Chasing The Wind

Dowsing For Gold

Spent an enjoyable and informative time at the claims this weekend. Jimmy B, a mining friend from Idaho came over and dowsed a few spots. Jimmy B is relatively new to dowsing, however he has been studying deligently and seems to have a real gift. 

I am fascinated by the "Lost Art of Dowsing" and wonder if this is a skill that one can develop or is it a gift only some obtain.

Jimmy says there is nothing magic in the rods he uses. He has built several sets of both brass and copper rod, in various thicknesses and length. He is still experimenting. He said he has not tried willow or cherry branches as yet. 

I was amazed; for Jimmy, the rods would dance. He kindly gave me a lot of helpful advice and very useful information on the way to hold the rods and how they responded. He said to hold waist level or higher (shoulder level is best, but tiring) when looking for gold; when searching for water the rods should be held lower, closer to knee level. 

I tried the rods for myself. Dowsing works! We then tested Jimmy B.'s abilities by hiding a vial of gold on the florest floor. His rods led him right to the spot! 

He then became a bit more serious and focused as he walked a grid on the Southern Cross claim. I am excited; he had two very strong readings. 

The ancient art of dowsing is quite remarkable.  It is accomplished through an intuitive search process leading the dowser to find water or precious minerals. In our case, we were looking for gold. 

Throughout history, there have also been numerous documented occasions where dowsers have located water, minerals, missing objects or missing persons. Dowsing has been referenced in history since 1518. Martin Luther mentions its use through out Europe and condemned the practice.

Often a dowsing rod, or a bent metal wand is used to facilitate the discovery process. 

During the Victorian era dowsers and their abilities were sometimes considered to be practitioners of witchcraft or magic, the wand or rod they used was called a “divining rod " or “witching wand.”  The wand was crafted from wood of witch hazel, willow or apple trees. Modern day wands are often formed from metal. Brass, copper or stainless steel rods, or in come cases, wire coat hangers have been used.

The process is quite simple. When the dowser walks with the device in his or her hands, they feel a vibrating tingle, tug, pull or other sensation when the item they are seeking is nearby. In a search for gold, once the dowser has a response from the rods, he will approach the location from differenct angles to isolate the area from which he is receiving a "signal". I found this similar to the approach that is used in metal detecting. 

A crystal pendant or a weighted pendulum can also be employed in a somewhat different manner such as positioning it over a map, to bring about the same result of discovery. I have some old treasure maps I would like an accomplished dowser to review.

I have had the privilege of meeting several dowsers. Some, like Jimmy, were very accurate. Over the years I have developed a faith and belief in dowsing. Prospecting for gold is hard work! I will take all the help I can get.

Have you tried dowsing for gold? Will you share your secrets? Please post comments and your experiences.

Do you have gold fever? 

Do you want your own claim in NW Montana?

Please visit the sites below for full information on the claims for sale. 

Wildcat 

Gray Lady Down

Bonanza Gulch

Barber Gulch

Southern Cross

Hard Times No. ! & 2

Hard Times No. 3

Eden's Gate

Click here to visit Gold Prospectors Supply Company

Photo Gallery of Mining Claims - Mineral County, Montana

Do you have gold fever? 

Do you want your own claim in NW Montana?

Please visit the sites below for full information on the claims for sale. 

Wildcat 

Gray Lady Down

Bonanza Gulch

Barber Gulch

Southern Cross

Hard Times No. ! & 2

Hard Times No. 3

Eden's Gate

Click here to visit Gold Prospectors Supply Company

Photo Gallery of Mining Claims - Mineral County, Montana

Wildberries of Montana

Enjoyed a beautiful day on the mountainside. Our goal was to head up Cedar Creek to the mining claims, however, we were sidetracked. The huckleberries are ripe, and lots of folks are out gathering natures bounty.

