Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Alaska Vacation

Mistake #1

You're Basing Your Travel Research on Poor Information

Alaska is a land of great expectations and the wise traveler plans ahead to experience each and every one. This advance planning and research will allow you to create an interesting and comfortable itinerary filled with memory making adventures, spectacular scenery, wildlife, and more photo ops than one can imagine.

Brochures, the Internet, and television travel programs are a great starting point for planning your Alaskan vacation. All are highly entertaining sources of inspiration for potential travel ideas, but when it's time to plan and book your trip of a lifetime, it is important to utilize all of the available resources prior to booking.

Brochures can be very limited in terms of the scope of their information. They are used primarily as a form of advertising which means that while you may learn some positive and enticing facts about a certain travel package, tour, or destination, you're probably not going to acquire the objective insight that can only be provided by first hand experience. Speaking with someone who has had personal experience with a tour, or cruise is always preferable.

The Internet, like brochures, is also a great place to start your search for vacation ideas. The drawback when researching online is that, unless you already know exactly what you're looking for, you may end up missing something important. This could be something as simple as a day trip you weren't aware of or something as important as neglecting to follow state regulations in terms of sport fishing or hunting which can carry some very serious consequences. For the sake of safety and adherence to Federal guidelines, be thorough in your research online.

Alaska Fish and Game is an excellent resource when it comes to fishing and hunting regulations, seasons and quotas and harvesting your game. Do you know when and where the biggest king salmon run is? Or what the record rainbow trout is on record? These and many other facts can be found at the Alaska Fish and Game website.

Travel Programs are the most entertaining of vacation planning. Typically, the traveler sits at home on a comfortable couch and imagines that he or she is kayaking among the icy blue glaciers, hiking through Denali National Park, dropping a line into the deep waters of the magnificent Alaska Inside Passage or following a bear's tracks through the Yukon tundra. All of these adventures offer the imagination incredible moments of pleasure, but this is just the tip of the proverbial Alaskan iceberg. There is so much more to see and experience.

Consider beachcombing, cave exploring, historical sites like the Russian settlements in Sitka and the legendary totems of the native Tlingit Alaskans which can add a new dimension to a traditional fishing or hunting trip.

Brochures, websites and travel programs are designed to paint an establishment in the most favorable light. They focus on the most positive attributes and downplay the negatives. Brochures typically highlight only the very best accommodations, the biggest fish, the happiest guests, and omit their less attractive attributes. But will what you find upon your arrival match your expectations? Alternately, a quality destination or tour may be rejected due to a less than flattering brochure. Again, speaking to a friend or travel professional that is objective and has firsthand knowledge of the destination is the key!

Mistake #2

You Don't Know What You (Really) Need To Pack

Because Alaska's weather can vary dramatically throughout the course of a single day and the course of your entire visit, you'll need to consider carefully the clothing and accessories you pack in order to remain comfortable. This is hugely important! I've seen poor packing ruin more trips than I can count.

For instance, it's not just anglers and hunters who intend to be out in nature for days on end who need to put serious thought into the type of clothing they'll be packing on their excursion; everyone should be mindful of their clothing choices.

In the summertime, Alaskan daytime temperatures average in the 60s, and can go as high as the low 80s. Evenings can drop down into the 30s and 40s. Whether you're out on the town or fishing in the wild, be sure to pack light-weight clothing that can be worn in layers which will absorb perspiration in order to remain comfortable during your stay. Fabrics such as Fleece, Gortex, and Cordura offer lightweight, moisture-­resistant protection from the elements.

Many coastal regions of Alaska receive significant precipitation. Staying dry is extremely important. It is critical to check with your outfitter regarding rain gear and boots. Many fishing lodges provide foul weather gear to their guests. If they don't, you'll need to bring these items with you.

In warm weather or cold, the sun does shine in Alaska! Remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Packing the right clothes for the right season, destination and activity allows the wise traveler to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer. From Wrangell wildlife to Nome nightlife, from Anchorage's sunny days to Aurora Borealis' sunny nights, you'll be ready!

Mistake #3

You've Failed to Purchase the Correct Travel Insurance

Alaska is now one of the world's top 5 vacation destinations. The tourism industry makes up a large portion of Alaska's economy, so when you book an Alaskan vacation, chances are quite good that you will be in the hands of qualified professionals. Alaska can be an unforgiving wilderness. Occasionally, even well planned outings can go unexpected wrong, so it's important to purchase travel insurance that will keep you protected financially and offer emergency medical treatment and evacuation if required.

Travel Protection Insurance is a worthwhile investment for any travel that involves outdoor activities in the wild. Whether you are an adventure traveler, angler, or hunter, an "Adventure Travel Policy" will provide the travel insurance coverage you need for your trip. These policies typically include: Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage for your trip deposit; travel delay coverage; medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation and lost baggage coverage. In many cases your policy also will include 24/7 emergency travel and concierge services so that you are only a phone call away from the assistance that you need.

The savvy traveler knows that Alaska is one of the most rugged and remote vacation destinations in the world. Many sojourners to Alaska come in search of high adventure. Not all travel insurance plans cover costs such as medical evacuation which could cost thousands of dollars in remote areas. Injuries or illness that happen during travel can wind up being very expensive if you're left uncovered.

Most claims are based on trip cancellation due to personal or family health issues. Travel protection policies can reimburse you for 100% of your expenses. The cost of a policy can vary, but expect to pay about 7 - 10% of the total trip cost. Be sure to purchase the right travel insurance for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you and your companions will be covered in the event of any emergency.

Mistake #4

You're Not Taking the "Road Less Traveled" (Avoid Herds Of Tourists!)

Most travelers to Alaska head toward the well-­known attractions such as Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords and Glacier Bay and these certainly are at the top of the Alaska "Must See" list; however, there are many hidden gems waiting to be discovered by those who plan ahead.

With a little research at the library or local book store you can plot a unique Alaska itinerary filled with jewels that you most probably won't find online. These lesser-­known but highly rewarding attractions can easily be added to your itinerary. And, of course, once you're there, it never hurts to ask a local for activity recommendations. You'll be surprised at some of the great local events, or secret fishing holes you'll discover by simply asking.

There are numerous benefits to fitting these hidden gems into your itinerary. The biggest is time and logistics. Alaska tourist attractions can range from affordable to extravagant. By choosing activities unknown to most tourists, you'll likely save money and more importantly discover your personal Alaskan experience. Choosing these less publicized destinations sets you apart from the herds and tourist traps, and allows you to encounter the adventure that is Alaska.

If you think there is more to Alaska than the cookie-­cutter packages so many tourists experience by limiting their itinerary to what is found in brochures and online, then contact your travel agent to work with you in creating a one-­of-a-­kind vacation that is off the grid but right on target with your sense of adventure.

Mistake #5

You've Failed To Calculate The Complexities Of Alaska Travel

Some of the most stunningly beautiful sites and charming remote towns in Alaska are inaccessible by roads including the state capitol of Juneau. So if you plan on including any of these not-­to-­be missed treasures on your itinerary, then it's vital to plan how you will be traveling to and from these locations.

Fortunately, there are sufficient small airports for both floatplanes and traditional aircraft. In addition, water taxis, rental cars, trains, and ferries transport visitors around the state.

