For many years I have one day a week pursued my passion for mining. “Mining Thursday” has become a mainstay in my routine and has become both an emotional and monetary fulfilling activity. All this despite having a physical condition - a chronic lung condition and asthma, which puts me in the high risk category according to the CDC. And while I understand that I would most likely not survive a bout with COVID-19, I choose to continue to mine and enjoy the outdoor adventure, and choose to do it responsibly as I have been for many years.

I have decided to create a mining trip “habit”, something that you can share with your trusted mining partners, spouses and children. It has three basic parts – preparation, sanitation and working together despite physical space limitations.

For most Prospectors, social distancing is part of what we do and why we do it. Separation from the masses while out prospecting is our way of social distancing or as I call it, “social decompression”. It is a part of our makeup and getting out there and on the gold is something we embrace at every opportunity. Whether prospecting by yourself or with a small group of friends or family, it has been this way for generations, and most likely for generations to come.

Desert Edition - Arizona