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Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 2 2006, 11:10 AM

Vic's is now open 7 days a week from 8AM to 6 PM or later.
This is a great place to meet great people and learn a few tips about panning.


http://www.coloradoprospector.com/Vic's_Gold_Panning/vics.html

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 12 2006, 06:05 AM

Was a beautiful day yesterday so we decided to go to Vic's and talk to Jesse and Chuck, and guess who was there?...hehe
Liz, Mick, Steve and Duck were working the creek and Darryl and Paulette were doing a little panning. It was great to see them! Here is what Darryl panned out of about 12 pans. Whew! Chunky.


I want some!....

Sweet gold at Vic's! We will be going back next Saturday., hopefully we will run into more great people.

Posted by: Reifermadness Jun 12 2006, 09:53 AM

Hi Mrs. CP,

Would that be a good area to try out my new Desert Fox Spiral Panner as well as the Arizona claim?

Thanks,
Reif

Posted by: MickMang Jun 12 2006, 10:34 AM

hi ya'll thought I'd throw a few pics out from vic's yesterday, this is Liz and myself, I'm the one that looks like an overweight power ranger HAHA

Posted by: MickMang Jun 12 2006, 10:36 AM

here's one of duck and myself in the creek,, all you can see is his weightbelt, I definately need to get one of those

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 13 2006, 05:53 AM

Hi Reif.
I would say they are great places to test out your Desert Fox Spiral Panner.
You going to be able to make it to Vic's this Saturday? We would love to meet you.

Great pics Mick! An overweight power ranger....

Posted by: Reifermadness Jun 13 2006, 03:39 PM

I will certainly try. It depends on what the wife wants to do.
She worked at the library both days last weekend so I was able to take my metal detector to the Idaho Prings GPAA claims. Well, I got all the way there and found out that I had forgotten the battery cable So I sort of blew that chance.
My wife is NOT the least bit interested in gold prospecting so chances of getting her to go are between none and none
I may have to try a day during the week or wait till she has to work on the weekend again.
I would like to meet you guys as well

Reif

Posted by: Evil Ernie Jun 14 2006, 06:22 AM

Don't feel bad Reif, my better half has no desire whatsover to put shovel to dirt. Oh well!!!

Posted by: Reifermadness Jun 14 2006, 09:37 AM

EE,

Oh well I guess I'll just have to find someone else to haul my equipment and dig for me

Reif

Posted by: MickMang Jun 14 2006, 09:54 PM

that's not a bad idea, I need to get saddle bags for my beagle LOL

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Jun 22 2006, 07:44 AM

Hey everyone,

We had a couple requests for a 4th of July get together at Vic's and we thought it sounded like a good day to do that.
Come one, come all........everyone will have fun!

Sorry, but unfortunately this is not a free day....but, CP club members do get discounts if you present your membership cards!

For anyone who isn't familiar with Vic's prices....just click the link above to find out. (first post of this thread)

Hope you all can make it up for the day.
If you have never seen a fireworks display in the mountains, you may want to plan one out if they aren't banned.....Nederland does a great one and isn't far from Vic's. I believe Blackhawk/Central city do one as well.
Not sure if Idaho springs has one but I wouldn't be suprised.

CP

Posted by: Coalbunny Jun 22 2006, 06:05 PM

THE best display is if you drive to the ghost town of Waldorf and watch from there. You can see a LOT!

Back in '04 after the RMMR I watched the display that Idaho Springs held. It was awesome!

Posted by: MickMang Jun 23 2006, 09:22 AM

hey ya'll, I finally finished my cleanup from the last outing at vic's here's a pic.

Posted by: MickMang Jun 25 2006, 11:37 AM

here's a few from yesterday, duck was actually doing a hand stand in the hoel he was in to get to bedrock, had to drop rocks in the hole if you wanted to talk to him, or just pour pepsi into the air hose from time to time

Posted by: MickMang Jun 25 2006, 11:39 AM

breaks are always appreciated up at vic's

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 26 2006, 08:55 AM

Looks like Duck needs heavier weights..

Here is a Pic of Chuck panning.

Posted by: MickMang Jun 28 2006, 04:58 PM

yeah he needs more weight , I'm just gonna make me an Arkansas weighbelt, 20 bricks on a rope hehe

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 30 2006, 07:50 AM

They use those in the rivers in Detroit too.

Have you gotten a chance to talk to Jesse (owner) at Vic's yet?
I see your signiture...
Dont tell him your black sands arent worth anything...

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 2 2006, 01:02 PM

Maybe Jesse will be there on the 4th. I cant wait till Tuesday...
Its going to be a blast. I hope to see everyone there.
You coming Mick and Duck?

