Well, after checking with LR2000, all I was able to find are "closed" claims in the area I want to hit, so now, off to the County Clerk & Recorder to do a final check. This Sunday or Monday are possibilities, if not, then 2 weeks from Saturday - maybe. MikeS - how's the mineral research going?
I'm good for Sun or Mon, but with a 60% chance of rain Sun, I'd prefer Mon.
What are we digging for in that neck of the woods? Recommended gear? Are we hiking in or close to our vehicles?
Looking forward to it!!
Mike is working on what we are looking for, and I would recommend good boots, gloves, a jacket, a rain poncho or jacket, good work gloves, rock pick, hammer, shovel, hand trowels, chisels, brushes, pry's - Mike? What would you bring?
Water is a necessity. So are the gloves.
I will have my Estwing miners pick, so a pickax isn't necessary, and I will have spud bars in the truck too.
Edit: We will not be that far physically from the cars.... Time wise, though, well - it's a steep ridge area.
That would be very cool! Will do.
So I may be interested in coming down and meeting several of you as well as putting my toe into the waters of what others seem to indicate is more of an addiction than a hobby (in a good way of course). I have been reading numerous posts in all of the forums for a little while now and this may be something that would be a good personal introduction. Ok, with that said I do have a couple of questions.
1) Where (kind of specifically) are you thinking of going? Google maps shows Copper Gulch as being Southwest of Canon City. Close enough to the Springs for me to do the one day jaunt.
2) I would like to bring my 13 year old daughter with me. I really haven't seen on any posts were members have brought their kid(s) with them. She likes to look for rocks, and I want to make sure that if she was to come that this would be something that she may enjoy and not be too serious for her. So, how serious will this adventure be?
That's it, for now...
Count us in for monday as well!
that all sound good,
I cant go this weekend though. It is opening day for rifle season and I will be bird-doggin' for my dad. He is getting up there and any year now might be his last to hunt, so understandably I wil be up there with him.
On a side note; as we speak my dog Aspen is giving birth and I am holding a 4 hour puppy in my lap as I type this. I got to go for now, daddy duty is calling.
Work is a bit slow which should give me the chance to take Monday off. If that does not work out we can shoot for a few weeks down the road.
Most of the old mines nearby are metal ore based (primarily silver and copper) which should at least give a chance at some of the copper ores like Azurite and Malachite.
Usually when there is that many productive metal mines around there is a chance for gold as well.
While researching nearby areas (Canon, Royal Gorge, Texas Creek, etc.) I came up with an impressive list of other things that we may be able to find there:
Beryl (green), Quartz (clear, white, Amethyst, Agate, Jasper), Tourmaline (Black, and a gemmy variety called Elbaite that can be green, pink, and lilac colors), Columbite-Tantalite, Feldspar, Marble, Selenite, Mica (Muscovite, Biotite), Fluorite(purple).
As far as rock equip. Leave the heavy stuff in the car or at home. Usually the first investigation of an area is reading surface rocks and old mine tailings (if any) on the surface. More footwork and looking than hard diggin. I carry a pick, small shovel, eye loupe, rock books, maps and the basics for the Rocky Mountains in Fall.
I don't have the BLM map for that area so you should bring yours Caveman to make sure we are on grounds open for mineral entry as we go.
I have not had the chance to double check lr2000 but will this evening.
Sounds like we've got a plan coming together! I've got room for 3 more in my truck if anyone wants to car pool!
Copy, standard rockhounding gear in the pack with some heavier artillery in the truck if we find something good and need to get serious lol
In this case I will bring my 2 metal detectors as well. Even if there is no gold, they may help us find deposits of the other metals. I will also have a GPS unit and a digital scale so we can even do a specific gravity test in the field if want to.
RockyRat, I have not been there yet but it sounds like it won't be too serious of an adventure. Caveman says it's a little steep in spots but not far from the vehicles.
None of us have prospected this spot before as far as I know and we all may come home empty handed except with a fun day and new friends! For dipping your toes in this may actually be a good trip (weather permitting) because this is how it starts for a prospector. Exploring new turf.
Dawww thanks for thinking of me Rex :3 ::::::
Outstanding! looks like a group large enough to cover some ground. 2 weeks from Saturday looks like it's in the works, too. Keep posting.
Well it seems that I have lost the ability to read a calendar. It turns out my daughter has school next Monday, and has the following one off. Oh well, good luck out there.
