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Mac

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  1. Well, more an expert than myself! I value your assessments and much appreciate the above knowledge/ ideas. Very cool those may be geodes. I will certainly do as suggested. Great idea to use my tile cutter for rocks! As for chert spears, I have photos of that very thing as well, along the Denali Hwy in the eskers is evidence of a boulder of chert showing where spears were calved off, yes pretty cool. Brooks Range, now that is where some serious gold lies ... oh how I'd love to know someone who lives in Nolan! That rock shop on Arctic, ya I forgot about them ... that is where I need to go when in town next. Thanks again Sasquatch. P.S. I was hopeful it was a thunderegg lol, those are more elusive than gold nuggets. I have read geodes are crystal filled and thundereggs are solid inside; star shaped patterns with jasper at the edges and agate in the middle. But I really don't know
  2. Well said. I prefer to do the same, for that reason (emails) but they don't provide replies with answers. They rarely even acknowledge an email. So, have made the drive to Anchorage at least six times in 3 years and met with them. And more times than not I leave with more unanswered questions and a headache. A good friend in Texas is a former Alaskan, he's smart about matters like this and said the same thing applies in Texas. And that it's likely this way intentionally because in so doing they "leave it up to a judge to decide" ... which is precisely my fear. I appreciate your response ... I second guessed having made the above post due to coming across negative. What you point out as regards the Denali Hwy is exactly what runs through my mind when there. Yes! ATHNA claims that land all along that stretch yet those are state easements. I don't know how yet but I intend to call attention to this because this same issue occurs in Minto. Right below the signage by the DNR that indicates the area being state land for public access, a Native Corp sign states "Property of (x tribe), No Trespassing." And on that sign in the white space below those words is a drawing in black paint of an assault rifle. The implied meaning could not be any more clear, and having had a couple of confrontations with Natives on the trails leading to Gulkana River north of Glennallen, and in Eureka in GMU 13, those are serious warnings not so much just a threat.
  3. I'm on this system a lot. What I don't like about it is the missing layers that show where the patented lands are, rather than only those "tentatively assigned" and so the toggling over to other databases to know land status is a major PIA. It's always fascinated me how so many areas are top claimed and a nightmare that must be for those folks who have to deal with that. In this day with technology very advanced/ GPS, the state mapping mining claims system ought not to even allow any top filing yet it still happens. There are also errors on that map -- there are areas indicated as being unclaimed and no prospecting sites filed, but markers in the field, yet nothing shown on that map. So, that system is great but leaves much to be desired. Also, more and more lands are being contested by AK Native corporations/ Natives. And lands shifting to native ownership, and none of those shown on mapper. The Mallott-Walker duo are shifting state lands and state selected lands to native corp ownership and its been done in several mining districts, which has been discovered not just by me but other hunters of game/ waterfowl (we discover this by showing up at x place where hunted every year in the past, and find new signage claiming the land is now owned by x Native corp and prohibiting access. Some of the lands in question are in gold fields. Just the other day on that first sunny day in 3 weeks I went to a favorite area where I have hunted for moose and goats in years past, went to do some scouting for moose in prep for the season, and the lands are all claimed as Native corp owned! The tie to gold is that last Sept on a solo hunt I found gold in my pan (always have a gold pan in my backpack no matter what adventure I am doing), and coarse gold at that, and on the map system shows no claims/ no mineral entry anywhere near there, all state lands. Yet now is Native claimed! DNR office via phone gives an answer with the word "should" in it ... its ridiculous, I don't want to hear the word "should" that tells me they're not really sure either ... anyway, rant over.
  4. I like the way you phrase things. Have never detected with Steve. But fact that he has been everywhere there is to go here in AK where the public can go for free or via fee, and on others' claims too, is a factor in my own detecting strategies/ plans and one of many reasons why I opted to buy a claim and plan to buy more claims by next summer ... that offers the best odds for being on gold fields where detectors have never been. I'm motivated by challenge but wish Steve had gotten into a different line of work back in the 70's!