More information on the Wildberries of Montana

Courtesy: Montana Outdoors

Huckleberries
Huckleberries, tangy, tart and absolutely delicious are small roundish berries, with an appearance similiar to blueberries, however their color may range from deep crimson to deep magenta. Many people say they are the most flavorful berry in the world. They have a strong, pungent odor. (Unless stored in sealed glass jars, huckleberries can permeate anything in the refrigerator or freezer.) Many Montana folks keep a separate small refrigerator or freezer, just to store their huckleberries.

You can look for huckleberries in the wild in late July or August, depending on the elevation. You’ll find them growing, grouped together on low bushes. The berries grow at high elevations on the sunny slopes of the mountains. It is wise to avoid picking the berries in early evening or early morning hours, especially if you are in a remote area. Huckleberries are a favorite food of bears, both black bears and grizzlies. Bears find huckleberries to be a real treat and the high sugar content aids the bears in storing fat for the oncoming winter.

Huckleberries can be used in most any berry recipe. They make incredible pies, cobblers, jams and jellies. Huckleberries are a great addition to pancakes and are unrivaled as an ice cream topping. I have a friend that crafts a magnificent huckleberry liquor that he calls ‘Huckleberry Bounce” - smooth and so fine, after a couple of tiny glasses, those that imbibe have been known to “bounce” off the walls.

For centuries, Native American have used huckleberries as a delicious fruit and for its numerous medicinal qualities. When ripe huckleberries are consumed in quantity, they have a laxative effect, however, when dried huckleberries are eaten, they will combat diarrhea. Huckleberries are also recognized for their helpful impact on the circulatory system and have been useful in treating hemorrhoids, weak capillaries and varicose veins. When huckleberries are included as a regular part of the diet, they will prevent diabetes. Huckleberry juice used as a mouthwash has a healing effect on bleeding gums and mouth sores.

Serviceberry
Found in abundance in Northwestern Montana, the Serviceberry or Juneberry (Amelanchier species, also know as saskatoon, sugar plum or shadbush is a large, multi-stemmed shrub or small compact tree. The showy white flowers are a striking accent to the forest landscape.

The Serviceberry is a small, pretty, slender trees related to apples, and in the rose family.  Serviceberry trees are found on every continent of the Northern Hemisphere, and are also found in North Africa.

Serviceberries can be added to your yard or landscape for their masses of showy, white flowers in spring and brilliant fall foliage. They are quite beautiful and add protective habitat for small animals and birds.

Serviceberries grow well in a wide range of soils. They grow best in moist, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Avoid poorly drained, heavy clay soils. Serviceberries can be planted in partial shade to full sun but seem to thrive in full sun.

The berries are edible and work well in syrups, jellies, jam, wine and as a dehydrated snack. In most recipes they are interchangeable with huckleberries or blueberries.

Native Americans have used the Juneberry as a food staple for centuries. The crushed berries were used to make pemmican, a staple of the Native American diet. The berries, stems and leaves were decocted for medicinal use to treat stomach ulcers, diarrhea and bloating.

Elk, deer and moose love the berries as do many species of birds, especially jays, woodpeckers, robins and grouse.

Chokecherries

Chokecherries are common in the forests and clearings throughout Montana. The fruit is sour and usually too bitter or astringent to eat fresh, as they really make your mouth pucker. However, chokecherries makes an excellent syrup, jelly or very tasty wine.

Chokecherries (Prunus virginiana) are closely related to cherries, plums, apples and roses. Chokecherries grow in long clusters. The attractive white flowers are a compliment to the Spring landscape and the fruit ripens by late summer. When ripe, the berries are a rich deep red to purple shade and have a large pit.

To use the berries for wines, jellies or jam, just grind them in a hand grinder or electric blender. Use the whole berry, including the pits. Grind several times to a smooth consistency, the proceed to simmer and use the cooked down mixture in any berry recipe. They work well in a dehydrator - just form the mixture into patties and dry.

When the fruit is dried it becomes much sweeter. Native Americans used the berries in pemmican, also known as wasna or added their sweet flavor to wojapi, a chokecherry pudding. Chokecherries were an important berries for many tribes. They were normally collected after the first frost as the cold made them sweeter.