Drat! Was looking forward to meeting you.
As I told Caveman in a message, I won't be attending. I'm not in the right frame of mind currently - depression hit me hard last night - just my life in general, where I am, where I'm not going, this and that, bullshit that I won't bother you all with. Maybe in a week or two I'll feel better - but equally so, even then, I don't trust my truck for shit as I need a new clutch and new tires, that I won't be able to afford until my tax return next year. I'd ask for a ride but I don't really live close to anyone.. and/or don't want to bother Mike with another ride. If in the rare circumstance that some one does offer me a ride and I'm in a better state of mind - I'd need to know the exact date, and it would hafta be 14 days out so I can get time off work. Unless on the weekend.
Good luck guys, I'm sure you'll find something.
I hope you get feeling better man. Sounds like Caveman is thinking about a follow up in a few weeks on the weekend. If weather and car let me, I'll pick you up.
Are you all camping? Or just a day trip?
Camping this time of year?! you're a brave man Colin!
I was just asking - If it's Monday, I can't attend. Gotta work. Can't/Won't ask for time off till next year, need the money, what little there is. If ya'll going up Sunday, yeah, totally, if I can get a ride.. despite rain... if it ain't snow, it's manageable. Yeah it sucks digging in rain, learned from this past summer, but it can and WILL happen.
I got Monday off. Looks like I will be there. Can I invite my brother and 2 diggin buddies Caveman?
Did some looking on google earth and I see 2 good parking spots along the road. The first is just before Sunset City(from hwy 50) and should give great access to sections 10 & 11. The second is near Poverty Mt. just before it re-enters BLM lands right next to the cattle guard and fence that marks the boundry which should be good access to sections 16 & 17. Both spots show hard rock exposure very close to parking and they both have the dry creek bed right there which is prob. the best place to start investigating what type of rock is in the area and also the best place to look for Agate and Gold (Detectors or dry methods).
Sorry guys, computer issues.
Mike - yes, they would be welcome! I'll check google earth and get back to you - there is a parking spot I'm thinking of, and I'll send you the coordinates. Congrats on the florite!
Colin - no camping, day trips... sorry, but I do have a guest house that you can stay in, if needed. Saturday or Sunday in 2 weeks.....
Crusty, OH YEAH!
What time are you heading up there Mike?
All,
There is a large pull-out 2 tenths of a mile up the road from Parkdale, I think meeting there would be best as this is very easy to pull into, lots of space, etc. Then I can lead in to the place we will start.
Looks like we have Me, MikeS + 3, Crusty, and Brandon + his wife. Anyone else?
Im trying to contact my bosses to get the day off, haven't heard back yet. I'll try one of two again later tonight, if not, hopefully hear something tomorrow.
I know I stated above that I wouldn't ask for time off again... but having all of you in one place... hard to resist. And thanks to Fenixsmom, last night, for cheering me up - I feel better, much better, then I have the past couple days. So hopefully I hear back from either of my bosses. (makes me think of Office Space, "That's right bob, bob, I have 8 different bosses")
You are very welcome Colin. I'm glad I could bring a smile to your handlebars. (it needed to be repeated)
That's right, just sit there smiling. :D
SOunds like the plan is coming together! What time are we going to link up?
Brandon, do y'all want to ride with me or link up and drive together?
And Colin, if you get the time off, you can roll with me!
I appreciate the offer Crusty, but it would seem more logical to have Mike give me a ride. Considering he's coming south from Denver, I'm on the way. Rather than you driving north past Castle Rock, and then flipping south again. - That is, if Mike's ride offer still stands... and have yet to hear from my boss, gunna give him a call right now, while I'm thinking bout it.
Glad that you are feeling better, Colin, and I hope things work out and you can make it. Working on a time frame now - If you get on Google maps and zoom in on Parkdale (on the otherside of the hill From Canon City on US50), you turn left on CR3, go 2 tenths of a mile, and on the left is a big pull-out. I would like to meet you guys there.
Have yet to hear back from my boss.... on a side note, kinda wish I hadn't left him a VM saying I want to go mining on Monday... now I can't call out sick, dammit.
Hey Caveman didn't that area get burned by the Royal Gorge fire? I drove by there (but didn't go down CR3) a few weeks ago and it looked to me like those hills were pretty barren.
A long time ago, like in 1998, I used to work for a company that used one of the towers at the end of Rd 389B. Back then there used to be a padlocked gate to keep people out. Like I said, that was a while ago.
