Show Me Gold Prospector

June 2008 Newsletter

June 14, 2008 Meeting: The June Meeting will start at 11:00 a.m. Let’s have some show & tell. Any one that went to Thermal City, show us your gold from the draw. If you’ve been prospecting, rock hounding, or metal detecting, show us what you’ve found. Perhaps you didn’t find anything, tell us a prospecting story.

Thermal City: We had a blast in Thermal City. There were 29 people in the common dig, the most we’ve ever had. Nita Yokley had the #1 draw. Way to go Nita.

St. Louis Meeting: There has been lots of interest in forming a GPAA chapter in St. Louis. If you’re interested, the first meeting will be at the Florissant Valley Library, 1955 New Florissant Rd., Florissant MO. 63031. Phone number (314) 921-7200. The meeting will be June 21^st, from 12:30 to 3:30. If you’d like to see a St. Louis chapter, plan on attending this meeting.

The Colorado Trip information was provided by Tom Gabriel from the claim owner, who is also named Tom.

Colorado Trip Information!! Ok folks, here is a brief overview of the trip to Colorado my friend Tom has so graciously invited us to.

First and foremost, this invitation was extended to Show Me Gold Prospector members ONLY! I do not say this to be rude, that’s just how it is. Please do not bring this trip up for discussion on the Yahoo forum. I do not want others showing up assuming this is an open outing. We will be the only ones there and this is the first time he has had anyone else on his property.

Tom also asked me to limit the number of people to around 20 this first go round, so that is the number I will shoot for. Slots will be on a first on the list basis! If you KNOW you can go, then get on the list. If you THINK you can go, please do not get on the list until you are sure. This will give as many people as possible a chance to make plans in advance. If we end up with more people who what to go than we have spots, there will be a waiting list for drop offs. I really do not see this being an issue, but I don’t want any surprises. We will go over this more at the June meeting and I WILL NOT be starting the list until then!!

Our invitation is from SATURDAY, July 19 until SUNDAY, July 27. Tom asked that no one plan to be there early. This will allow him time to get to the property on Friday night and make sure things are set for us to arrive. We will discuss an arrival time at the June meeting, but I am thinking no earlier than 9am. We are welcome to come and go as we please during those dates, and you do not have to be there the entire time!

The property is approximately 35 miles west of Denver. You would take Hwy 6 out of Denver to highway 119 toward Blackhawk and Central City. Tom tells me the property is just before you get to Blackhawk. A map will be provided to those who are planning to go. The property should not be difficult to access with an RV, no steep inclines, and should provide more than enough room to maneuver and set up for all the camping we want to do. There is NO running water or hook-ups! Tom is going to check into a portable toilet for the week, but no promises on it. There is a place for groceries and supply’s not to far away.

The elevation at the property is 9100 feet above sea level! Tom tells me the best way to fight off elevation sickness is to take it easy the first few days and drink plenty of water! Bring warm cloths, rain gear, and sun screen (sounds like MO). It is not unheard of for them to have snow in late June, and rain is a very real possibility! Evenings will be likely be cool and the days can be hot and humid.

There will be a 3” and 4” dredge as well as a 10 foot by 12” sluice we can use to hydraulic, sluice, or highbank with. You will not need a wet suite unless you want one, waders will be enough. We can bring all the highbankers, dredges, sluices, metal detectors, and any other equipment we care to try. His trommel and back hoe are not on the property and will not likely be at the time. There are several test cuts into the bank and around the property. We are welcome to dig ANYWHERE we like.

We will go over all of this at the June meeting and I am hoping to have some pictures of the property to share as well.

Final Thoughts: Doug and I will be attending the St. Louis meeting. I know that some of our members will choose to attend the meetings in St. Louis. Please remember, you can be members of as many chapters as you have time for. But, I know with the high price of gas and the sheer amount of time it takes to travel across the state, some of you will choose to attend the meetings in St. Louis. This will enable more people to participate in a hobby they love. I will keep you up to date on with the Newsletter. This will also enable us to have join outings. Sharon