Native Americans and the early settlers used chokecherry bark and roots to make sedatives, appetite stimulants and medicinal teas for treating coughs, tuberculosis, stomach discomfort and to treat intestinal worms.

Elderberries
American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), a member of the honeysuckle family, often simply called American Elder, produces an abundant amount of delicious fruit each summer. The tiny blue-black berries, are a favorite of wildlife. Usually available in late summer, the juicy clusters can be gathered by the pailful and make excellent wine, syrup and jelly. Wait to gather these taste morsels until after the first frost.

Traditional folk medicine has used the elderberry for centuries. Black elder was used for centuries in Europe, Africa and Asia for warding off evil spirits and to prevent or cure a multitude of ailments. The early settlers brought this knowledge to America and used the American elder which readily found in the wild all across America.

Native American tribes have always used the elderberry for its many healing properties.

In tribal medicine, elder berries have been used to treat stomach aches, diarrhea, colds, congestion and rheumatism. The flowers were also useful in teas for circulatory problems and as a stimulant and diuretic.

Elderberries contain more vitamin C than any other fruit except for rosehips and black currants and are an excellent source of phosphorus and potassium, anthocyanins, vitamin A and a fine source of calcium. Elderberries also contain tannins, essential oils and sterols and are all around a healthy food.

Elderberry flowers can be used to make a delicious fritter. Just chop the fresh flowers and add to any sweet fritter recipe. Collect the flowers by cutting off the stalk at the cluster’s base, the flowers are much to small to cut individually. Only take a small proportion of the flowers from each bush, and collect only where they are abundant or the bush will not produce any berries that season.

Pemmican was a staple of the Native American diet as it stores well and is light and easy to carry on hunting trips or long journeys. It is a high energy food, full of flavor, protein and carbohydrates.

Pemmican/Wasna

4 ounces dried beef or buffalo jerky - plain, unseasoned dried meat works best.
1 cup dried chokecherries, huckleberries, service berries, or other dried fruit.
3 tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

1. In a food processor, or hand grinder, process jerky until it is in quite small pieces.
2. Add dried chokecherries. Continue to grind until fruit is cut into very small pieces and is mixed well with the jerky. For variety, nut meats may be added.
3. Melt 3 tablespoons butter.
4. Add melted butter to meat and fruit mixture in the food processor. Process well.
5. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan with 1 tablespoon of butter.
6. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, press pemmican into a thin layer in the pan. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate.
7. When chilled, cut into small squares. Store in the refrigerator.

The Year the Huckleberries Failed

Huckleberries

In this great state of Montana

We have the finest in the West,

And above all the other things,

I like Huckleberries best.

 

They make the very choicest jam

And most delicious pies,

They have stored up lots of flavor,

Beneath Montana’s sunny skies.

 

Most every year you can find some,

‘Though you may have to search awhile,

But if you like them as well as I do,

You will walk many a mile.

 

But there was one year I can remember,

When it rained, and snowed, and hailed,

Then froze, to cap the climax,

That year the huckleberries failed.

 

We searched high and low, far and wide,

But couldn’t find a single berry,

In all those patches, where in other years

We could pick all we could carry.

 

There were many long, sad faces,

There were tears in many eyes.

For everyone had been looking forward,

To those luscious, juicy pies.

 

There was mourning in every cabin

And all business was curtailed.

For no one had the heart to work,

The year the huckleberries failed.

 

Some had a quart or two,

Left from the year before.

They guarded them with a shotgun,

And put padlocks on every door.

 

They valued them above gold nuggets,

Wouldn’t have traded for the ‘crown jewels’,

For turning down some offers,

They were called thickheaded fools.

 

One man traded a quart of berries

For a brand new “Cadillac”,

Then after he thought it over,

Tried his best to trade back.

 

Some folks who made their living,

Picking berries for to sell,

Came back from their searching

With their nerves all shot to hell.

 

All the wild birds and beasts,

That dine on huckleberries,

Came down from the mountains

And ate all the chokecherries.