It is important to keep in mind that travel within Alaska does have its challenges. Planning the most reliable and cost effective way to transverse the state requires research and an understanding of Alaska's unique transportation system. Many of Alaska's coastal cities and towns can be reached via the Alaska Marine Highway (Ferry System), or by the ever popular floatplane.

Some Remote Cities That Are Not To Be Missed:

Barrow: Accessible only by small plane is a fascinating place to visit for anyone with an interest in anthropology. It is also home to the Inupiat Heritage Center and is a great location to watch whales and other Arctic wildlife. If, however, a romantic sunset is more to your liking, keep in mind that Barrow has no sunsets between May 10th and August 2nd.

Prince of Wales Island (POW): Located in Southeast Alaska. POW Island is the 3rd largest island in the United States after the Big Island of Hawaii and Kodiak. The Island has several hundred miles of drivable roads, hundreds of lakes, dozens of rivers, and camping is available at very reasonable costs. POW can be reached by ferry from Ketchikan or by floatplane. The main town is Craig. Both the Haida and Tlingit tribes inhabit POW and their culture can be observed in totem parks and ceremonies offered to visitors.

Sitka: Accessible only by boat or plane. This town is less frigid than many Alaskan cities and boasts relatively mild weather with summer highs in the 60s. It's home to Castle Hill where Russia signed over Alaska to the United States in 1867. This historic former Russian jewel is a trip highlight and the perfect place to learn about Alaska's diverse history. It also contains numerous hiking trails for nature enthusiasts. Sitka is also one of Alaska's most sought after fishing destinations. Based on reports by Alaska Fish & Game, Sitka boasts the lowest rod hours per king salmon in the state for over 12 concurrent years. With good planning, it's easy to enjoy many of Alaska's iconic destinations while still making it back to the lodge in time for dinner.

Mistake #6

You Miss Golden Opportunities Due to Restrictive Itineraries

Alaska, more than twice the size of Texas, certainly has plenty of room for organized guided tours! These large regulated tour groups can be a safe, convenient, and affordable vacation option. For some, having their luggage outside the hotel door at 7am ready to be picked up is the perfect start to each vacation day. Others, however, want more than what the standard itinerary allows. To them, exploring Alaska means adventure up close and personal.

Often, the most memorable parts of your vacation are not necessarily the ones you planned in advance or saw in the brochure. Instead, the best spur-­of-­the moment side trips often come as the result of passing by an interesting looking shop, asking a knowledgeable local about the area, or having consulted with a friend who knows Alaska prior to your departure.

To assure you have the time and energy to give in to your side trip impulses, leave half a day free or a few hours that you can spare in your itinerary for whatever unexpected opportunities you discover along the way.

Alaska welcomes visitors year round with majestic scenery, native culture, wildlife, all-­season sports, and exciting events, especially during the longer days of spring and summer. Last-­minute memories abound but a too crowded itinerary can mean an opportunity missed. Venture away from the crowd and experience Alaska on a deeper level.

Mistake #7

You're Overpaying for Accommodations, Tours, and Services

As is the case in many other vacation destinations, the prices for numerous tours and services in the Alaskan tourism industry increase the closer you get to the event date. Many Alaskan small businesses that charter boats and planes to travelers for the purpose of fishing and hunting trips are a particular example of this. Services that charter boats and planes within the state operate seasonally, and are anxious to have their vehicles booked in time for the appropriate migration or spawning season.

In order to fill the space, many charter companies offer Early Bird deals that can reduce costs as much as $200 and sometimes even more just for booking several months in advance. As a bonus, booking ahead allows for you to get the best dates during the peak times for the type of game or fish you want to pursue.

Booking hotels in advance offers many benefits, as well. Many hotels offer guests a reduced room rate of 20-30% or higher for booking at least 21 days in advance. Plus, by booking ahead of time, you stand a better chance of getting the room you really want. Never under estimate the lure of Alaska. To experience the trip of your dreams, book well in advance for the best rooms, tours, services, and rates.

Mistake #8

The Best Timing Your Alaska Fishing Adventure

Alaska is a veritable Mecca for sportsmen, especially hunters and fishing enthusiasts, and with good reason. When it comes to anglers, there are numerous types of both salt and freshwater fish to be caught in Alaska's three thousand rivers, three million lakes, and along the over six thousand miles of Pacific coastline. In these innumerable bodies of water, fishermen and women can find some of the world's finest halibut, as well as the northern pike, lingcod, the Arctic char, the Dolly Varden and many, many more.

Alaska is also world renowned for its assortment of high quality salmon and trout which swim upstream at different times of year. With such a grand variety of fish available, it's no wonder that enthusiastic anglers travel thousands of miles to bring home their own boxes of Alaska's fishing bounty. However, when you've planned for months for this fishing trip, you need to be sure you're traveling at the right time of year.

For instance, various varieties of salmon move upstream between Alaska's assorted rivers between June and July, with some cold water fish swimming upstream as late as October. During Alaska's peak fishing season, it's not uncommon for fish storytelling anglers to return home with salmon that weigh as much as 30 lbs. or more. Before booking the informed angler coordinates with Alaska Fish and Game or charter guides for the best locations and peak times to catch the all important trophy fish with the attached bragging rights! This same planning ahead is just as important for hunters to know peak seasons, as well.

Sight-seeing visitors can benefit also by knowing the best times to visit National Parks and the areas of Alaska that most appeal to their own interests.

Mistake #9

You're Missing Great Lodging And Flights By Not Booking Early

Alaska is an extremely popular vacation destination due to the lush and unspoiled beauty of its natural wilderness. In 2010, over 1.5 million people visited Alaska. In fact, 1 in 8 Alaskan jobs relates to the tourism industry. Clearly, Alaskan tourism is big business and, as such, travelers should book early to reserve their hotel rooms, flight and yacht charters and sporting events, especially in the most sought after destinations.

Advance planning is the key to the Alaskan Adventure-of-a-Lifetime. This puts the traveler in control of the itinerary and allows for a greater selection of destinations, accommodations and events. Trips booked on short notice can leave you open to disappointment. You may discover that the best boat for salmon fishing is unavailable or your destination accommodations are booked. This could lead to a less desirable hotel room at a higher rate.

To prevent any of these inconvenient and budget-­unfriendly errors, it is important to book your desired hotel room at least 21 days ahead of your anticipated check-­in date.

As for flights, while airfare prices fluctuate greatly, many experts advise travelers to book at least six weeks in advance for the best possible deal. Ask your travel agent to help guide you through the complete reservation process to create the Alaskan vacation that best fits your plans and budget requirements.

In Alaska, bush planes are a necessary way of life for people living in many of the state's most remote regions. It's also one of the most popular forms of sightseeing as it allows visitors to explore the most untamed wilderness from the security of their passenger seats. Always book these exhilarating flights as far in advance as possible. These soaring-­with-­the-­eagles flights sell out quickly during the peak tourist seasons of spring and summer and are some of the most popular highlights when visiting Alaska.

Mistake #10

Only Fools Rush In...

Alaska is not the State for the first time ­to Alaska traveler to venture into without the skilled guidance only a professional can offer. Navigating through the maze of fishing, hunting and camping regulations could be confusing without the assistance of someone who is up to date on all the Federal and State changes and requirements.