  5. Chris, this is awesome! You have done well... this news is good to read. May it work out for you as has been laid out to you by this rep, no further hassles/ headache. It's always interesting to me how it often takes just ONE person in a company to care, to get a good outcome.
  6. One hell of a gold find! Excellent read. As for insurance denial of hip surgery at last minute, OMG is that pathetic yet having 32 years in the American healthcare industry, nothing surprises me HC related ... drop me a message if you so desire, maybe I can help (pro bono) with a terminology advisory on how to structure your written complaints and related matters. Among my lines of work is private investigations specific to the medical field and have had countless battles with parties over fiscal issues. Being scheduled for such a critical need surgery then refused the procedure due to a last day denial doesn't pass the smell test; a "legit" denial backed by evidence would never have reached a point where it was even scheduled.
  7. yes, the top two most often heard lines are something like "how easy it must be to find gold with a detector" and the insinuations of how "rich I am going to be from 'all the gold' I find" ... ya, I say, that's why I drive a 2001 truck, all the wealth from gold haha
  8. My perspective on just about all tech purchases is centered on output/ outcomes and peformance capacities, first and foremost, next the ease of use/ competency level required to operate it effectively, and lastly the cost. I bought the ATX due to its waterproof feature and no need to worry about being caught in rain, and this summer it's rained almost daily, plus all of what I'd read about its closed DD coil which I knew would be ideal for conditions encountered, which drive me crazy with GB2. I'm in a category not mentioned and some consider me foolish along these lines, but is just how I tend to be. For me, return on investment for gear that allows me to live my dreams/ do what I'm fiercely passionate about at a high level, is measured in the experience and joy, not in dollars. I love hunting for gold just as much as finding it. Of course I am striving to find gold but it doesn't really matter. It's like fishing, I love holding a fly rod and the opportunity to be in wilderness and the challenge in mastering the rod/ presentation of the fly, reading of the water, and just the whole experience of it. A fish on the line is great and the objective but it's not a make or break factor. Detector in hand is strikingly similar to this. I have yet to find any gold with the ATX -- have found it with GB2 and a White's I use to own that was stolen, however not yet the ATX, yet despite the few thousand I paid for it I consider the ROI equal to the cost due to how much joy I get. One last comment ... made me laugh to read the statement about "detecting to get rich on gold finds" -- that seems to be a common perception/ assumption for many people who have no prospecting/ mining experience! They have it backwards! It takes wealth to be in the position to buy everything that this passion requires! And they're clueless how difficult it is to find gold, even with a detector. Oh how we all wish!
  9. Steve, the million dollar question I struggle with at times is how to know what the mineralization may be in an area, such as grounds never having been detected before, by myself or others -- for example, a person with a claim that they inherited and know there's never been any metal detector used onsite -- thus, how to discern low from moderate, high, or extreme mineralization conductivity? Are there indicators applicable, or is it a judgment call with some luck thrown in? Thank you for this guidance! Literally everything in the forums that is specific to my detectors and hunting conditions are in the process of being studied rather than just read. I am determined to master the ATX to the same extent as the GB2. You are absolutely exceptional as a teacher of technical content; high-level expertise and technical knowledge mastery is just incredible, and is not taken for granted.
  10. Introducing my first-ever encounter with "fool's gold" -- not pyrite, that's at least pretty easily ruled out -- instead, mica schist with quartz, that is "pretending to be gold on quartz" ha. Yes, some rocks are a really big tease to the novice mind; in this case, it was me who was the fool that got fooled by the non-fools gold. I think this find was in the mid to late 70's ... by far, this piece looks more like gold than any pyrite I've ever found. Did you keep or do you have a photo of, or a story to tell as regards, what rock first fooled you? Or were you savvy about gold/ non-gold from the start?
