A Picture Presentation from Prospecting

[63bkpkr]

For myself the prospecting window for this year has closed and since some have indicated they would like to see more pictures I will start off with the attached offering. The pictures are all taken in the Sierra Nevada Range in Northern California where I go to prospect and just enjoy "being out there". I usually hike where it is rugged, there are no designated campsites, running water is available in creeks or rivers only and if you want something while you are out there you'd best have brought it with you as the hike out is long and tough. I frequently hike where there are limited or no trails and this takes me into some of the most beautiful country on this earth. I hope you enjoy!

Making Camp Camp

In Camp What the trout are hitting

Trout & Prospecting

Nice early morning plunge Pond dweller

Hard Rock Hand Drill Rough Country

But lovely Sampling

Coming out Higher up looking back

 

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[GarretDiggingAz]

Man Herb,

You had hair back then. Lol. Those trout looked tasty. And oh yes my wife would love those earrings. So far what I've found could be like the baguettes on the side of her solitaire. I did find a couple nice flakes. (Still not big, but still nice none the less).
I'm hoping to finish the rest of my dig and then do the cons before I go out again in two days. I'm taking my two younger ones this time. Hopefully a two day trip. If good, maybe a three day. Lol. Depends what we find. Checking out some other claim spots.
On my way up to visit my mom and visit dr I forgot to take my digging gear. My plan was to go to a spot I found some fingernail sized flakes (pinky nail). But that'll have to be next week. Then there's a spot that I found a bunch of gold dust in my boat anchor. It was full of that stuff and didn't have anything to collect it. Besides it was only a couple hundred back then. Well I had fishing on my mind. Lol.
That'll be another hunt. Maybe next week as well. Depends on what misses gets from this last outing. Come on nugget(s). Just trying to find the right amount of time between jobs for clients. At least I can help make money to pay off to the wife what I bought. Lol. She doesn't complain, because it keeps me happy. Besides it came from my nugget fund. She just doesn't know it.
I hope you're doing good and get the shoulders in top working order. That way I can take her to Disneyland with the kids while you and I stumble the hills. I'd like to hear more of your stories while looking at the scenery. Then I could tell the tales from AZ. Who knows, maybe we could take nuggets back to the others. Then she'd let me travel out of state more often.
The pic of the trout and the creek reminds me of a story....
Back in 1993, a buddy and I went on a quick trip to Panguitch, UT. I had gone there in '84 & in '85 for a summer fishing trip. Discovered a creek west of the lake. I think it's called mammoth creek. I told my buddy to bring both warm and cold gear (it's July 4th weekend). I mentioned to him that last time I was up hear it snowed on me, and I had my warm (summer) clothes only. Being from AZ, he didn't think it was possible.
So after we arrived alongside the creek and set up camp we caught 8 10" trout. Normal size for the AZ trout lakes, but up there 18" was my norm. We wrapped them in butter, lemon slices, pepper and foil and tossed them in the fire. That was some of the best trout. Though its white meat. The lakes trout is pink (tastes even better). So the next day we headed back to the lake unloaded my aluminum boat and started to catch our fish. My dog included. Hers were attached to the stringer. She always liked to show she could contribute. Well anyways, around 1 or 2pm a summer storm comes rolling in. We donned our ponchos on as it starts. First the drizzle. Then a heavier rain. The downpour starts with a little hail, and then you see it. Snow!!!! In the middle of summer! I then said, "I told ya so.", with a smile on my face. Then I noticed he's shivering like crazy. This boy gets cold when it's 75 out, and here we are in possibly 40's temp or less. He learned, not only to listen to others who have been there before and to also "always be prepared". So from then on he was always taking his warm and cold clothes whenever we went camping or fishing.
Get well soon my friend.

 

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[63bkpkr]

Hi
Garret,
I'd not seen the hair pictures for many years and had not thought about it but seeing them does remind of the curly brown hair I used to have. Going into the hills with a buddy would be good, just have not had anyone as nuts as I am that would go with me so I go anyway. Gold dust in a boat anchor, now that would be a punishing moment! I was at the top of the canyon, way back when, getting ready to go in with a group of friends for the 4th of July weekend and it started to snow. I had us go back into town for the night, the storm blew over and we went in the following day. We were NOT prepared for cold weather and I do not mess with Ma Nature if I can help it. Ah, good fishing what a treat!!.........63bkpkr

 

[GarretDiggingAz]

Since I head up to payson every week for dr appts. I try to either hit the hills detecting or panning. If not that I head up to the lakes or streams to do some fishing. Problem is now, it's easier to go look for gold than fish. Left hand doesn't work that good tying knots. So I could spend 10-15 minutes trying to put on a fly with a decent knot. I guess I could use a swivel, but obviously it sinks the fly and possibly could keep them from hitting it. Although, I have caught bass and other fish on an opened swivel. Quite the surprise.
How have you been feeling? Surgeries done now?

 

[Vance in AK]

Left hand doesn't work that good tying knots. So I could spend 10-15 minutes trying to put on a fly with a decent knot. I guess I could use a swivel, but obviously it sinks the fly and possibly could keep them from hitting it.

GDA, I don't want to hijack the thread, but have to ask if you have tried the "palomar" knot for fly to tippet connection?
Palomar Knot | How to tie the Palomar Knot | Fishing Knots

This has become my go to knot fot that connection. I have always been knot impaired, & not had the greatest fine motor dexterity. The last few years arthritus has started & is just making things a little worse. I just started fly fishing a couple years ago & the knots were driving me crazy. Taking FOREVER to tie. Then I found the palomar & it was easy for me. Posted on a FF forum & asked about it. Several "old guys" said it was the knot that kept them in the game & a long overlooked knot. Maybe you have already tried it, but thought I'd throw it in.

Now back to gold mining... ;-)

 

[63bkpkr]

Vance, as far as I'm concerned fishing is the same as finding gold so post away, some pictures of Alaska would also be appreciated!!

Garret, catching a fish on an open snap would be a surprise though it might also be the fish was really hungry or angry. I was at a lake in Canada during a drought and the Northen Pike would hit on anything, no swimming there!

Yes surgery was completed on 18 March. Sleeping is still not an easy thing to do nor is eating with the opposite hand and not having the full use of the right means the left side is not as shinny when I get out of the shower. All good things will come when they are supposed to. I'm hopeful I will be able to do some in town detecting this coming week, it would be a lot less boring than sitting around listening to my body heal.

Last night I was looking at my 2010 pictures of gold prospecting/detecting/panning/sluicing and it was a delight to return to those memories but dang some of those packs were big! Just as soon as I can I will be back to that general area with an expectancy of High Adventure = prospecting and native Trout. Likely will be carrying a BGT Super Mini along with my best pan...............63bkpkr

 

[Sample Pan Dan]

Yesterday's trip

A beautiful 60 degree day in the San Diego mountains.

 

[63bkpkr]

I would say that was a great day, beautiful weather/scenery/gold and a great day to be alive. Superb pictures for a "shut in" to absorb the fresh air from!................63bkpkr

 

[Sample Pan Dan]

Thanks Herb,

Hope the recovery and healing are coming along nicely.

 

[63bkpkr]

Thank you, the R&H are coming along!