Ok, guys - meet up time is 0900, and the place is the pull-out on the left 2 tenths of a mile down the road from Parkdale. Edit: We should be there about 30 mins. If you do not make that, then we will be at the pull out on the right, about 3.6 miles after the split off to Royal Gorge. Do not take the split to Royal Gorge - Stay right on Copper Gulch Road.
Copy, 0900!
Colin, let me know when you hear from your boss!
Ok, my bad. I was thinking that you were talking about CR3a which actually heads into the tourist area on the North side of the river.
I'm gunna call it a no go, my bosses cell just goes to VM. Was worth a shot. I'll try him again later today... but I have high doubts in getting the day off. I'll send you a message on FB, Crusty. Either or, probably around 5pm today is the last time I'll try calling my boss.
I have to back out as well, I've been under the weather all day and it's not getting any better.
A no go for me. Wish I could have gone but to short a notice. Both on Caveman's end and mine - equally to blame. Need at least 14 days notice ahead of sched. trip. Anywho, hope you guys find some cool stuff - hopefully ya'll won't get rained out as well.
Till next time -
Colin
Get yourself better, Brandon - the rocks will still be there, waiting......
Looks like I have fixed my car issues. I will be there +2.
Have fun out there guys! Stay warm, hypothermia ia a bitch!
Welppppp I should've effin gone..... learned today at work that I got shafted for management yet again (5th time).... and wasn't really needed today... SOaFB! Time to look for a new job... out of one depression spell and on to the next... at least this time, it's just B.S. work related, but still... I can't EFFIN win!
Had a great day kicking rocks with Caveman, Mike (and his brother & friend). Very cool to be out in the field with folks who actually know what they're doing, instead of my usual assessment of my finds, "ooohhh shiney!" :)
We found some copper (Not sure of the spelling, I believe Mike said it was "calcicola?); some small garnets (I don't think anyone actually got any that they took with them); and lots of Epidote.
Here are the couple pics I took.
Thanks for putting it together Caveman!
Thanks Caveman! What a fun day exploring some new material.
Crusty, that copper ore with the cool blue color that you found is called: Chrysocolla
I didn't find any Chrysocolla but I did take home some of the Epidote that I found.
Thanks again guys that was fun!
Thanks, Mike & Crusty - it was a great day, and perfect weather & climbing conditions. Your brother (I'm terrible with names) and mining partner (Jason?) were great to have along too.It was fun to to do the reasearch and get out there. I hope a week from this coming Sunday will be good for another go.... I would like to get to the tailings piles from one of those old mines out there. We just went up the wrong gulch. I have some radios, too (for the house and hunting), so we can split up more. I will keep you guys posted!
NEXT TIME!!!! Make it on the weekend so I can attend, pweeeeaaassseeee!
On a side note, I'll be up in Devil's Head area again this weekend. Probably go camping one... last... time... before the trails close. Weather... not depending, I go regardless. (Unless "1 - anything above, snow)
Wow! I had them both right....
Sounds like it was a great time guys!! I would love to see some of the Chrysocolla and Epidote that you all found.
Here is a few of the pieces my brother found. Chrysocolla(blue), Epidote(green), Tourmaline(black)
That's outstanding - I am going to make a quick solo trip this coming week to scout that other wash - I'll let you know what I find.
Very cool finds Mike, David sure scored on those! Definitely not bad for a first time field test. Looking forward to your update Caveman, looks like there will be even more kinds of goodies found yet.
Ok, guys & gals, I am heading out on Thursday for a field souting trip (sections 10, 11), and hope to put together a group outing this Sunday, the 26th. Anyone interested?
I am definaly interested.
Been looking forward to this for a while. One moving target in my sites that I have to knock down first is my rental. The last folks moved out last week and I have tons to do to get back to top notch. I thought I was fininshed this morning until I turned on the faucet to water the yard. Found a big leak in the pulmbing. Now back to working on cell towers for a couple of nights. Hope to get on the plumbing by Saturday. I'll let you know. Woody.
Definitely hope you can make it, Woody. That would be a big plus!