Posted by: MickMang Jul 3 2006, 10:37 PM

yeppers, I should be there, dunno bout the 'duck we went camping and mother nature served us a mighty whoopin. so ya should see me the if you dont just plug up the blue snorkel,,,I'll be up shortly lol

Posted by: MickMang Jul 3 2006, 10:42 PM

oh yeah, I talked to Jesse a while back and he said if I had a full bucket of black sand I was sure I had gotten everything out of to bring it with me and he would school me ,,, just need to get off my duff and take it to the man. oh yeah,,,roscoe doesn't care for camping in rainy weather. lol

Posted by: MickMang Jul 4 2006, 03:29 PM

sorry I didn't make it ya'll, meant to, I plead a serious case of brown bottle flu.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Aug 24 2006, 05:31 AM

Vic's Gold Panning is going to be having a get together on Labor Day weekend. They are going to have hot dogs, hamburgers and pop. Donations are welcome. Everyone paying to pan on Saturday and Sunday will get a ticket to be drawn on Sunday for a new mountain bike and a vial of gold (1 gram).

Posted by: Mrs.CP Oct 2 2006, 07:12 AM

Chucks health was getting so bad that he had to quit Vic's for now.

Allen (the new guy) will be there to help at Vic's though. Still time to get out there before it gets too cold.

Posted by: MickMang Oct 2 2006, 12:38 PM

Hope you feel better soon Chuck! he's a good guy!

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 19 2007, 05:58 AM

Vic's is open now. The snow has melted enough to get to the water.
Jesse the owner is going to be running it this year.

He was also telling us its Vic's 50th year, and he is planning something special for the Rally in July. Cant wait!!

Posted by: Coalbunny Jul 8 2008, 01:55 AM

Anything new on this, Denise? How's Chuck doing?

Posted by: Mrs.CP Jul 8 2008, 05:17 AM

I havent talked to Chuck in a long time now. He hasnt worked for Jesse in over
2 years. Seems the closed sign is always up, so not sure whats going on there anymore.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Apr 13 2011, 08:12 AM

Has anyone had any contact with Jesse or been to Vic's lately? We have tried for weeks now to call him but either its busy (for hours), or no answer.
Just thought I would see if anyone has been by there lately.

If anyone talks to him, post updates here so everyone knows whats going on at Vic's Gold Panning please.

Posted by: ronzaflake Apr 13 2011, 09:08 AM

Hi,
Was up to Vic's this past Sat. Talked with Jesse briefly. Getting ready for this season.
But...don't know if you heard about the valley being taken over by Blackhawk. They are putting a
four lane highway from the fork to town. All land was eminet domained.
They have started dredging and reshaping the creek just below Blackhawk.
Most claims and property along the creek has already been taken from miners/owners.
Jesse says he is fighting them as they want to take all his property.
They are taking 500 feet but want all his, even his home.
Blackhawk is wanting to remove all beaver ponds, willows and redirect the stream to their liking.
They want to "beautify" the canyon and put in bicycle path to attract more "tourist/gamblers".
As you might think, Jesse is pretty low but continuing on.
He needs some support.
I went up to the dredging area. Tlhey are dredging the creek, adding weed stopping material to the
stream bed and covering that with smaller cobbles and stones. Appears there will not be any more
digging when they are through.
Lining the banks with large boulders making it hard to even reach the water.
It's a true tradgedy. The water is murky and all messed up.
Will try to find out any more info.

golddawg ron

Posted by: swizz Apr 14 2011, 08:13 AM

Forgive my ignorance... but how does this legally work? How does a 'town' (Blackhawk) have the permission to legally "take away property and claims from miners/owners", alter streamflows, modify a canyon, and construct roads outside their town/city limits?
Seems logical to me if Jesse won't move.... "they" (regardless the entity, Blackhawk or other) would be required to redirect around Jesse rather than bulldoze him flat.
What am I missing here?

Posted by: ronzaflake Apr 14 2011, 09:35 AM

Swizz,
This is as I understand it. So...Somehow the BLM is involved. They had something to do with the valley.
They traded whatever interest they had to Blackhawk for some other land.
Jesse said they eminent domained 500 feet to put in highway. But somehow they extended it to include all
the land from one side of the valley to the base of the mountain.

I was exploring upstream to see what they are doing. It's a real mess. Another prospector showed up that
lived in the area. He said his friend had the claim just up from Vic's and they took it. They did pay some
for it, but who can estimate the value of hidden wealth.

Jesse said his argument with them is that same reason. How much is the land really worth and his
income.

