Colorado reaches elevations over 14,000'. When you first arrive it will take several days for you to "adjust" to the elevation. Even after the first few days......oxygen will seem very short......IT IS!
TAKE IT EASY.......BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVER DO IT!
Stay hydrated and pace your phsyical activities..........No hurry, you have 10 days!
Check over this site to learn about high altitude sickness and how not to get it!
High Altitude Sickness
Be prepared! Bring proper clothing for any type weather. (and maybe an extra dry set just in case?)
Colorado is a state where you may experience snow in mid summer at high elevations!
Take a coat or jacket with you even if it's a beautiful cloudless morning! Temps can and will drop quickly when the sun sets or clouds roll in!
Food and water....make sure before you head out each day, you and everyone in your group have enough food/water for the whole day. (including the 4 legged members)
Terrain......Some areas may have very steep terrain and/or overhanging rocks and debri.......Be cautious! As the old saying goes, CYOA!
Be especially cautious with your younguns'........not only on steep terrains but near any water sources, holes/caves/hanging trees, etc. Keep a close eye on them please!
If you find old mine sites/tunnels/shafts.......STAY OUT! STAY ALIVE! STAY SAFE!
Pets, (the furry family members)..........Pets and wildlife do not mix well!
We do have predatory birds and animals in Colorado!
It is against the law to let your pet run free if it will interfere with wildlife and or others use of the national lands!
Please be sure to bring and use leashes for your pets..........for their safety! And your security.....No one wants to go home without their furry buddies.
Prospectin' supplies........ A few good suggested items would be........
Sturdy footware........... Opened toed and or slip on's may be nice 'n comfy in
town but this is not what you want to wear prospecting.
Leather work gloves
Knee pads and or kneeling pad
Safety glasses
Hard hats for those really enthusiastic risk taking diggers who don't mind hanging out under the overhangs.
Small first aid packet
Water spray bottle...One can only lick so many agates in one day!
Classifiers
Rock Picks & shovels fer' removin' leaverite....
Buckets to carry the tools & finds in.
Pry bars & screw drivers (cheapy screw drivers that will never be used for screws)
Wood dowels for fine work around crystals without bruising/chipping.
Brushes, small cloth bags/rags and other small tools for working small pockets if found.
Gold prospecting equipment of course will range depending on what ya' have.....
But if ya' can carry it by hand, then bring it out!
Hats, shades and sunblock if ya' use em'.
Bug repellent if the bugs bug ya'.....
The vehicle......Make sure you check your fluids, gas and especially the jack and spare tire!
Got the jack? Is the spare inflated? You don't want to figure out you forgot when you are at timberline and the sun is setting!
You may want to keep a blanket/tarp, other emergency supplies, packs, rain gear and first aid kits in the vehicle as well.
Most importantly............ENJOY YOURSELVES, IT'S YOUR LAND!
Cya' on the digs!
CP
Have, and play an instrument? You may want to bring it........