Much of Alaska is under Federal protection and, as such, the state has some of the strictest and most varied hunting and fishing regulations anywhere. So to avoid any unpleasant setbacks, be sure to seek advice on all the fishing and hunting licenses, harvest records, and tags you'll need to secure far in advance of your departure date. Also note that in addition to the statewide regulations that must be followed there are local regulations that pertain to the specific region(s) you'll be visiting, as well.

Millions of tourists visit Alaska annually. Without proper preparation a traveler may join the ranks of those who just skim the surface, unaware of all the state as to offer. A well planned trip will truly will be the adventure of a lifetime.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8883587

The History Of The Alaska Gold Rush

The first big gold discovery in Nevada was what we call placer gold. It was in a stream flowing into the Carson River near the town of Dayton. This gold discovery was made by the Mormon gold-seekers, called "forty-nine" on their migration (as a reference to 1849), to California gold fields. It later led others upstream into what is called the Virginia range. Where they found the mother-load of gold fields in 1859.

There were two miners by the name of Peter O'Reilly and Patrick McLaughlin, they began prospecting with a rocker box on the mountain near a small screen. Most got some gold and also large balls of heavy blue and black mud that stuck to the rocker box which made it almost impossible to wash out the material and find any gold.

On a closer inspection, it revealed that the blue mud was loaded with silver almost pure silver, which can easily be done by hand with a shovel. By the ton. And every ton was worth an estimated $2000.

The Comstock load got its name from a Henry Thomas Paige Comstock, he came across O'Reilly and McLaughlin, who were prospecting and told them that he had claim their and they were claim jumping, which was illegal and a lie. The man didn't want any trouble, so they shared the claim with Comstock, which became the famous Ophir Mine.

The new news travel very fast. The silver and gold fever was on! Prospectors and drifters rushed into the area to work in the underground mine tunnels Mark Twain came to the original Nevada Sin city, which was a beehive of activity and Virginia City was a festering den of scum and villainy you'd think Las Vegas was the original 24-hour sin city, but Virginia City claimed that title it long time ago in 1863 the total number of arrests and jailed was one-third the town's population of 31,000 people.

The wealthy mines helped grow Virginia City during the gold rush. It turned the poorest prospector into instant wealthy millionaires and made billions for Wall Street, many stockholders made fortunes in the Comstock gold rush. As for Henry Comstock after working his way into his deal sold his share of the claim for $20,000 and opened up his own businesses, all of them failed. He tried to be a prospector again, but with no success in 1870, he committed suicide.

The Comstock load discoverer Peter O'Reilly held his shares a while longer. Then finally, selling out for $50,000 he spent his fortune in the Sierras, thinking that he'd find a richer gold strike then the Comstock load, but that didn't pan out it was a bust. Instead, he went insane and died in asylum.

Co-discover of the Comstock load Patrick McLaughlin sold his mine share for $3000. The money didn't last long. He worked at odd jobs until he died. He was buried in a pauper's grave.

There was a lot more different discoveries during the California gold days and continues even now, with a lot more rules and regulations. A person can still strike it rich, especially with the prices of gold skyrocketing from back when the gold rush started at around $200 an ounce to $1600 an ounce, and climbing.

Gold was first mined and discovered in Alaska in the 1870s. Alaska has the most interesting gold history of them all. Alaska today has its landscape full of old remnants of the states gold-rush past and present.

Gold rush in Alaska today Today Alaska is one of the few states in the world that will allow a small-scale prospector to prospect for gold legally. It is common for a prospector to use a gold pan and a sluice box in the city or small sites that don't call for a commercial mining outfit. A person can stop on the side of the road near a creek on his way home from work and pan a few shovels of dirt.

The University of Alaska Museum in Fairbanks. There is a gold showcase of the Alaskan gold Rush history from its discovery in the 1870s to the present, a visitor to Alaska can choose from many gold jewelers and gift shops. There are a lot of tours and panning type of trips and is also known for its great hunting and fishing across the state.

The gold rush began with the discovery at a place called Sitka in 1872, then another gold rush discovery at the second major place called Windham Bay in 1876, but the Alaska can be created to the discovery of major gold deposits in 1880 at Juneau Alaska, the gold prospectors found significant pieces of quartz black sand and galena, containing shiny gold in Gold Rush Creek, city of Juneau was named after a prospector Joseph Juneau, the gold deposits in Juneau are still being mined today, which has given the Alaskan state economy a great contribution of wealth.

The great Alaska gold rush It was the Juneau gold discovery that started the Alaska gold rush when prospectors came to the state to cash in on the gold craze in 1880. Today, along the old mining areas, you will find all kinds of tourists attractions along the coast of Alaska. One such area is the Nome region that was made famous by all the old prospectors in the 1890s that came for the gold rush looking for gold. The beaches of Nome still produce gold for the small-scale prospectors that wanted to be reminded of the gold rush days.

Much like the California gold rush. The Alaskan gold Rush can also be credited with the growth of settlement towns into major economic centers Fairbanks got a great boost from the gold-rush era. Still today, Fairbanks has sufficient gold deposits, and is a big mining city with lots of small time prospectors trying their luck at the gold rush of the past and present the largest, most recent Alaskan gold find was made near a Lake just 235 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, Thought to contain the largest gold deposits in the second largest copper deposit in North America with 31.3 million ounces of gold with a further 18.8 billion pounds of copper the gold rush continuous.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6705046

Where to Find Gold Outdoors With Amatuer Prospecting and Panning

With the price of gold per ounce reaching record levels, many people are becoming interested in amateur gold prospecting and panning. Although most people might assume that gold can only be found in certain western geographical areas of the U.S.A., it's a fact that you can find gold in one form or another in almost every single state in the union. And becoming an amateur gold prospector yourself is both inexpensive and fairly simple to learn.

There are two basic ways for amateur prospectors to find gold in the United States: by panning for gold flakes in creeks and streams, or by metal detecting for gold nuggets on dry land. Both methods can end up being fruitful, but many prospectors find that they are better suited for one over the other.

A third method for prospecting is searching for veins of gold deposited in rock (usually in conjunction with quartz) and using a hammer and chisel to extract it. This method, however, doesn't usually produce results as measurable as panning or metal detecting for gold.

The first step to take when starting your gold prospecting hobby is to find out if gold has been found in your state by amateurs either by panning or metal detecting. Even if you live in a state that isn't well-known for having gold mines or deposits, you might be surprised to discover that there are gold prospecting clubs in your area. Because gold is so common across the country, there are panning opportunities in dozens of states.

Secondly, order a simple beginner's gold panning kit on the Internet. Gold panning starter kits are usually less than a hundred dollars, and they include everything you need to get started. A plastic gold pan, snuffer bottle, classifier, gold vial and even a how-to book on prospecting are usually included in the kit.

When you're ready to get started, the best way to learn is from experience panning enthusiasts who have prospected in your area in the past. If you can't find a local gold panning group to join, however, there's no reason to worry... luckily, gold panning is something that you can easily learn how to do successfully on your own.

Thanks to the Internet, there are literally hundreds of different gold panning how-to videos that you can find online and watch to learn the right methods for finding gold. Experienced prospectors have uploaded plenty of great footage of panning in action in states from Florida to Alaska.