  11. I second this ... is how I have found gold there also (and running a sluice) .. but to be fair, when I found gold via GB2 several years ago I was on another's lode claim (with permission of course), and no way could I have done so (found the gold-quartz pieces) had that not been the case, due to that area so heavily claimed, and mineral entry areas plus the SRS and historical areas, which prohibit detecting/ collecting altogether, but oh how I wish the state offered us miners the same emergency order system that applies for anglers, lol, like granting us a 1 day EO allowing detectors due to so much gold to be thinned out lol ... so much gold there remaining yet can't be had due to the "historical significance" yet based on that logic isn't all gold still in the ground part of the AK history also? ... Not to give suggestions/ ideas to the state on how to further limit the noncommercial AK mining enthusiast Boogness, you're not alone ... frustration has been my experience too in that Lil Su zone for years, and have only been there once with my PI but didn't give it a strong effort
  12. Aging sucks, that's damn right ... the "can't do what is most desired and needed to do, to feel fulfilled and happiest" season is getting a lot harder to content with each passing year ... hard to accept its late summer already ... last August we had snow in the mountains already. I understand why you'd leave. Thanks for replying.
  13. I figured that, but only after I commented ... then couldn't figure out how to delete my comment.
  14. LOL ... that is a question posed for Jim_Alaska, not Steve. Jim_Alaska use to live here (Alaska) and am curious "what drove him from Alaska" to his present location in Northern California.
  15. Humboldt county? May I ask what drove you from Alaska? Alaska makes more sense alright, why didn't I think of that?! I suspect the tailings piles on Kenai Pen, same ones I have hit the last 2 weeks and got skunked cuz he found them already lol.
  16. Is it valid that the GPZ 5000 is not for the novice detectorist? I have read on other forums, and reviews on websites that sell detectors, that this detector is very difficult to set up and operate effectively, and is not capable of productive use "from the box" -- thus geared for the advanced, deeply experienced detectorist. I ask because when I bought the Garrett ATX I had the means to buy the GPZ 5000, but was intimidated with it due to everything I'd read. Prior to that my use of detectors consisted of the old BFO types and VLF. And am not too tech savvy and impatient with electronics. So, I opted to buy the ATX. But next summer I'm adding to my detectors. Buying at least 2 more, one will be a White's MXT or GMT (Steve's review has been studied word-for-word), and the other ideally a Minelab. If not a GPZ 5000 then the 7000, and if not either then just one new detector.
  17. Incredible ... can't imagine finding such an old coin. Neat to see the photos of the state of the coin when found. What a neat book it would make, a coffee-table size book of all the finds of detectorists
  18. Wow! Awesome finds. What a loot! I wish we could do this in Alaska but here with such complexity of land ownership status, top filing of lands, contesting of lands between indigenous peoples versus state and/or federal government land ownership (hostilities not uncommon), and also not uncommon is a lot of mining claims also top filed, etc just makes it a hassle to find who the landowner/ mineral rights owner is to seek permission from. Our local municipalities "allow detectors" but don't allow you to actually look for/ dig into the soils, nor disturb any vegetation! It's a joke ... so is very neat to see what can be found in other places where these legalities are not prohibitive. Am envious of your rights and privileges, but happy for your success and enjoy the pics and backstory of your finds!
  19. All of these are among finds I have kept from the past. They have been in a storage unit. I am fascinated with geology but have trouble ID'g rocks and don't like to smash em. This is a lot of pics ... maybe too many?! Thanks in advance for all who take a moment to share their expertise. Much regards! ^ is this part of a thunderegg? ^ the shell of the rock above (part of a thunderegg?) ^ could this be a thunderegg or just jasper? ^ a pyrite next to my thumb, is the middle rock a chalcopyrite? ^ shell of the rock pictured below ^ assume this is a banded agate? ^ could it be a geode? ^ not a great pic -- this coloration is actually light to deep purple/ violet ^ heavy, as if a cannonball, damn near perfectly round ^ also heavy nearly round rocks ^ sunstone? found in a creek north of the Arctic Circle ^ can't even guess ... looks like a vein within a vein, what could that material be? ^ nature couldn't create such an indent, could it? ^ same stone as above ... is this a relic of sorts? ^ same stone as above ^ could this have been a spear head? ^ might this be a corondum? ^ same rock as above; what are those inclusions -- jasper? can't be rubies.. ^ same as above ^ what happens when your 3 year old daughter finds your rocks!
