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Posted by: ChuckD May 1 2018, 09:39 PM

Well, I got invited to come up to a private ranch outside of Durango and do a little prospecting on the La Plata River. This guy had posted on another forum that he was looking for someone with a highbanker to come up and “profit share”. Of course, when two people with limited experience get together you both find out that there’s a lot more to this prospecting than just shoveling dirt. Anyhow, after a hard day of panning, I found a total of maybe ten “flakes” about 1/3 the size of a black pepper flake... luckily, I’m not hard to please... I consider my trip a success. Since we didn’t find a good spot, we never set up the highbanker. I told this guy about the club and that he oughta join because there’s some members that could really help him out in reading the river and telling him where to look. Of course, it’s supposed to snow tonight, so I don’t know what the next couple days will be like as far as looking for gold goes. Trying to decide if I’m gonna head back home to Texas or maybe spend a few days driving through the mountains... the scenery has been something I’ll never forget. Plus, as of yet I still haven’t been attacked by a bear... but you can bet my head was on a swivel today! And I still haven’t caught my breath.

Posted by: Crusty May 2 2018, 05:35 PM

Glad you made it up and found a little color!!

Posted by: EMac May 3 2018, 03:44 PM

Congrats on making it out as well! Did you figure out if that heavy rock had gold in it? Should get folks' opinions on that thing.

Posted by: ChuckD May 3 2018, 10:45 PM

No sir, i haven’t figured it out yet. I left Durango this morning headed toward Montrose to meet with another friend in the GPAA but ran into some nasty weather and icy roads past Purgatory and decided to turn around and head home. I veered off into the National Forest south of Pagosa but never got out of the vehicle. I was hoping to run into a (Park Ranger?) , but never did. I have no idea what the rules and regulations are as far as where one can stop, or dig or anything... and I didn’t want to break any laws or rules or anything. I’ve asked several people questions and get different answers from each one. Long story short, I’m in a motel room in Clovis right now and I’ll finish up my trip home tomorrow. By the way, EMac... I really appreciate the info you’ve shared. I would have liked to have been able to meet up with you and learned more about all of this prospecting stuff... maybe next time! I’ve noticed that sometimes a club member will say they know of a good spot but they don’t have the funds or they need a ride... I’m not rich or anything, but I’d be more than willing to supply food, gas, and transportation to someone who’d be willing to share their knowledge and experience on a trip later this summer. Of course, it’s kinda hard committing to something like that with a complete stranger... I was hoping to at least meet up with some of the “regulars” on the forum but things just didn’t work out this trip. Maybe next time.

Posted by: EMac May 4 2018, 10:00 AM

It's my pleasure to pass on the little that I know. I just hope I'm not coming across as a subject matter expert because that's just not the case. I've got a passion for this, but I'm still just an amateur at best. I'm somewhat comfortable and confident with recovery, panning, techniques, etc., but prospecting is where I too would love to get out with guys like Woody for whom this is an old hat. Look forward to meeting you on your next trip this way.

Posted by: Crusty May 4 2018, 11:05 AM

You'll find most folks here are more than willing to invite you along on an outing, with NO expectation of you paying for anything (beyond being able to feed yourself for the duration of the adventure). Always more enjoyable to have company along! Just let us know when you'll be back up and I'm sure someone can get something going!

Posted by: ChuckD May 4 2018, 05:24 PM

I’ll be sure to try to plan my next trip when there’s an open invitation somewhere... and I’ll be reading everything I can get my hands on to try and educate myself a little better in preparation for my next excursion. Take care!

Posted by: Denise May 5 2018, 01:00 PM

Glad you were able to get here Chuck! Sorry I wasn't able to meet up with you when you were in Alamosa! Hopefully next time, you will be able to plan a meet up with some of the members and have a great time.