Once you've researched local gold panning locations, identified a good creek or stream to get started in, and learned the basics about panning technique, it's time to dive in. Don't expect to find gold flakes on your first try or even your first several tries... it can take a long time before you find success, but don't give up. All of the hard work will be worth it when you find your first gold nugget or flake!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7404759

Where to Find Gold by Reading Streams and Rivers

Many inexperienced prospectors often get frustrated very quickly when they first start. They're expectations are high and they don't have a lot of experience to work with. While there are many skills one must develop to mature into a successful prospector, the one all beginners should focus on immediately is their ability to judge, read, and otherwise locate gold in streams and creeks. It's not rocket science so a good foundation goes a really long way!

Firstly you must realize that gold in itself is very heavy. It has a specific gravity of 19.3, so in other words it weighs 19 times as much as an equal volume of water. That's quite heavy and there's really only a handful of other elements that weigh more. None of which need any concern for now. The principle that gold is heavy is the foundation of all gold panning and placer mining. Gold will settle to the bottom of any turbulent material and it will be the last thing to be washed away by water. This is how the premise of a gold pan works. It's important to know this because once you understand the dynamics and behavior of gold in water, you can begin to predict its behavior in moving water like creeks and rivers.

Now assuming you're working a creek, stream, or river that's known to bare gold - which you should be! - you're going to have to imagine or predict where the gold will be settling as the current pushes it around and deposits it. To do this, Imagine in your mind a thick S curve representing the water flow. If you where to take a piece of string and run it from the stop of the "S" to the bottom you would notice that it cuts the corners much like a race car driver - the path of least resistance. Along this line is where the gold will be deposited. Note that the line is a complete juxtaposition of the creek's faster moving current. Gold will be deposited on inside corners and just off center in long straight sections. Apply this imaginary string idea to the creek or river before you and start digging.

Since it doesn't do much good to run around checking random spots you may think - or hope - have gold, you're going to want to work on your sampling skills. Sampling isn't the most fun since its rather tedious and monotonous. However it can seriously help you hone in on a good pay streak or honey hole.

Start by finding the high water mark and dig up a sample from the ground. I dig down to three different depths or until I hit bedrock, whichever comes first. Once I've panned out the samples and noted how much black sand or gold I've found at the three depths, I then move towards the center of the creek in 3 or 4 foot increments. Continue in this fashion all the way to the center of the creek if you can, all the while noting how much black sand or gold you're recovering. Remember black sand is heavy like gold, but with a specific gravity between 5 and 11. The black sands will be deposited near and around gold. Ideally what you want to look for is the specific spot where the black sand levels drop greatly. It will be nearest the center of the creek because this is where the water moves faster and carries the black sands away. Because gold is heavier this is generally where the gold is deposited or left unmoved. This will be your pay streak and all your work has hopefully paid off. Follow the pay streak longitudinally up and down the creek till it runs out.

So there you have it, two very useful methods of finding gold in most streams, creeks and rivers. Armed with this knowledge you should be able to find at the very least a little bit of gold. That's a far cry better than NO gold and nobody can argue with that! Happy prospecting and good luck!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2529201

The American Gold Rush and Global Migration

The great American gold rush began in 1849, followed by an accidental discovery of gold by a Swiss miller named John Sutter in 1848 in California. This triggered a high scale migration of men, women, and children from all around the globe. This particular migration, which was to search gold, is usually termed as the 'gold rush'. A wave of emigrants braved miseries, Illness, hardships, and sometimes even death in their quest to find gold. All such emigrants are known as the forty-niners.

California is the fourth largest state in the US. The geological position of California is such that it lies on the west coast of the United States, and was formerly a part of Mexico. The gold deposits were mainly borne by the rivers in California.

When the news first broke out about the discovery of gold in the late 1848, the people living in and around California were the first ones to take advantage of this literally golden opportunity, and made quick money. Slowly and gradually, the world witnessed a global migration towards the wild, Wild West! People migrated from east America, Latin America, Europe and even Asia.

About 90,000 people migrated to California, in 1849 alone! The figure continued to increase exponentially, and this global migration set to change the face and fate of the United States of America. The gold rush altered the dynamics of this place so drastically that the otherwise small and unknown town of San Francisco became a thriving hub of business, a city with limitless opportunities of trade. Today, San Francisco is the fourth most populous city in California, and contributes 13% of the total GDP growth of the country.

The lawless state of California headed towards a revolutionary legally administered region after going through cultural and ethnic turmoil, for ages. This massive migration posed troubles not only for the emigrants, but also for the host country. It is important to understand that not all the emigrants went straight to the gold mines; most of them ended up in taking up other jobs like in factory, or in the farms.

Not everybody was lucky enough to find their fortunes in the gold mines. The reason behind this is that with the passage of time, gold mining became harder, and costlier. Individual gold miners were taken over by corporate companies. However, the migrants had burnt their boats!

They stayed over there, in the US, and learnt all other possible and impossible ways of survival. This resulted in the development of other industries and agriculture, because labour was abundant, and cheap.

The local Indians were forced to leave their homeland during this period. The gold mining industry privileged many, but posed major threats to the ecological system forever. The region was occupied by a variety of ethnic people. The greed for gold by the powerful ones led them to practice great racial discrimination especially towards the Chinese, and the Asians. In short, the American gold rush was not just a regional or national experience, but it had strong repercussions on the socio-economic factor of the world.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3072977

The Australian Gold Rush

A Gold Rush can make a common man a millionaire in an instant. It can be defined as a period of intense migration of labour into an area where there has been a discovery of vast quantities of gold. Gold rushes occurred in the 19th century in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, and the United States.

Gold rushes are generally marked with the upbeat and optimistic feeling of something that is free-for-all. This makes it possible for anyone to become absolutely prosperous instantaneously. The definition given previously is what a gold rush was. A lot of people link gold rushes to the Californian gold rush, although it is a fact that the Australian gold rush remains to date as the richest gold rush of the world.

The Australian gold rushes began in 1851 when Edward Hammond Hargraves went with his guide John Lister to Lewis Pond Creek. Here they filled and washed a few pans, and found they contained gold. The news spread like wild fire, and over the next few days a number of other people from all walks of life, were seen to be digging like their life depended on it.

Hargraves did not achieve a great fortune from gold. He did although name the Bathurst goldfield Ophir. Later, James Tom, a farmer, declared that it was not Hargraves, and said that he actually found the gold. Even then, the official verdict went against him. Hargraves was labeled, as the Crown Land Commissioner for New South Wales. John Lister and William Tom held another enquiry, just before he died in 1899, and this time it came out to be in favor of the upholding claims that were made. (Brother of James Tom)

The first discovery was in New South Wales, followed by Clunes, Ballarat, Buninyong, and then Bendigo Creek. Soon gold was found in all of the other Australian states. The first gold license was issued in Victoria on 1851. Varying amounts of licenses were issued through out the country.

The Victorian gold rush that occurred right after the Californian gold rush was the biggest of Australian gold rushes. The gold rush was of utmost importance, because it served as a stimulus for economic and political development in Victoria, and Melbourne. By the end of 1851, around 250,000 ounces of gold had been extracted.

The Australian gold rushes gave way for the development of major parts of the city. Railways and telephone lines were constructed. The sudden gathering of people gave way to multi-culture and racism. It also marked the beginning of the Eureka Stockade, and the end of penal transportation.

