Metal Detecting at the 'Patch'

[WildCard]

We were too late in the year for the salmon runs, but did catch some really nice trout and dolly varden; till the bears chased us away! Went down to the Kenai pennesula for a few days but between the bears and that active volcano, we decided to try another area so chartered a plane and flew up to Tannana for a few days then up to Denali. Tannana was interesting as it's an old Indian town right on the Yukon River.

Any way, a lot to do with prospecting.

I think I have the panning down pretty good. An old boy we met in Alaska introduced us to gold prospecting and was pretty demanding in his wishes that we learn the proper methods of panning. He had us practice using BB's. I am at the point that what ever number I put in the pan I end up with at the end of the run.

Jeff? Is that the one that talks like a yankee??  My daddy used to tell me that when ever a yankee was around to always keep one hand on your wallet and one eye behind you. I've always found that to be pretty good advice. LOL

Tall, dark and handsome, eh?? Ok, will look for ya next time I am at the Cotton Patch.  I will try to get out there in a couple of weeks. Although if you have a rep for insulting people, perhaps I should forego that expedrience.

[Frank]

  Wildcard: you may find a lot of teasing and ribbing but one thing is for sure, If you need help and information everyone at the patch, both customer and employee, will do their best to help you. Sam did tell you right. It is very difficultto make a living prospecting. The richness comes from the people you meet and cross pathes with. The gold is just a bonus.

   Frank

[SamBurgin CPHRMA]

Not tall, dark, and handsome...Tall, WIDE, and handsome

[WildCard]

Frank,

Thanks for the input. I find that to be  pretty much true in all endeavers of life. However, the people I have met so far in this hobby have been very straight forward in their advice and assistance.  The one fellow I did have the opportunity to get a chance to talk to at the Cotton Patch went above and beyond in his eagerness to help me and he appeared to have a good knowledge of gold prospecting. I forget his name but it could be Donnie or Ronnie? Ronnie, I believe. Anyway, he was an example of the type of people I met in Alaska.

I have been thinking about hitting some of the streams in the area. Anyone have any advice in that regard? Where to go for example.

Oh, and Frank, that wasn't teasing and ribbing.

[WildCard]

I stand corrected, SamBurgin. Sorry for the mix-up.

We'll have to get together sometime. We seem to share the same sense of humor.

[NCGrampa]

Not tall, dark, and handsome...Tall, WIDE, and handsome

Well you got 2 out of 3 right, Sam.  Handsome? I ain't so sure.  How'z the Trommel coming?

[SamBurgin CPHRMA]

  How'z the Trommel coming?

Still stuck in the mud, with more mud to come.  I've repaired the expanded sluice and got new tires and brake lights.  I've talked to the original manufacturer for some tips, and have ordered a schematic of the whole thing.

Waiting for warmer weather.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtlZsPP4M0s]

[MHP CPHRMA]

Sam, if you were as energetic as I am you would have it out of the mud already. I think you don't have the interest you used to have. Are you taking some medication for that gold fever?

[NC Gold]

What price did you decide on for detecting and how can I get an appointment? Going to be in the area this weekend and would like to stop by? Lrft message on answering machine earlier about sluicing. 

[SamBurgin CPHRMA]

Unless something has changed, the only detecting allowed is as part of the perpetual dig.

Sam

[becky noel]

I have no idea this before

[david718]

I'm pretty new to this too. I am just wondering though, how much gold is left to be found? Wouldn't it seem like the patch would eventually dry up? How much does a 'pro' find?

[SamBurgin CPHRMA]

Hi David, and welcome to the fourm. 

The general consensus is that about 90% of all gold lies still undiscovered, with 35% of that locked up in sulfide compounds.

There's plenty of gold left for us all.

Sam

[slynch]

David,
Like Sam said...there is lots of gold to be found. Cotton Patch is your best bet to find more gold than anywhere else in this area (NC, SC, VA, GA, TN) that I've been to.

I don't know about everyone else....but I consider myself a "Pro"....LOL

Good Hunting
Steven