  20. Well, I have one favorite and it's the U.S. Army issued pocket knife (pic 3 & 4) that cleaned up rather well and is mostly functional with some liquid wrench oil, but that smallest blade is pretty much concreted in. What's interesting is an older brother was stationed in the area where I found it, prior to him being flown to Vietnam in 1969. Have to say the long forged nails (pic 1) were pretty cool too. Each about 5-6 inches long and all were within a linear space maybe of 5 feet, and about 13 inches deep. I can't help but think it was what remained of an old miners shack. Those 3 large steel balls next to the quarter (pic 2) are a mystery. That BB included just for scale. Wished the quarter had been older but is included because it was under a boulder! The eyeglasses (pic 5) are just clear glass lenses, which is odd. They were bent up pretty bad as if stepped on 100s of times but glass not even cracked, so that is intriguing for me, made me wonder what the backstory is. That "cross" pin (pic 6) found near the eyeglasses is probably gold plated, maybe painted gold instead. Wish it had an engraving with a year. Salmon fishing flies like these are pretty typical common finds in several areas where I have detected (pic 7). What's funny is I use to bring both my fly rods and first detector owned to the creeks that have recreational public mining, switching to one or the other as I got frustrated with one or the other. That fly found with the orange head was sharpened and tied on my line and BOOM! I hooked/ landed a silver salmon! So that one is a favorite too for that reason. Bullet fragments (pics 8-10) very common finds for me but these are my favorites because that same day/ same area I detected my first gold with my then new Gold Bug 2.
  21. Thanks, DD and Bob. I should have waited to post the pics with the question. Pockets are not photographing well, too blurry. Some pyrite deep in there. Have read that pyrite can be a source of gold but that is only oxidized pyrite rather than intact, right?
  22. what every prospector and miner fears, yet faces as a result of the physically demanding work we love to do ... sorry to hear of this, how are you managing this pain/ injury? Thank you for educating me ... I forget that a "site" refers to a website ... on my mind at all times is everything gold related, and so when I see the word "site" immediately is the visualization of some prospecting/ mining site in the world ... kind of funny really how my mind is in gold OCD mode. Agreed! Steve H and his dad found all of the easy gold everywhere in Alaska long by now! But I still look ... odds are good there is some easy gold remaining here or there ... whenever I dig and find ferrous stuff deep in the ground, I just can't help but remember Steve's own words x time in the past: digging up trash in heavily detected/ mined areas in rich gold bearing districts means that that trash wasn't detected/ found before, thus it's logical that gold wasn't detected/ found either in that same area ... stay healthy and successful!
  23. Any guesses on where he escaped to? I would bet Hawaii
  24. Prospecting many years ago I discovered a large chunk of quartz with intact host rock on one side. The slate is flat and so, I want to clean the piece and display it. It's about the size of a shoebox. It's in my storage unit, otherwise I'd take and post a photo. From what I remember it's got pyrite in the cavaties and might be rather nice looking if clean. I use to be a medical laboratory technologist and very cautious about using chemicals without a safety ventilation hood, so are there non-chemical options? Would a baking soda or vinegar paste get it clean? Do I need to post the photo in order to ID how best to clean it? I have motivation now to tackle the major project of gutting the unit to get to the 40+ year collection of rocks, most of which are quartz pieces from gold bearing regions ... due to realizing just now that none of these have had a detector run over it.
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