That's how I understand it. Will try to go back up there in the next day or so.

golddawg ron

Posted by: swizz Apr 14 2011, 10:20 AM

Thanks for the reply Ron.
I'm still confused.
So... the BLM traded some land to the town of Blackhawk. Traded for what.... money, a BLM casino, other land within Blackhawk's town boundaries which will now become BLM land... what did this trade involve?
Since the BLM land was traded to the town of Blackhawk, does this mean that the town will be officially expanding it's borders all the way down the canyon?
Sorry for all the questions and I realize that you may not know all the answers, just trying to get a grasp on this.

Posted by: ronzaflake Apr 14 2011, 01:24 PM

Swizz,
Don't know details. Put together what I could from Jesse and this other guy.
Apparently Blackhawk has wanted the valley for some time. The BLM had something to do with it
owership. They made a deal to "swap" "trade" the valley to Blackhawk for some other land that they
wanted. Do I smell bribe?
About town borders, don't know and don't know who to contact for details. They apparently want to control
the valley. They want a four lane to better service the gamblers. No thought to history.
It's aready started, marking stakes everywhere. The markers don't even come close to Jesse but he said
they want his claim and land where his trailer house is.
He said he owns the mountain back of the creek and was trying to use it as some kind of leverage.
If you know where I could start searching info let me know, will follow up.
If you want to take a drive up let me know.

golddawg ron

Posted by: russau Apr 15 2011, 08:40 AM

wouldnt Jesses claim be grandfathered and allowed to stay? my understanding is if the feds wanted to take a area that was priviously claimed and make it something else, the claim owners would be allowed to keep their claims. it just depends on how bad a person wants the land and how much money they have to fight it!

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Apr 15 2011, 09:44 AM

I think this has been going on for quite a number of years and the state is really the controlling dept at this point for highway safety and construction leading up to the area. The volume of traffic (gambling) has for a long time been far too much for hwy 6 and it's crazy how many vehicles go up and down that canyon per hour.
Having lived in Gilpin county for quite a few years and thinking from a road construction mind frame.........the new highway added to Central city a few years back was/is probably the precursor to this project. Once they start construction on the road below Blackhawk, that project will close the canyon to all gambling traffic during construction. There just is no way they could have that much traffic through the project, it would take all day to get the gamblers through and up to gamble...can't have that.

Anyways, point being, it's the state who decides and hands out bids to contractors for road construction out side of town limits such as this......not the towns. They do have a say in the happenings though since they have all the customers that generate the gambling TAXES. That's what is making this bird fly.......ten years ago the figure of spent dollars in Blackhawk and Central city per day by gamblers was 22 million.........PER DAY!
Money talks and when the state is getting some of it at that level, they pay attention.

Thanks for the update Ron, sure hope Jesse comes out of this ok with a new exit or turn off for Vic's panning. It is the oldest gold panning tourist spot in the state, open for over 50 years now.
Keep us all posted on what else you find out.

CP

Posted by: swizz Apr 15 2011, 09:49 AM

I thought BLM was merely a 'management agency' for specified Federally controlled lands.
I wasn't aware that they were empowered or commissioned to strike deals for public land trades, sales, or bribe. If this is the case.... it opens the door for many bad scenarios.
Hypothetical: Let's say I have a minor dispute with the BLM regarding operations on my claim. Instead of both parties resolving the matter, I get a letter from the BLM stating that this parcel of BLM land is now on the table for trade or sale. Done.
Something smells rotten in Denmark.

Posted by: swizz Apr 15 2011, 09:54 AM

CP,
Our posts overlapped but from reading what you wrote I have a better understanding. It's the State and CDOT (not BLM) making the changes to the canyon as a result of traffic (safety concerns, volume, etc) generated by Blackhawk.
Makes much more sense, thank you. Much easier to swallow.... Vic should be ok to stay if that's the case.

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Apr 15 2011, 10:00 AM

There was some BLM land just north of the town limits but that wasn't near Vic's. BLM and FS do trade offs and sales of land (irks the you know what out of me!) all the time and that's a whole nother topic discussion for sure. But that may have happened in a town annexation to expand.....hard to say for sure, but it's a possiblity.

Yep hopefully he's okay to stay, and the next question will be, how will access be when finished? I'll bet that is one of the hang ups with the project........takes extra money to make more exits etc.

Posted by: swizz Apr 15 2011, 10:45 AM

This is disturbing and doesn't bode well for ANY users of outdoor public lands.... miners, hunters, fishermen, flower-pickers, or whatever.
not good

Posted by: placer Feb 16 2012, 07:11 AM

I do not believe in immonent domain bs. What good is it to buy a home if the government can come in and take it. I call that a domestic enemy. NRA. I am planning a trip to, hopefully Vics, this april. I will be in Co for a week of prospecting.

Posted by: russau Feb 17 2012, 05:54 AM

does anyone know of any updates to Jesses fight for his property? eminit domain has been fought and beaten in other states! some places use E.D. as a bulling tactice thinking youll be afraid to standup for your rights/property!

