Since it's almost been a year since I wrote, and I what I've been up to isn't interesting enough to write about, I'll talk about what's been on my mind for several years now!
Gold! It makes the world go round, those that have it 'make the rules', it's caused wars, brought joy on Valentines day, anniversaries and other occasions, makes our computers and cell phones work, and some even have it on their teeth! Simply put, everybody wants some, but in my case it's the particular FORM and the adventure in order to obtain it, that has had me scheming, preparing and being let down when trips fall through. Oh I've found a decent amount of gold, all jewelry from metal detecting, but I want a gold nugget-no, a pocketful! Just buy some you say? NO, this isn't about trading money for something easily obtainable, this is about ADVENTURE and searching for that which is elusive! So while others can go buy all the gold they can afford and be comfortable and cozy in their surroundings while looking at it shine, to me that's BORING and not what drives me.
Go west young, er, middle aged man!
The gold fields of Arizona have lured many a prospector and yielded tons of gold. There are still mines in operation, both large and small scale. There are also plenty of placer deposits for those that like to pan-IF YOU CAN FIND WATER. You can drywash, a form of sluicing using air and vibration to 'liquefy' the matrix so that gold will fall out, but all those just seem too 'one spot' oriented for me. I want to metal detect! Roaming around the desert, probably the high desert around Prescott, just appeals to me. Yes I've researched and talked with people who have done it, and even some 'professionals' who do it all the time, and I know it's hard. But that's why I want to do it! Another less easily definable reason is that I've loved the desert since first my first trip through it as a kid. I don't know why but I just know that every time I've driven through, I just want to jump out of the car and take off exploring!
Tick, Tock, tick, tock...
I have the detectors. I have the gear. Every so often I even have the money, but it always seems to be needed somewhere else.. Heck, I have books and maps and all the Jeep rental places written down, and have even researched the best air fare. I'm ready! Maybe this year things will line up.