In 1852, 370,000 migrants entered the country, and the economy received a welcome boost. Victoria alone contributed to almost one third of the total gold output of the world in the 1850s. In two years, the population had increased from 77,000 to 540,000. A fun fact to note here is that the total number of immigrants was more than the total number of criminals of the past 70 years that had landed there. The total population increased three fold from 1851 to 1871, from 430,000 to 1.7million people.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3072992

How to Find Gold

If you want to become a lot more successful at gold prospecting or gold nugget prospecting, the first thing to realize is that good research can make your job a lot easier whilst out in the field. Widespread internet availability today makes your research a whole lot easier and there is a great deal of information out there that you can search for. Another good resource of information is the local library in the area where you plan to go gold prospecting. Another aspect not to overlook is research via old books on the subject or even the diaries of old gold miners if you can find these. All of these avenues will eventually turn up for you, some awesome information and greatly increase your chances of finding a spot where you can find worthwhile deposits of gold that will be worth your time, locating and finding for yourself.

What else can you do?

Try finding old newspapers, old bulletins and geological books about mining, especially for gold. Geological maps can also help you in your search and you should be able able to find these too, via your local state university, another option. There is an old saying which goes along the lines of, 'To find gold, go where gold has already been found'. So, try and find out where the placer workings were located, and try to find spots that others might have overlooked. Also contact governmental agencies in the area where you intend to prospect as all these avenues will assist you in your such to one degree or another.

Also contact any geology and prospecting clubs or associations in the area where you intend to start prospecting and don't be afraid to ask of those members questions relevant to the subject, remember, most people like to talk about subjects which they have a passion for and sometimes depending on the circumstances, they may give you some really good pointers on good places to prospect for gold.

Remember also to always make sure that in the area where you intend to start your gold prospecting that you have in advance all the required permissions from the land owner and don't be surprised if s/he is very annoyed with you, if you do not seek this permission first. It is polite and common courtesy to ask first. Again preparation is key. Driving long distances only to find out the land status does not permit gold prospecting can be very disheartening. If you do your research in advance, many of these kind of problems can be overcome which will aid vastly to your overall enjoyment whilst prospecting for gold nuggets out in the field.

Mark P Andrews is a part owner of GoldsGold.com [http://www.GoldsGold.com] - Where you can buy an incredible range of gold prospecting equipment at down to earth prices, including, gold metal detectors, gold claims, gold nuggets, gold bars, paydirt for gold prospecting at home, gold pans, gold sluices and highbankers, you name it, if it's related to gold, we likely have the goods available via our website



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1158352

Sluice Boxing 101

Did you know that fine gold recovery usually makes up for the majority of gold found by small time prospectors? Its much more plentiful and it's usually found in places that are easier to get to. The problem with fine gold is that its so small and improperly set up sluice boxes can let it pass through unintentionally. To remedy the problem you must be aware of the main factors involved. Water speed and volume are critical! Even in a poorly designed sluice, if you have the volume and speed of water dialed in you will still catch gold more effectively than using a pro high end sluice that's set up wrong. Furthermore, the angle at which the sluice boxes lay are also very important. The angle will effect the speed of the water as it travels down as well as how fast the sluice is able to clean itself out. If the angle is too shallow bigger rocks and clay chunks can settle on or around the riffles and cause turbulence in the water that will effectively kill the back eddie action created by the riffles. It will cause you to lose gold! Those points being the most critical, next is the construction and design of your sluice. It's ability to catch gold and specifically fine gold are decided by and far by the designs of the riffles and or catch mat systems.

Finding the appropriate water flow and speed for your circumstances is absolutely essential. It can be tricky and might require you to block the flow of water from the inlet of your sluice, or feed extra water in. This can be accomplished by making a small dam with rocks in the creek or river bed. Depending on where you're prospecting this could be considered a violation of your local Fish and Game laws so be aware of them. Chances are, if moving rocks in the stream bed is considered a violation so is using a sluice box. Make sure you know the laws!!!

The more water volume the better and generally speaking it doesn't hurt to fill the sluice with water right to the top of the sides if you can. A good recommended minimum depth is about 2 inches. Volume is usually separate from the speed of the water so you can adjust it easily by lowering the sluice into the water more or by finding deep spots in the creek bed that act as a funnel for your sluice.

The proper flow can be judged by using small pebbles or a handful of sand. Drop it in the inlet of your sluice and watch as it flows through. all but the heaviest particles should be washed clean within 3 to 5 seconds depending on the length of your sluice. 3 is a bit quick but will allow for much faster production of concentrates at the cost of losing some fine gold. 5 is a tad long or just about right depending on the coarseness of the material you're sluicing. You should be catching lots of fine gold at that speed but at the risk of larger rocks getting caught in the riffles and disrupting the flow. You can adjust the angles for fix that though.

When setting up a sluice the proper angle must be observed. It's usually between 5 - 7 degrees of slope and should allow most round rocks and pebbles to pass through easily. You don't want the material zipping through but rather kind of tumbling through slowly. An Ideal speed is for a larger rock to clear itself out within 3 to 5 seconds on a medium sized sluice box. Also remember that the angle effects the water speed as it travels down the sluice. Furthermore, sometimes it is impossible to achieve the right angles if the creek is very flat. In such a circumstance you may be required to create a make shift dam out of more rocks to raise the level of water on one side so you can feed it through your sluice. But that can be a lot of work and you're usually better off trying to increase the speed of the water instead.

With the proper angle, water flow and speed set, it's now time to actually use our sluice boxes!! Many people pre-screen their material before feeding it through the sluice. It's a lot of work and a properly set up sluice does not need this. However, that being said, If you don't pre screen or classify the material you will likely lose some fine gold. This problem can be helped by using a classifying screen over your sluice inlet as you shovel dirt in. I used an old dishwasher rack I found in the creek bed and set it in the inlet of my sluice box. the water washed through it and as I dump material in, it washes it down leaving the bigger rocks and clay chunks for me to easily throw out. It's a great light weight solution that really speeds up my production. It's also a much better alternative to dry screening the material right at the dig site then carrying it the 10+ feet to my sluice. You results may vary but at this point you should have a fairly good intuition about the possibility of losing gold.

Pulling your sluice out of the stream can be a tricky process and will inevitably lead to some gold being lost. It is highly recommended that as you go to remove the sluice for the water stream you place a bucket or pan at the end of it to catch whatever might get accidentally washed out. I've seen fouled up attempts at removing a sluice cause small chunks of gold to be washed clean back into the stream. Be very careful.

After that, clean up is a breeze and not to mention fun. You finally get to see how all your hard work paid off. It's worth noting though if you've got one of the newer generation plastic sluices you often have the added benefit of an even easier clean up as well as a nice view of whats collecting during the sluicing process! The downside is the lower production ability.

Hopefully that should get any new prospector started! I hope you enjoyed my guide!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2598916

Gold and Silver Coin History

The major commercial center linking the Asian kingdoms of the east with the coastal Greek cities of Ionia was Sardis, the capital city of ancient Lydia. So it was only natural that the first coins ever made would start here. Around 650 BC, give or take 10 years either way, coins with the head of a Lion first appeared and was used as the first system of bimetallic currency. These first coins were made of a metal called electrum, an uneven mixture of gold and silver, and sometimes had small traces of copper and or other metals in it.