 

That also was an election year

And the ones who won the race,

Promised to bring the berries back,

The rest were in disgrace.

 

But sad to say, the winners

Fell down upon the job,

At making good their promises,

They sure did play hob.

 

Mothers tried to quiet their babies,

But it wasn’t any use.

For they one and all demanded,

Good old huckleberry juice.

 

It was sad to see the little tykes.

They were so wan and weak.

When one feed of huckleberries,

Would have put a dimple in each cheek.

 

It’s been many, many years now,

Since Montana was assailed

By all the worst elements of nature,

The year the huckleberries failed.

 

The preachers in all the churches,

Prayed to the “Almighty One” on high,

But they couldn’t get an answer

And they couldn’t tell us why.

 

The Indians held big powwows,

They called on their “Great Spirit” in the sky.

Their medicine man whooped and chanted.

They sure did make a try.

 

There was wailing in all the lodges

In every teepee and every shack,

But I guess the ‘medicine’ wasn’t working,

For it didn’t bring the berries back.

 

There is a moral to this story,

Gained from all those bitter tears.

When there is a big crop of berries,

Pick enough for several years.

 

If I live to be a hundred,

I’ll remember the hardships that prevailed

For everyone in Montana,

The year the huckleberries failed.

 

KB, 1968, Scribblings from a Hermits Pen

Ducks, Ducks & More Ducks

We love posting good news on this blog. When you’re dealing with wildlife and wild spaces, good news items are few and far between.

Today is one of the good days.

Northern pintail male and female ducks

The Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey samples more than two million square miles of waterfowl habitat across the United States, Canada, and Alaska. The survey estimates the number of ducks on the continent’s primary nesting grounds.

Songbirds are declining around the world, but our North American waterfowl population remains healthy. Not only are the numbers up from last year’s survey, but the total population numbers in the millions are very heartening. As long as prairie potholes, marshes and lakes are preserved, waterfowl of all kinds should have a promising future. You can’t say that for many wild species these days.

Highlights from the survey include:

• The estimated mallard population is 8.5 million birds, a 10 percent increase over last year’s estimate of 7.7 million birds and 13 percent above the long-term average.
• The estimated population of 3.1 million gadwall is similar to last year’s estimate and 73 percent above the long-term average.
• At 7.4 million, the estimated population size of blue-winged teal is the second highest on record, while green-winged teal numbers were at an all-time high of 3.4 million. Estimates for both species are well above their long-term averages (60 percent and 79 percent, respectively).
• The 3.2 million estimate for northern pintails is 23 percent more than last year but 20 percent below the long-term average.
• The estimated number of one million redheads is similar to last year and is 62 percent above the long-term average.
• The canvasback estimate of 662,000 is 35 percent more than last year’s estimate and similar to the long-term average.
• The estimated abundance of northern shovelers (4.4 million) is 25 percent more than last year and 92 percent above the long-term average.
• The scaup (lesser and greater combined), estimate of 4.2 million, is 12 percent greater than last year but 18 percent below the long-term average.
• Population estimates for American black ducks, ring-necked ducks, American wigeon, bufflehead, goldeneyes, and mergansers are similar to last year as well as their 1990-2008 averages.

The entire Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, 1955-2009 report can be downloaded from the US Fish & Wildlife website.

Letter To A New Miner - Welcome To Cedar Creek

I enjoyed visiting with you and wish you great success and lots of fun gold prospecting is in the heart of the historically rich Cedar Creek Mining District.

Once you have caught "gold fever" it is incurable. It becomes a life long hobby and passion.

Fresh air, magnificent scenery, adventure, wildlife, good friends and fun, it is all part of the miner's life.

In over 25 years of prospecting I have had some awesome adventures, found gold and made strong friendships. 

Mysterious Gleaming Gold

These are a couple of good articles on how to pan for gold.

More panning tips. 

Here is a list of some of the basic equipment you will want to gather up to have with you.

