in the last few months which confirm that the location has exactly what I'm after - deep mud. Nearby mining seems to have fractured the underground water table, causing the lakes to drain and expose the underlying mud. They've even gone so far as to post warning signs about the mud.

News articles:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010 ... 034608.htm
http://macarthur-chronicle-wollondilly. ... d-further/

Given this, I'm planning a trip out to the site as soon as I can manage it, but I wanted to get people's opinions and advice on this first. I also had some specific questions:

• Given that this drainage has been caused by mining, is there any risk of ground subsidence? Could this increase the danger of the situation?
• Do the warning signs indicate an actual danger, or just a perceived, hypothetical danger as imagined by the Park Rangers?
• Should I go out there alone or with someone else?
• What are the critical things I need to remember when sinking and trying to get back out?
• Is it worth running the Park Rangers to try and do this?

Anything else people can think of would be greatly appreciated.

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If I'm green with envy, can I post that?

Good luck!

Whenever exploring a new area for sinking for the first time I do agree that it is wiser to have someone with you atleast the first time out. While it is possible for a person to get themselves out by themselves it could be just as easy to need assistance. So first time out should have someone with you.
Also check this articl out. I remember it was in the news here in SoCal as well....
http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KL ... scue&hl=en


The area in question was clearly posted as PRIVATE PROPERTY in this case as well as having quicksand warning sings.

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One of my favorite clips that one bart .

Living in Sydney myself, I'll be watching this thread with great anticipation .

Best of luck on your first scoping of this site .

With regards to the issue of private property, the land is part of a National Park, so it's open to public access during the appointed times of day. As for privacy, I'd aim to do it on a weekday so as to reduce the number of other people, and I'm also hoping the warning signs might keep the less bold away.

If by "Subsidence" you mean "Is the ground going to fall out beneath me?" I'd guess no. If it was that bad they'd go further then posting some warning signs.
Danger is definitely "Percieved" not real (if you know how to get out, which you do, so you're safe).
It's always nice to have someone along, but imho it's not needed.
The key to getting out (especially if the mud is thick) is to NOT try to pull yourself free. Lean back, relax, and just sort of wiggle back and fourth. Your own natural buyoncy will bring you to the surface with minimal effort.
"Running" the park rangers.....if it's a national park, you're free to go where you want right? As long as your not naked I doubt they could charge you with anything criminal. If you do get caught just start yelling and screaming for help.

Think about how to clean up.

I say go for it.