In Lydia, the most used coins was minted into the weight 4.76 grams, These were called the trites and valued at 1/3rd a stater. Three of these coins weighted about 14.1 grams, and equaled one stater. A stater being about one month's pay for a soldier. One stater size coins as well as smaller fractions were minted also: the trite 1/3rd, the afore mentioned coin, the hekte 1/6th, 1/12th, 1/24th, 1/48th and down to 1/96th of a stater.

It didn't take long for the Greek cities of Ionia to start using electrum to start making their own coins. Widespread trading of electrum made coins was somewhat hampered however. Because of the uneven mixture of gold and silver, it was rather difficult to determine the exact worth of each coin. For this reason a foreign merchant would offer very low undervalued rates on local electrum coins. In 570 BC pure silver coins were introduced in parts of Greece making these difficulties less and less a problem.

By 560 BC, the Lydians came up with a process to separate the gold from silver, bringing about the minting of the first gold coins. Now gold coins were being produced along with silver coins. Electrum coins did remain a fairly popular form of currency until around 350 BC. Gold and silver coins however quickly became the world standard for currency used in trade. What helped to bring this about so quickly was in 547 BC, when after 13 days of the siege the Persians scaled a lightly defended part of the wall and captured the city of Sardis. Cyrus being amazed with the gold coins found in the Lydian kingdom, decided he wanted to make these gold coins for himself. The Persians learned to mint gold coins and began to use them for trade.

The Greek's liked the use of silver coins as currency and helped to make silver coins excepted as a world standard for currency. Unlike the Greeks, the Persians preferred gold coins over silver, and helped to make gold coins excepted as a world standard for currency. Between the two, gold and silver coins become the money excepted throughout the known world. From that time gold and silver coins has been the only true form of money to this very day.

At this point you may be saying what about the paper dollars, or yens, or euros I have in my pocket? Around 100 AD the Chinese were the first to invent paper. Sometime in the early 7th century they also become the first to invent paper money. This paper money was called flying money. These first bank notes carried a guarantee that it could be traded at any time for coinage. The paper was not the real money, it was the coinage that it could be traded for that was the real money. The paper was just a form of a promissory note, a promise to trade for real money.

In 1292 when Marco Polo came back from his travels in China telling people about this paper money they used there the people in Europe didn't believe it. It seemed as a joke that the Chinese used paper for money. Paper money in Europe wouldn't come about until the 1600s. In the mid 1600s paper money began to appear throughout Europe, some accepted, some not. The Goldsmithnotes printed by the Bank of England founded in 1694, were again a type of promissory note. These notes were printed as a promise from English gold smiths for account deposits. The clause "(I) promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of --- pounds" in gold. Again the paper was not the money, the gold it could be traded in for was the money.

Article 1 section 8 paragraph 5 of The United States Constitution states that Congress has the power "To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;"

Article 1 section 10 paragraph 1 of The United States Constitution states that "No State shall ... make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts;"
From these 2 sections of The United States Constitution it is clear that our founders did not want paper money as a form of tender in this country, and for good reason. They knew that gold and silver coins have and keep value, and paper always comes to problems. Many of our founders seeing the problems Europe had with their tries at using paper money, plus the early tries of the colonies to use paper money.

In 1836 the first bank notes were printed, with over 30,000 designs and colors, they were easily counterfeited, along with bank failures, became almost as poison to most people. In 1861 Congress authorized the United States Treasury to issue paper money for the first time in the form of non-interest bearing Treasury Notes called Demand Notes. In 1862 these notes were replaced with United States Notes. Commonly called Greenbacks. In 1865 Gold Certificates were issued. In 1868 National Bank Notes, backed by U.S. government securities were printed. In 1878 Silver Certificates in exchange for silver dollars were printed. In 1913 the Federal Reserve Act was passed, then everything changed.

Until this point the paper money printed could be traded in for gold or silver coins - real money. For a while federal reserve notes could be also. From 1913 to 1963 the federal reserve note went from a note that could be traded in for real money to nothing but a piece of paper that is not backed by anything, a debt instrument. Federal reserve notes no longer says it is redeemable for gold or silver, it only says "This Note Is Legal Tender For All Debts Public And Private." In fact the words lawful money is nowhere on the note at all anymore.

Today's federal reserve note is what is called fiat currency. Fiat currency does not have any intrinsic value or any guarantee that it can be converted into gold or another currency. Fiat currency is nothing but a government's order (fiat) that it must be accepted as a means of payment, back by nothing at all. The founders of the United States knew that is what would happen if paper money became accepted. That is why they made gold and silver coins the only form of lawful money in our Constitution.

Paper money never has been and never will be real money. Gold and silver coins has been and still is the only true real money. You hear that gold and silver is going up in value, when in reality it is the paper money going down in value, meaning it takes more paper to buy the same amount of gold. Back when quarters were still made of silver you could buy a loaf of bread with one of them. Today that same quarter made of silver would still buy you a loaf of bread.

Gold and silver coins is the safest place to invest your paper dollars. It is the one thing you can invest in that will never go broke. Stocks and bonds may crash, paper money may become worthless, banks may fail, but all through history gold and silver retains value. It is well known that Gold coins are the safest and most risk free place to invest ones savings. As the news informs us of the failing economy, and we see prices of everything go through the roof we need to find a safe place to put our hard earned federal reserve notes. At the decay rate of the dollar, if you can survive on $20.000.00 a year today, in about 10 years it will take you over $50,000.00 a year to live the same life style. That same $20,000.00 in gold coins in 10 years will last longer than a year.

Paper currencies offer you no protection in your investments, it only loses more and more value with each passing year. There is nothing that offsets the shrinking value of currencies like gold coins. When you save gold and silver bullion coins, such as the American Eagles, you build yourself a fortress of investment security.

Bernie Wheater lives in Rochester, New York. He is a marketing and business consultant. He helps show people the benefits of owning a home business



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1762905

How Individuals Panned For Gold During the American Gold Rush

Gold fever could be felt with all its force in 1849 when thousands of people were rushing to California to get their part of gold. People used different ways to find out gold, but panning was the most popular technique at that time and often people spent months in finding gold flakes with their gold pans.

The glitter of that ever-adorable metal didn't allow these people to quit their search, and they wanted to get more and more once they succeeded to get their first flake of the gold. They often redoubled their efforts when they didn't find anything in their several attempts especially when they succeeded to get some gold flakes in their earlier attempts.

However, they were not individuals alone, as some Govt. institutions had also realised the importance of that place and they have developed some gold mining labs in these areas that were using some other techniques to find out gold at that places besides panning.

Most of these forty-niners at California could be seen wearing long shoes and pans in their hands. Sometimes, these pans come up with some gold flakes and most of the times their efforts proved fruitless and when they got exhausted after their several attempts, they vowed to come again tomorrow to try their luck once again. It's also true that some of these miners had found so much gold that the government felt the need of establishing an official mint there.

Nowadays, plastic pans are used for panning gold, but in the past only metal pans were used for this purpose and there were certain techniques to place these pans into the water and find out the gold flakes.