Chain saw & Axe

Heavy chain or metal cable - (may want to pull a tree off the road or move a rock.) with hooks

so you can attach it to your vehicle. 

No 2 Shovel 

Small Shovel

Hand Trowel

Gold Pan & Sucker bottle

Water proof gloves (the thinsulate ones used for ice fishing are great)

5-gallon buckets - with lids. - (You can never have too many - buy at the hardware or if you know a restaurant, they will most likely give them to you.}

Tarp or shelter tent 

Rain suit

Hip wadders - and lots of dry socks - The creek is cold, even in the summer,  so if you buy the poly-propelene liners and heavy wool socks you will stay comfy.

Plastic milk crates - You can put a rock in them in the creek and they make a great cold refrigerator and they are most useful to carry gear, etc.

You will also wish to have a small portable sluice to test and a large one to run bank materials. You will most likely need other supplies including a high banker, dredge and metal detector. Here is a good and reputable source for your supplies. Click here to visit Gold Prospectors Supply Company

It is also wise to be prepared for any emergency - there is lots of wildlife on the claims, moose, elk, deer, bear, cougars and wolves. Most of the guys carry a gun - I could not hit the broad side of a barn, so I carry bear spray in a chest holster - I have seen all the animals above frequently on the claim, but have never been threatened. However, if you have small children it is best to keep them close to you and be sure to set up your camp in a way not to attract animals. 

Basic Survival Information

Join GPAA Gold Prospectors Club on line

Gold Prospectors Of America is a great club - I have been a member for 20 years and have gone to Nome, Alaska several years on the staff for the Alaska Expedition.

They have a fine magazine - you can join and then order some of back issues of the magazine for lots of helpful information.

Do you have gold fever? 

Do you want your own claim in NW Montana?

Please visit the sites below for full information on the claims for sale. 

Wildcat 

Gray Lady Down

Bonanza Gulch

Barber Gulch

Southern Cross

Hard Times No. ! & 2

Hard Times No. 3

Eden's Gate

Do you have gold fever? 

Do you want your own claim in NW Montana?

Please visit the sites below for full information on the claims for sale. 

Wildcat 

Gray Lady Down

Bonanza Gulch

Barber Gulch

Southern Cross

Hard Times No. ! & 2

Hard Times No. 3

Eden's Gate

Fire On The Mountain

Violent and prolonged thunderstorms bludgeoned the mountain tops and assulted the valleys Thursday night. The thunder was quite intimidating as it litterally shook the roof of my cabin and rattled the windows.

We had experience several days of hot and dry weather, everything coated in a layer of fine dust, the rain was welcome. However, thunderstorms bring lightening and lightening starts forest fires. 

We were lucky here in the county as I have only heard of one minor grass fire burning outside of Superior, Montana. 

The fire season is upon us and it is the time to be very aware of the danger of forest fires. We all remember the many fires in 2000 and the 1910 Forest Fire and its lessons are an integral part of our historical heritage. 

 

Tips for camp fire safety from the United States Forest Service.

How to Pick Your Spot

Follow these steps when picking your burning site to promote wildfire safety:

 

• DO NOT build a fire at a site in hazardous, dry conditions. DO NOT build a fire if the campground, area, or event rules prohibit campfires.

• FIND OUT if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit.

• If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, look for a site that is at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Also beware of low-hanging branches overhead.

Note: in some areas digging pits are not allowed because of archaeological or other concerns. Find out the rules in your area please.

Dig A Pit

Whether building a campfire pit yourself, or preparing a pit that you found on your campsite, there are some safety tips you should follow.

 

Building Your Campfire Pit from Scratch

Some campsites have unsuitable pits or may not offer pre-made pits at all. If this is the case:

1. Choose a spot that's downwind protected from wind gusts, and at least 15 feet from your tent and gear.

2. Clear a 10-foot diameter area around the site. Remove any grass, twigs, leaves and firewood. Also make sure there aren't any tree limbs or flammable objects hanging overhead.

