mick

Last year, Joeforthegold, Goldmanmike and I were out in 29 palms. We were checking out some new ground and we stopped for a minute. A guy came riding up in a Rhino and we started to talk. He told us that he had a large claim just ahead. We explained that we sure didn't want to trespass and asked him to show us where his claim was so we could stay off. We chatted for a few minutes and being the avid forum reader that I am, I realized who I was talking to. I said: "Hey, aren't you 29 Prospector?" "Yes!" he replied. We had a few laughs over that one and before it was over he invited us up to his claim. We have stayed in touch ever since. So besides "It pays to ask" It also pays to just be nice to people. We now have a new place to hunt and better yet, a new friend for life. Got to love that. mick

And it's that dream that gets me out off the couch and into the field. The excitement and anticipation of finding gold with a metal detector is a great driving force. I'm sitting here at work now planning my next trip. Gold or no Gold it will be rewarding. Northoceanbeach...what part of the country are you in? How about a quick introduction? mick

One thing for sure is Bob has been keeping everyone up to date on his progress. We all get to see it unfold and learn from his experience. I've seen the area and the hole and I believe there is some great gold to come. Time will tell... mick

First, in my opinion, you don't get into this hobby with the idea of getting rich. In fact, you better go in with the idea that you won't break even. Most folks don't. However, if you are looking for a challenging hobby, then nuggetshooting is for you. If you are looking to get some great exercise, be outside and visit some remote locations, hike over incredible terrain, meet some terrific people, and challenge yourself both physically and mentally, then you've come to the right place. AND if you work real hard and have a bit of luck, you can join the ranks of a very small group of people world wide that have found gold with a metal detector. mick

Joe's is a Mono and I will have to say, it is an amazing coil. Has to be the best small coil on the market by far. mick

I'll take a rain check on the pics. I leaving in a few hours for a 3 week vacation. Heading to Montana and then??? I'll be back the week of the 17th. mick

I said "almost" That's some pretty country back there. I liked the pics of the houses and all the trees look pretty cool. For those of us who grew up west of the rockies, a forest usually consists of 1 or 2 kinds of trees. Back there, it's mix of everything. A maple, next to a walnut, next to a cherry and so forth. I love that. Have a safe trip. mick

Good on you for taking a trip back to see the grandkids. Great pics and thanks for the post. Great to share some of our side adventures. When I first saw the pics of you I had to look twice. When you're all cleaned up, you almost look respectable mick

Hey Rob, You shoot the video and I will gladly help you edit it and put in on the forum. Good luck... mick

Rob, I haven't been out in over a month I work for a school district and we get busy near the end of the year. Plus, somehow I let my wife talk me into remodeling a bathroom I will be out this weekend for sure. I need a gold fix... or at least a prospecting fix. mick

Good going Rob and some nice gold. Losing the water was a tough break. Years ago, and before we had GPS, I started carrying a roll of Surveyor’s tape. You know, that bright orange and pink ribbon you see on the end of the survey stakes at a construction site. When I would get a deer down, I would mark the brush with the tape and then go back for the bike to haul it out. I still carry a roll in my fanny pack. Home depot sells it for next to nothing. A couple of 3 ft. streamers high up in the brush/trees would have made it easy to find your H2O stash. mick

Hey Garimpo, Great thread and I love the pictures. Thanks for sharing. PNG looks like wild country and living here in the states it's hard to relate to their life style. I look forward to hearing more... mick