Well poop. I picked up some hours at work this next week.... didn't know at the time I was signing up for a 3am shift on Sunday. More money, but yet again bad timing. If you could push yer day trip to Saturday.. I'd totally be down. Was gunna go camping Friday/Saturday up at my endless but I could just make it into a day trip Friday after work - to free up Saturday... if you guys can do it then. If not however, I'll be going camping, so sooner the notice, the better. (I tend to check this site at least 30 times a day...exaggerated...sure.. ;) Maybe I'll also try n give you a buzz tonight.
Colin
I don't think I will make it this time Caveman. I am going to take the opportunity to meet Emac on Saturday. Then on Sunday I will have to do some follow up work near the claim. I hope you find what you are after. Good Luck!
Have fun Scott!!!!
Thanks, Denise & Jessie! I will both be safe and have fun. I do not plan on being out there for more than 3 - 4 hours. Speed scouting, to be sure! MikeS - have fun with EMac, Jessie, and whoever else gets out there to join you - find some color! Colin, we talked on the phone, and if you are able to get there on Sunday, that would be great, if not... there's always another time to go. If the weather holds, there may be a November field trip in order - I will keep you guys posted. One good thing about November.... no snakes! Not that we saw any the last time, but you never know....
Seeya Sunday. ;)
Heading out after my shower this morning - off now to say "Hay!" to the horses!
aaaannnnd away I go! Update when I get back.....
Welp, can't get out of work early... out at 1030am... for Crusty to pick me up, in more or less Littleton, from the Springs, and then round about it back south to the dig spot... ain't worth it. More time driving than digging. Is what it is and ain't what it ain't. Next time, hopefully this year before the snow. Would love to meet you guys.
Good luck on the dig.
Colin
How many times more this year do you suppose you'll go out? I was just perusing Crusty's pics, and thinking about what I would take with me, what I'd need to get, and which pack to use.
It depends on the weather - can't say right now...
I plan on meeting at the pullout we were at this last time... to get there, take 50 west through Canon City to Parkdale, turn left on CR 3, follow to where 3 splits off of Copper Gulch Road (to the south side of Royal Gorge), and stay left (on Copper Gulch Road). Go aprox 4.5 mils from the split ti a pullout on the right, and you will see my truck. See you there Sunday at 0900!
Darn! It was a blast having you join us last week.
Ok, roll call! Who's in for tomorrow?
Caveman, lostnewb, anyone else?
Well, went out anyway, speed walked that wash, and it looks promising.... goes WAY back there, and has all kinds of washes joining it from the surrounding hills, a lot of them pretty tough to get bak into. I saw no footprints, but found a piece of old iron. I need to go further back, but I wsa feeling a little poorly myself, so I called it after an hour. I'll try to set another run up if the weather holds - it be after the new ink, though.
Sorry about bailing on you Caveman.
Wish I had more room on the clock for play, I just wasn't up for the drive time. It's been one of those weeks. I opted to stay local, "less than 20 miles" and went to one of my trusted spots. I did prretty good. Shoot me an Email and I will send you some pictures. We need to get together down here sometime and make a day of it. Take care, Woody.
Same here. Very sorry not to make it.
Spent all last night up with this cold. Figured best not to be around anyone and get them sick. I look forward to the next trip if the weather holds.
-Chris
Woody, Lostnewb, no problem - you get curves thrown by life all the time, so you just make te best of it. And, like I said - I wasn't feeling well myself, and only stayed out an hour. Next time - I intend to follow that wash back a lot further. Woody, I will shoot you a PM with my email address as we had to have our 'puter rebuilt and lost a lot of our contacts.
I told Crusty - as I am - Going up Thursday to a new area, prospecting - I suspect it's under private ownership since the dates of which I got this info are from the '50's. But worse case, I'll hit up another area that I did beginning of summer when (as I told Woody) I was as greenhorn to rock hounding as it gets - as always, more the merry, expect to go by myself.. but figured I'd throw it out there.
Hey there... reading through this thread it sounds like a great area to explore... I'll keep a lookout
for the next time you plan another trip (can't this Thursday) and hopefully you'll welcome another
set of eyes... Woody, if you get a chance to head up for some Amazonite and smokies keep me in
mind...
I wasn't having any problem going it alone... I was just not well on Sunday - pretty sick actually. I enjoy going it alone as well as I do with a group - sometimes even more as I can move at my own speed, be quieter and see more animals. I do very much enjoy the comadrie of a group, too, as I get to watch and learn from the more experienced people.
Colo_hef - anytime - when I plan on going out to the gulch, I will post it here. I have not found much, but they were mining the area for a reason back in the day.
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