Posted by: Kevin In Centennial Feb 24 2012, 08:40 AM

I don't know if there is still a threat from the city/county but his business and mining are going great.

Posted by: CODIVER Feb 28 2012, 10:53 PM

Just found out about Vic's and this forum, can anyone tell me if you can use your own equipment. or is it a use their gear kinda place. looking forward to heading there

Posted by: Kevin In Centennial Feb 29 2012, 12:10 AM

Call him or check his website... Http:/www.coloradoprospector.com/Vic's_gold_panning/Vic's.html for specifics.

Posted by: swizz Feb 29 2012, 07:03 AM

Hey there CODIVER.... welcome to CP.
CP donates and maintains a webpage for Vic's. I believe that it's fine to bring your own equipment.
Here's the link: http://www.coloradoprospector.com/Vic%27s_Gold_Panning/vics.html
Good luck, and let us know how ya did!

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Feb 29 2012, 09:37 AM

Hi CODIVER and welcome. Swizz is correct, (thanks Swizz ) you can bring your own equipment no problem and the link posted will take you to the page for Vic's including contact info. You'll have a great time there and both Denise and I have found nuggets there in the past. Have a great adventure and don't forget the camera so you can post up some pics here later too.

A side note for Kevin In Centennial.....

Um probably because we personally recommended they ask questions here, and we also tell everyone there is a great group of folks here that for the most part are very willing to help and meet with others in the field.

Posted by: Kevin In Centennial Feb 29 2012, 09:53 AM

Right you are, I stand corrected. Fixed my post to include the link to his page...sorry for posting that :-(

...and I should add that it was the first place I ever panned back in 1989. It was cool back then and I hear even better now :-)

Posted by: ColoradoProspector Feb 29 2012, 10:14 AM

Cool Kevin and thanks for adding the link to the previous page as well.
That's what makes this forum stand out a little, we have a great group of helpful and friendly folks here!

Bet you still remember that first day of panning there too Kevin, great memories and possibly a small bite of the fever.

Posted by: Kevin In Centennial Feb 29 2012, 11:26 PM

Almost 23 yes ago now and I remember it very clearly...one hour and I had the fever. My wife just about had to drag me away. It is great to see Jesse continuing to pass on the fever to more folks every year still :-)

Posted by: CODIVER Mar 1 2012, 08:39 PM

Thanks for all the info, Im planning on going next sat the 10th. Anyone els going to be around? Wow 23 years ago! I will be 26 in a couple months and will shovel for free for some learning time!

Posted by: Kevin In Centennial Mar 1 2012, 10:20 PM

I would love to take you up on 'free shoveling' LOL. ...as it happens I am tied up with a volunteer thing all day Saturday for the next several saturdays. Maybe someone else will take you up on the idea of a visit to Vic's...it is a fine idea indeed. The good news is Jesse is a friendly guy and will give you a whole lesson if you want it! With the lesson included in your admission price, it turns into quite a bargain :-)

Posted by: russau Mar 2 2012, 05:29 AM

AHMEN to that!!!

Posted by: CODIVER Mar 12 2012, 09:27 PM

well I made it over to vics on saturday, and it went great. Showed up and was met by Scott, he gave me the intro to the place and said to make ourselvs at home. We set up basically next to the parking lot as it was the only fairly open spot I could find. I set the girls up with a sluice box and some buckets, and they headed for the banks where some others had hit it hard by the looks of things. Visibility was zero so decided to just long arm it and managed to punch a good size hole. Did a couple pans and found a few specks and just brought the rest home for the blue bowl garage night. thanks again for the info we all had a blast.

here are a few pics, and one of the drysuit removal

Posted by: russau Mar 13 2012, 07:08 AM

years back,after the RMMR, Gary Olson and his son and i got to dredge Jessies stream and he told us that we were the very first people to dredge his stream.wish we could have stayed longer but Gary had problems at home and we had to leave. but it sure was fun while it lasted.

Posted by: Mrs.CP Mar 14 2012, 09:47 AM

Glad to see you had a good time! With the spring melt off, you can sometimes hear the rocks moving along the creek floor. Sounds really cool! Thanks for sharing the pictures with us!

Carefull when trying to get out of the drysuit! I pulled a leg muscle one time struggeling to get out of one.

Posted by: h20prospector Mar 14 2012, 02:41 PM

Like your drysuit. What was the cost, if you don't mind my asking

Posted by: CODIVER Mar 15 2012, 07:15 PM

I actually got mine for free, its a older harveys and I had to put Aqua seal on the seams. My buddys is a newer Viking and is actually a hazmat certified they run over 1k