A tribute to Mountain Millie

It was with a sad heart that I heard a few weeks ago of the passing of Carolyn Dobbs. She was 99 when she died. For the nine years that I have been here at the GPAA, her little notes to me and my predecessors have always been a highlight and a lift to our days. She always had such a lovely way of letting us know how much she appreciated us.

Hands-on History

 If there’s just one thing that a bunch of wild-eyed fourth graders have in common with the ’49ers of the Old West, it’s their unbridled spirit of exploration and discovery. And, maybe even the hope of finding a big, shiny gold nugget.

Panning for Gold!

"I found GOLD ... GOLD!” echoed through the canyon.

The old prospectors must have turned in their graves, hearing this sweet outcry. The call had come from Parker, who had been panning the river sand accumulated between a cluster of smooth rocks by the water’s edge.

Fortress Fervor

Many of us combine our love of metal detecting when cruising to exotic tropical ports. Tourists, suntan lotion, beaches and metal detecting just naturally go together.

I’ve read many stories about finds at ports of call, but with airlines now charging extra for baggage and ever-tightening security measures, taking a metal detector on vacation is not as easy as it once was.

Lost Adams Diggings

In 1864, during the closing months of the American Civil War, a large gold discovery took place. Years later, the find — and mystery enshrouding it — came to be known as the Lost Adams Diggings.

As a result of the war’s devastation, masses of people pulled up their roots, built or bought covered wagons and began moving west. They were creating what was to become the western region of the United States. Today, it’s called the Old West.

Render Unto Caesar: Metal detectorists under siege

When hobby metal detectorist David Crisp unearthed 52,500 ancient Roman coins, he found more than personal wealth. He uncovered history. Crisp discovered the treasure on an English farm near Frome, Somerset in April and promptly called in a team of archeologists to properly handle the excavation and preserve the integrity of the coins. The bronze and silver coins date back to third century A.D., during the reign of Marcus Aurelius Mausaeus Valerius Carausius, a rebellious naval commander of the Roman Empire.

Smart prospecting is more than good technique, it is an overall attitude. Some people come by it naturally, others have to work for it.

The value of gold is well known. The financial rewards are the main reason that prospectors labor so many hours in unpleasant climates to find the elusive yellow metal. For miner “Klondike” Mike LaBox, however, one particular gold discovery turned out to be priceless.

Alaska is absolutely huge. Before you pack your bag, give serious consideration to which of the various gold districts are known to produce the best results.

Australia has a marvelous history of gold prospecting, especially in Wedderburn. This small country town is located in one of the richest goldfields in the country.