Jim McCulloch

Nice pics gang, keep 'em coming!

Slade74, the White's Electronics "cargo pack" p/n 601-1254 measures 27" tall, 13" wide, and 6" deep, the latter 2 measurements are based on the dimensions of the solid bottom plate. It has zipper, full length shoulder straps, 2 12" wide side pockets, and top carrying strap. I have them in stock. PM me if interested. HH Jim

The Legend is an outstanding multi-purpose machine, but for nugget hunting I prefer the Garrett Goldmaster 24k fitted with the 6" concentric. Hope this helps; HH Jim

For decades the Gold Shows sponsored by the GPAA were the ultimate venue for persons interested in recreational gold mining. I had booths at a total of 136 Shows, sold lots of detectors, and made many friends, including many of you on this forum. Alas, the GPAA management has decided to discontinue the Shows. The end of an era...

Nordic, before taking him up on his offer, ask him why you will need a two quart can of pepper spray bear repellent in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hint: how we differentiate the poop from bears eating either deer or eating humans is to smell it for the scent of pepper. If present, then we search around the immediate area for his detecting equipment...

Mike, if you get totally bored, check out the October 2018 issue. Photos were taken in Rattlesnake Canyon California.

Mitchell, your finds prove that gold is a Noble metal. Well done buddy!

I was just informed that "Western & Eastern Treasures" magazine has ceased operations, primarily due to competition from YouTube channels. My last article therein was my Field Test of the White's Goldmaster 24K, which appeared in the October 2018 issue. Bummer.

Thanks!

Around 1900, a book was published detailing large Australian nugget finds. Can someone kindly supply title, author, and publication info? Thanks!

"...And I often grieve, and pine... for the days of old...the days of gold... the days of Fortynine..."

Southern California nuggershooters know that the Rattlesnake Canyon Placer area east of Big Bear is one of the prettiest auriferous areas in SoCal. Regrettably an uncontrolled fire is currently raging west of RSC. Will keep you updated. Last big fire in that area scorched nearly 100k acres.

Berry nice, Scott.

Garrett just informed me that the Axiom, with MS-3 Z-lynk phones, TWO searchcoils (13" DD and 11" mono) external back up battery pack, & carrying case, has an MSRP of $4700.00 and MAP price of $3995.00. HH Jim Garrett Axiom Quick Facts, Owner's Manual, Etc.

From what my Garrett Distributor just told me, Garrett plans to build and stockpile a considerable quantity of Axioms, and then release them to their dealers all at once, ensuring that there will be an equitable distribution of machines to all marketers. Many potential Deus II customers were upset when XP sent large quantities to favored dealers, and the little guys, myself included, had to wait weeks. Current ETA for shipment of Axioms is thought to be 6 weeks, but that is not written in stone. Sorry, I currently don't have any info on retail price. Hope this helps. HH Jim

Eh? Eh? What did Simon say about pitching his headphones? Can't do that, I need my headphones to hear the signals! Pitching headphones, indeed!

When Mitch purchased his Garrett Goldmaster 24K from me last week, we took the time to compare search coils from both the original White's version of the Goldmaster 24K and the Garrett version. The 10x6 Garrett coil was lighter, more stable, more bump resistant, and possibly a bit more sensitive. Mitch and I totally agreed that the Garrett product was superior. I hope this helps. HH Jim

Bud Guthrie's quartz specmen "Fred" was the topic of the "Treasure" magazine article entitled "$75,000 Rock Found." My personal estimate was that the actual gold content was 25 to 30 ounces. Also, don't forget Terry Bone's 27 ouncer, and also Kevin Hoagland's 27 ouncer. Sadly I haven't joined Pounder Club yet.

A rock is either "hot" or "cold" if it's condutive mineral content and/or density differs substantially from that of the soil to which the detector was ground balanced. An individual stone which was "hot" in one locale, if transported elsewhere, may now become "cold." In most severe hot rock areas, with my 24k, I use the 10x6 DD, SAT at 2, autotrack ON, and GB OFFSET at +1. Hope this helps. HH Jim

Hmmm, a strong, localized signal, embedded in (vertically oriented?) shale, in an auriferous creek where you "have done well" on gold in the past. Gosh, personally, i'd say that it would be a good idea to JUST DIG IT! HH Jim

It would not be the first time a large nugget reputedly came from one area, but actually had originated in another. Just saying.

Gold Catcher, the cattle get their water from Vaughn Springs, Mound Springs, and Viscera Springs. You can easily Google those locations. As you may know, RSC is also home to bears, mountain lion, lynx, and bobcat. Adam, we are not sure if the dogs are truly feral, or are domestic animals owned by one or more residents of Rattlesnake, Burns, or Pipes Canyons, whose owners are unaware of the predations. Tony, stay safe!

Most of the Southern California members of this forum are acquainted with the Rattlesnake Canyon area. It has been reported that a large pack of feral dogs has killed and eaten at least 14 cattle in RSC in recent weeks. So if you are going to prospect there, take care. HH Jim

Aureous, were most of your AU nuggets found with your Goldmaster 24k? Well done!

What! I don't believe it! A picture of Gerry holding a nugget in his HAND, not in his mouth!