3. Dig a pit in the dirt, about a foot deep.

4. Circle the pit with rocks.

5. Your campfire pit is built and ready for preparation!

 

Preparing Your Campfire Pit:

Before you start your campfire, you need to prepare your pit.

1. Fill the pit with small pieces of dry wood; never rip or cut branches from living trees.

2. Place your unused firewood upwind and away from the fire.

3. Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.

How to Put Out the Campfire

A roaring fire is both a success, and a responsibility. It is your job to properly maintain and extinguish your campfire so that future campers can do the same.

 

Maintaining Your Campfire

As you're enjoying your campfire, remember these safety tips:

1. Once you have a strong fire going, add larger pieces of dry wood to keep it burning steadily

2. Keep your fire to a manageable size

3. Make sure children and pets are supervised when near the fire

4. Never leave your campfire unattended

5. Never cut live trees or branches from live trees

 

Extinguishing Your Campfire

When you're ready to put out your fire and call it a night, follow these guidelines:

1. Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible

2. Pour lots of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the red ones

3. Pour until hissing sound stops

4. Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel

5. Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers

6. Stir and make sure everything is wet and they are cold to the touch

7. If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool. Remember: do NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

 

REMEMBER: If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave!

Don't burn dangerous things!

• never burn aerosol cans or pressurized containers. They may explode.

• never put glass in the fire pit. Glass does not melt away, it only heats up and shatters. Broken slivers of glass are dangerous.

• aluminum cans do not burn. In fact, the aluminum only breaks down into smaller pieces. Inhaling aluminum dust can be harmful to your lungs.

Pack it in, Pack it out.

• be sure to pack out your trash. It is your responsibility to pack out everything that you packed in.

Playing In The Creek

 

Lovely day of prospecting and exploring. The Thimbleberries are in full bloom across the mountain slopes, the forest is still quite green and lush although the recent hot days and wind have dried some of the tall grasses in the open meadows. 

Winds were brisk and carried in smoke from fires burning north of us in British Columbia, Canada. 

 

 

Danger levels for forest fires is listed as "High", so everyone needs to be especially watchful and careful. Always carry an axe, shovel and bucket in your vehicle - it is a U.S. Forest Service requirement. Fortunately, there are no forest fires in northwestern Montana, however, it was quite smoky today. 

 

 

 My prospecting buddy, Starr, and I spent the day at the Hard Times Mine.  I totally enjoyed the day, panning and testing. 

 

 

Starr stayed busy all afternoon feeding the sluice.

 

 

Do you have gold fever? 

Do you want your own claim in NW Montana?

Please visit the sites below for full information on the claims for sale. 

Wildcat 

Gray Lady Down

Bonanza Gulch

Barber Gulch

Southern Cross

Hard Times No. ! & 2

Hard Times No. 3

Eden's Gate

The Old Prospector

THE OLD PROSPECTOR 

An old prospector shuffled into town leading an old tired mule. The old man headed straight for the only saloon in town to clear his parched throat.

He walked up to the saloon and tied his old mule to the hitch rail. As he stood there brushing some of the dust from his face and clothes, a young gunslinger stepped out of the saloon with a gun in one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other.

The young gunslinger looked at the old man and laughed, saying, Hey old man, have you ever danced?

The old man looked up at the gunslinger and said, No, I never did dance, -- just never wanted to.

A crowd had gathered quickly and the gunslinger grinned and said, Well, you old fool, you're gonna' dance now!, and started shooting at the old man's feet. The old prospector in order to not get a toe blown off or his boots perforated was soon hopping around like a flea on a hot skillet and everybody was laughing fit to be tied.

When the last bullet had been fired the young gunslinger, still laughing, holstered his gun and turned around to go back into the saloon. 

The old man turned to his pack mule, pulled out a double barreled shotgun, and cocked both hammers back. The loud, audible double clicks carried clearly through the desert air. The crowd stopped laughing immediately. 

