New Member, Phoenix AZ


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About 20 years ago, a coworker and I decided to play our hand at prospecting. I had the jeep and he had fabrication skills. I don't recall drywashers being an option back then, but he fabbed a sluice box setup that we would hall out to blm land and run material. We had no idea what we where doing, but had a good time getting out. Although we found some flakes, gold was dirt cheap back then and we quickly lost interest. I was also alot younger, with two young daughters and a busy career so I had other things pulling at my time.


Fast forward about 15 years, daughters have moved out, work takes me all over Arizona, and I am finding more time to hike and explore. Every time I get out, gold is at the back of my mind. Seeing all the quartz, abandoned mines, old towns and dry washes just make me itchy to pan some material. An old friend of mine has taken up the hobby and has been working the Weaver Mining District for a couple of years now. I joined him to help dig and hall the last two times dry washing and find that I really enjoy being out there.



I have been impressed by the dry washers ability to capture gold. Watching it run the first time, I thought to myself....no way is this thing working. So much so that after we found some color in the first cleanout, I asked him to run the tailings again just to make sure.


To help break up the routine, I picked up a metal detector so I can run around the mountains looking for those elusive nuggets. I also figured that as much as I get around all over Arizona, a metal detector is a bit more portable for an afternoon of prospecting after my business meetings.



I now have a membership with GPAA, AAMD and picked up my permit for State Trust land.



I was able to sneak out this past Saturday to get in some detecting time (second time out) and thought I would try the GPAA claims in Black Canyon. That is some rough country back in there. No luck detecting, but I could see a few drywash spots.


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I would be remiss if I did not offer a shout out to Rob. Excellent communication, customer service and a well stocked shop.


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Well new Member you came to the right place. You will find that the people on here are more than willing to help you in anyway they can. I can say if it has to do with gold someone done it on here. When it comes to gold prospecting never think as a question being stupid.

You have guys young and older say 39 and holding prospecting. It sounds as if you know your way around Az. already and the best part you live there. Not like me being a 1100 mile trip but I make it as often as I can.

Come back here as often as you can and if you ever have need for a detector I know Rob is the one you need to talk to.

Chuck Anders

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