Plastic pans that are used for panning these days are quite lighter in weight and they often have shallower angles that reduce the chances of gold tossing out from the pan. Similarly, slats and bars that are used today were not used in the past. Now with the help of these tools, it has become quite easier for people to separate gold from other particulars with lots of ease.

However, these earlier gold seekers were using some very good techniques in this connection and most of their gold panning techniques are still in use even after so many years. They used to place their pans at those places where water was noticeably slower and usually they picked large rocks or sandbars for this purpose. Use of tweezers and pipette was not so common in those days and these people usually separated the gold flakes from sand with their hands.

Most of these gold seekers reached here after covering long distances. They wanted to get their desired thing at any cost, and that was the major factor behind their utmost efforts in search of gold. Their determination and endless efforts often brought reward for them and there were many who had panned a good amount of gold there.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3081500

The Gold Rush

Striking it Rich

With the price of gold skyrocketing and no apparent end in sight, many families are joining the gold rush hoping to cash in on their fair share of the fortunes that are being made. And the truth is that the price of gold can only continue higher as governments around the world print money without any concern for the devaluation of their country's currency.

Of course you have to get lucky enough to find a substantial amount of the shiny stuff but it isn't impossible and can be a lot of fun. Every now and then, there is a report of a new discovery. Not too long ago it was reported that a California man who had stopped on the side of a desert highway for a rest, wandered a short way into the desert where he stumbled upon a 9 ounce gold nugget.

The nugget is not for sale but would probably fetch around $15,000.00 - $20,000.00 in today's market as a natural gold nugget always commands a premium above the spot price of gold. Talk about luck! But there are others too. Just recently in England, a young boy who had received a metal detector as a birthday gift found gold artifacts reported to be worth over one million dollars. What a nice birthday gift that was!

So it is no wonder that moms, dads, aunts, uncles, kids and even grandparents are putting together their gold mining kits and venturing out to their favorite creeks and streams in search of a lucky spot where they can stake a claim. It usually starts off with a simple pan but as the gold fever grows, so do the prospecting tools. There are sluice boxes (small and large) which will allow the miner to process a lot more material, enhancing the possibilities of retrieving more gold.

There are mechanical washers which will even help process more material. And there are dredgers which can get quite expensive, but will process a huge amount of material and increase your odds even further in finding your fortune.

The main thing to remember is to make it an adventure and keep it fun because many times you will come back empty handed and depressed. But don't despair. There is nothing like the feeling you get finding your first gold nugget. It can be a blessing and a curse. Because now you have gold fever!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6326566

Camping For Fun Vacation Gold Panning

If you want a good camping vacation and want to find gold I have just the spot for you. Princton BC was noted for the gold found in the late 1880's. You will find Granite city which is now a ghost town. Lots of gold and platinum was found in the area.

To get to the gold camping ground from Vancouver BC take the number one highway to Hope. Be sure to spend some time exploring the area as the gold miners used hope as a jump of point to the Caribou. As you leave hope you will that route 3 towards Manning Park. After arriving at manning park for a short stop you are only 40 minutes to the camping site.

The park has lots to offer including a restaurant, visitor's booth, restrooms, and park tables on green grass for you to rest. You will find a dog play area as you turn off the highway and enter the park it is just on the right side as you enter. Be sure to pick up after your pet the park supply's containers for this.

As you leave the west gate on the highway you will find a gas station with a small store the ice cream cones are extra large. From the west gate you are about 30 minutes to you campsite.

This road changes from four lane to two lane as you go down the mountain. Watch for wildlife you will see lots. The campsite is just 30 miles away watch for the sign Elk Ridge Outdoors on the right hand side of the road if you shoot past the turn in there is a place to turn around just up at the next corner but be very care for on coming traffic as you turn.

As you enter the camp road you will see a road that goes straight and a road to your right. If you have a smaller rig you can go straight and check in at the main house the road is bumpy and the turn around at the house is not very big.

If you have a large rig, take the right hand road and follow it all the way down the side of the ridge. Note use low gear as the road in is very steep and bumpy with some very tight turns. In some places you will be right along the edge of the road which goes straight down for a few hundred ft. If your passenger is nervous get them to watch you and not the road. This is a dirt road be aware of traffic coming up as the road is narrow in some places.

If you are towing a car behind you motor home un hook the car after you turn in to the main campsite road and get your second driver to go ahead of you or drive the car down and get a good look at the road before you take you rig down

Once down at the bottom you will find A large A framed lodge and 6 smaller cabins which are all for rent by the day or week. The cabins are all new as of 2004. You will find 12 sites along the river and some set back in the trees with some out in the open. There is an over flow around the back of the A-frame.

Amenities are primitive as they have pit outhouses and you will only be able to get water when the generator is running. The showers should be up and running by 2006. They have a large wood fired hot tube just above the beach The scenery is absolutely fabulous you will find gold in various quantities all along the river. All gold hunting must be by hand no power equipment allowed



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/73974

Panning For Gold In Alaska

Alaska is truly one of the world's most beautiful places. Many of those who visit today are drawn by the beauty of nature and abundance of outdoor activities available. In the late 1800s floods of people were drawn to Alaska for another reason; gold. Many new settlements were established as a result. Many of these settlements, Fairbanks, Juneau and Nome, still exist today.

When you visit Alaska today, you will find evidence of the state's connection to gold mining just about everywhere you go. From locally held events like Fairbanks Golden Days to the gold nugget jewelry and painted gold pans you're sure to find in local gift shops.

While many consider gold prospecting a thing of the past, there's still gold in Alaska's hills and streams today. In fact, just recently a huge gold and copper deposit was found about 235 miles southwest of Anchorage, near Lake Iliamna.

If you plan to visit Alaska you might want to consider doing a little gold prospecting of your own. You never know what you might find. One of the most popular techniques for finding gold is panning. During the gold rushes of the 1800s, this was the preferred method used by prospectors. In Alaska today there are still a few places where you can pan for gold and not worry about being accused of claim jumping. These are public areas open to the general public for recreational gold panning and sluicing but you cannot file a claim. The Bureau of Land Management office and the Department of Natural Resources office in Fairbanks will provide information on these areas, including maps.

Before you get started, you'll need to pick up the necessary prospecting supplies. You should be able to find what you need at local mining supply shops and discount stores. Please be thoughtful about the tools you select and the methods you use in your search for gold. Avoid anything that might impact negatively on nature and the environment.

OK, are you ready to find your fortune? The following areas are open to the general public for recreational gold panning and sluicing. You are allowed to use gold pans, metal detectors, sluice boxes and rocker boxes in these areas.

Bachelor Creek: Located 80 miles North of Fairbanks just past Montana Creek on the Steese Highway, this is a remote area that does not provide camping facilities. Once you get there you will need to hike about 4 miles to the mining area.

Nome Creek: Located north of the Steese Highway in the White Mountains National Recreation Area, there are three campgrounds in the area. Facilities such as restrooms (outhouses) and drinking water are provided, but a recreation fee is charged. Gold was first discovered here in the early 1900s and has a rich history of gold finds.

Pedro Dome: Located approximately 25 miles north of the city of Fairbanks, this is where Felix Pedro discovered gold in 1902. The area is relatively small, about 1 acre in size. There are no restrooms (outhouses) and you will need to bring your own drinking water and food.