The young gunslinger heard the sounds, too, and he turned around very slowly. The quiet was almost deafening. The crowd watched as the young gunman stared at the old timer and the large gaping holes of those twin barrels. He found it hard to swallow. The barrels of the shotgun never wavered in the old man's hands.

The old man said, Son, did you ever kiss a mule's ass? The boy bully swallowed hard and said, No, but I've always wanted to.

There are two lessons for us all here:

1. Don't waste ammunition.

2. Don't mess with old people.

I just love a story with a happy ending

Watch Out For Lightning

As gold prospectors, we need to be very aware of the danger of lightning and sudden thunder storms. We are often carrying or working with metal objects that can attract a lighting strike. Let's all be aware and have a safe and fun summer. Please share your comments and experiences.

What To Do When There Is Lightning

By: Sandra M Webster

Lightning is beautiful and fascinating, but it can also be deadly. The National Weather Service estimates that there are 100,000 thunderstorms in the United States each year, and lightning is present at each and every storm. In fact even though we were all told as children that the sound of thunder was God bowling or some such story, it is actually the sound produced when a lightning bolt causes the air around it to expand and contract with an immense force.

 

National Weather Service statistics state that on average more than 70 people in the US die from lightning strikes each year, while at least 300 are struck and survive. So really your chances of being struck by lightning while camping are relatively low, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If you are camping and a thunderstorm crops up there are precautions you should take.

 

• Move away from any solitary, tall objects including single trees. Lightning has a tendency to strike the tallest object in the area first.
• If you are hiking and are on a ridgeline or peak, move to lower ground quickly.
• Try to avoid exposed areas, but also avoid shallow caves and overhangs.
• The best option if you are in the woods and no building are near, is to find a group of tress that are of a similar height and in a low-lying area.
• Do not seek shelter in open-air structures such as picnic shelters or gazebos. If you must seek shelter in your tent try to squat on a camp mattress or something that provides insulation and do not touch the tent poles.
• If there are no enclosed buildings, it is safer to be inside your vehicle than outside in the lightning. Just do not touch any of the metal parts, and keep the windows and doors shut until the storm passes. It is actually a myth that the rubber tires of a car provide insulation.
• As a last resort, run for the latrine. Most campgrounds have facilities in wooden buildings. They are safe, but if you have ever had to seek shelter for the duration of a storm, you know it is not pleasant.
• As an absolute last resort, crouch on the ground. Do not lie down, you want as little contact with the ground surface as possible. Keep your feet together and tuck your head between your knees. Wrap your arms around your knees for support, and try not to get to anxious.

This shouldn’t have to be mentioned but during a thunderstorm keep away from metal objects. This includes external frames on backpacks, tent poles, fences, trekking poles and even golf clubs. Also keep away from water. This is not the time for a swim, or a shower. Water conducts electricity, even if the lightning strikes miles a way, you could still get injured. Oh, and stay off the cell phone!

 

Many children are afraid of lightning. If you are with a child who shares this fear, teach them the counting game. After the lightning flashes, start counting the time until the thunder booms. Every 5 seconds equals a mile. You can tell if the storm is getting closer or moving away.

Platinum Worth More Than Gold

Why Platinum is Worth More Than Gold

Platinum is one of the most precious metals known to man. More precious than silver, rarer than gold, platinum's preciousness and relative rarity compelled King Louis XV of 18th century France to declare it the only metal fit for a king. Hundreds of years later, platinum is still considered to be the most exclusive of all jewelry metals.

Platinum is rare - 30 times rarer than gold. It is found in very few places throughout the world, mostly in South Africa, although it is also found in Russia and Canada, which means that it often incurs higher transportation costs than gold.

The mining of platinum is a difficult, time-intensive process. Platinum is, therefore, more expensive to mine than other precious metals. Ten tons of ore must be mined and processed to yield one single ounce of finished platinum. In terms of the U.S. market, gold, which is found in the U.S., is much easier to mine and process, and is therefore less expensive, both in terms of mining and processing and to transport to market.

Due to platinum’s rarity and difficulty to mine and process, selling scrap platinum for cash can be extremely lucrative, much more lucrative than selling scrap gold. Consider these facts:

>> Because platinum is 30 times rarer than gold, it is much more expensive than gold to purchase, making it out of reach for most. Due to platinum’s exclusivity, finding platinum for sale on the precious metals market is much less likely than finding gold. This rarity accounts for much of platinum’s value.

>> Platinum is much heavier and more durable than gold. Gold is a relatively soft metal; 24 karat gold, the purest finished gold, is too soft and prone to scratches, dents, and other damage to be used in most jewelry applications and is thus rarely seen on the market. To make gold durable enough for most applications, it must be alloyed with other metals, such as silver, copper, or
even nickel, and thus contains less pure gold content. For example, 18 karat gold must contain 75% pure gold, while 14 karat gold must contain 58% pure gold. Platinum jewelry pieces, on the other hand, are usually 85-95% pure platinum. What this means for those who wish to sell gold or platinum is that the return will be much higher for platinum, because the precious metal content in pure platinum is nearly always higher.

>> Platinum jewelry is much heavier than gold jewelry. A piece of platinum jewelry will be around 60% heavier than an identical piece of 14 karat gold jewelry, because the amount of precious metal in the platinum piece will be significantly higher than that in the gold piece. Both platinum and gold are bought and sold based on their troy weight, which is a measure of mass. Because platinum is typically three times heavier than gold in troy weight, platinum will be at least three times more expensive than gold.

Those with platinum to sell can expect to see a much higher profit than that for selling gold. platinum’s value
tends to stay relatively static, whereas gold’s value is more closely tied to the precious metals and other financial markets. This translates to an excellent resale value for platinum. In fact, platinum bought three years ago will often resale for nearly as much as the original purchase price.

When the price of oil, electricity, and other commodities required in the mining of platinum increase, and so does the price of new platinum. That results in a greater demand for used platinum and platinum scrap in the precious metals market, a demand that creates higher profit margins for those who are interested in selling their platinum.

Depending upon where you reside, you may find it difficult to sell your platinum to local buyers. While buyers in rural and smaller markets may be willing to purchase gold, they may be reluctant to purchase platinum, for fear they will not be able to resell it in their market. If you do reside in a rural or small market, and have an interest in selling your platinum jewelry or other platinum scrap, you may wish to contact an online gold dealer, many of whom are also interested in platinum.

An online gold broker will assist you in selling your platinum jewelry or scrap by sending you an insured mailer, so that you can mail your item(s) back to the broker for appraisal. The broker will then offer you a price for your platinum. If you choose to accept the offer, the broker will offer you several options for payment.

If you do wish to sell your platinum to an online broker, research your options, check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) to make sure the broker you choose is listed, and look forward to seeing a sizeable return on your sale.

Courtesy: Goldpaq

Gold Panning On Ward Creek

Had a really great weekend and got in some gold panning time on Ward Creek. The Gray Lady Down Placer Claim is located close to St. Regis, Montana in Mineral County. Just four miles off of I-90, the claim is easily accessible from my cabin, so I spend time there whenever I have a few hours to spare. It really is quite beautiful and I find I enjoy the scenery and wildlife almost as much as I do prospecting.

 Took a few photos to share.

Wildflowers are abundant this season, delight splashes of color across the hillside and creek banks. 

Nature paints with a diverse palette.

Elderberry flowers blooms grace the ravines. Each year I enjoy canning elderberry jelly and syrup - looks like we will have a bountiful harvest this fall. 

Saw lots of deer, bear sign and this track of what looks like a young cougar.

Are you looking for a great gold claim? The Gray Lady Down Placer Claim is for sale.

The Bear Grass is in full and fragrant bloom - the bees and bears love it!

Please visit the sites below for full information on the claims for sale. 

Wildcat 

Gray Lady Down

Bonanza Gulch

Barber Gulch

Southern Cross

Hard Times No. ! & 2

Hard Times No. 3

Eden's Gate

Click here to visit Gold Prospectors Supply Company