A couple of more areas you can try are Caribou Creek and Dalton Highway.

Some of these areas are very remote. In addition to your prospecting supplies you will need the necessary outdoor supplies and equipment. If you're really not looking for a wilderness experience, but you still want to enjoy the excitement of finding gold, there are other options available.

There are several companies located in the Fairbanks area which have tours of mining towns and areas. These companies generally provide you with everything you need to do a little panning. Some even "stock" the sand so that you can be assured of not going home empty handed.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/301148

Weekend Gold Prospecting Mining Safety

Let me get started by saying that weekend gold prospecting and mining can be a lot of fun and some adventure for you and your family. You get out into the environment and get some sunshine and exercise which contribute to good health and robust living. Speaking of health the first thing that you should evaluate in relation to mining and gold prospecting is that you are physically fit to get out and hike and climb around areas that might be able to produce gold for you.

If you cannot walk or climb 50-75 feet without getting short of breath you do not belong out in wild country looking for gold. You need to limit your gold prospecting to areas that are within a short walking distance. Look for rivers, streams or desert washes that provide easy access for you and your equipment.

Some people say to me that they have a quad runner and a cell phone to get them out into gold bearing areas which is all well and good but if you have physical limitations you do not want to go out too far and alone where your safety could be compromised. Always go with other people who would like to go prospecting with you or with family members who will go with you. Always remember safety first. Some people take two way radios or cell phones with them to stay in touch with family members and or emergency services. However keep in mind that cell phones do not always work in mountainous areas and two way radios work best in line of site configurations. Radios do not work well around the corner of a group of giant mountain boulders. I know this from experience.

There are some other things to think about regarding safety issues. Are you in snake and scorpion country or in a place where there are red ants and Brown Recluse or Black Widow spiders? If you are then there are some other considerations that you should think about.

Since I live in the Southwest we have all of the above to contend with when we are out gold hunting. The first thing to remember when walking out in any wild environment is to make a lot of noise. Rattlesnakes are just as afraid of us as we are of them except for the Green Mohave rattler. The Green Mohave rattler can be very aggressive and actually chase you and bite you. Not all of them do this but enough of them do for me to provide you with this warning. So be sure to carry a walking stick to smack the bushes when you are making a trail down to your mining site.

Noise usually scares the snakes away or they will let you know where they are by rattling their tails at you. If you come upon one and it is coiled up looking like it could strike - stand still at first then slowly back away. I carry my walking stick in front of me in case I have to use a sweeping motion if the snake strikes to push it quickly aside and get myself away. The next thing is to wear leather gloves. I can think of several people that I know that reached above their line of site onto a gravel bench higher than their eyes and were bitten by snakes and spiders...they had no leather gloves on.

Now you are ready to go gold mining with any number of pieces of equipment that you can take with you. Beginners usually start with gold panning, or dry washing, sluicing, or high-banking. Others use metal detectors to try to find gold nuggets and gold veins or specimens that have broken off of gold bearing materials. All in all its fun and with practice and patience it pays off not just with gold in hand but with the adventure of it all.

P. Wooldridge is a small miner, weekend prospector and Registered Nurse. Her passion is to share her knowledge and skills with those who have never thought of prospecting for gold and with those that are actively doing it. Patti has written a how to manual for those who are interested in extracting gold from various materials like hard rock, micron gold materials, black sand and other sources. Take a look at her newest website and check out the spider bite that almost caused a man to lose his thumb.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2805011

Build Your Own Gold Rocker Box Or Gold Cradle

First developed in the goldfields of the state of Georgia, the rocker was an important gold mining tool. At the very dawn of the Gold rush to California, the rocker box also known as a cradle was perhaps the most used piece of gold prospecting equipment. For a time it was perhaps even more important that the gold pan. Mostly this was because the miner could make a rocker for himself in the field from rough sawn lumber cut in the forest. They are also easily portable. Rocker boxes were also popular during the Klondike gold rush for working the hillside placers that were far above the creeks.

The 'rocker' is a box with a hopper about 3 to 4 ft. long and 1 to 2 ft. wide, sloped like a cradle, and is mounted on semicircular pieces of wood and worked by a, handle to give it a side motion; and it is also inclined so as to carry the material down to the lower end, which is open. At the upper end is a small hopper that may be removed and which has a sheet-iron bottom perforated with 1/2 -in. holes. Under the hopper is a canvas apron or tray inclined toward the head of the box but touching neither end of the hopper-box. Several wooden riffles are placed across the box. The material is fed into the hopper and screened through by water poured on top; the lighter material is carried over the end, while the riffles in the box catch the gold and magnetic sand. This concentrate is cleaned out and panned at the end of the operation. The rocker is used for the same type of work as the gold pan in that it is mainly a prospecting tool. A man is able to wash 3 to 5 times more yardage than with the gold pan, and the use of the rocker eliminates much of the backbreaking strain of continuous panning. On the other hand, the easy mobility of the pan as a prospecting device is lost.

So why might a modern prospector be interested in building his own rocker box? The principal use of a gold rocker is for mining small deposits where water is scarce. It is not really a desert device and it does use some significant water, but not nearly as much as a sluice. In a rocker, gravel requires about three times its own weight of water to wash it. So perhaps the best use is in streams and waterways with very little water - where some water is present, but not enough to run a sluice box. If enough flowing water to run a sluice is present, a sluice is faster and easier to run than a rocker. The rocker is only a primitive machine, having a capacity but one-fifth as great as that of the sluice box, but because it is cheap, requires but little water, and saves a high percentage of coarse gold, the rocker will continue to be used in many districts.

The operation of a rocker consists of shoveling gravel onto a screen or grizzly, pouring water over it from a dipper, and at the same time giving the device a back-and-forth rocking motion. The grizzly retains all the oversized stones, which are removed by hand when they have been washed clean. The operator briefly examines the oversize rock to be sure no large nuggets or gold specimens are being tossed out. The cradle must be placed on an inclination while being worked, and under the influence of the continued side-to-side rocking the dirt is quickly disintegrated, passes down through the hopper grizzly and the water and the undersize fall down onto the canvas apron which saves most of the gold and places the remainder at the head end of the trough. From the apron it is conveyed to the inner end of the cradle floor (the sluice box like section of the rocker), from which it flows over the riffles, or bars, and out at the mouth. Riffles, canvas, blankets, corduroy, burlap, or cocoa matting with expanded metal have been used to cover the bottom of the trough and all have met with varying degrees of success in saving the gold. The combination of cocoa matting covered with expanded metal lath has proven to be quite effective for most gravels. The frequency of cleaning up depends on the richness and character of the gravel, but clean-ups are usually necessary two or three times a day. The hopper is taken off first, then the apron is slid out, and washed in a bucket or tub containing clean water, and finally the gold is collected with a spoon from behind the riffle bars, and panned out.

The rocking motion used should be sufficient to keep the gravel disturbed, allowing the gold to settle out, but a too vigorous movement will cause a gold loss. The gravel bed should be shifted slightly with each motion and should be evenly distributed across the trough. Generally speaking, the rocker is not known for its ability to save fine gold, but with careful and expert manipulation, decent fine gold recoveries can be achieved. Tailings from both rockers and sluice boxes should be occasionally panned to check for gold losses. When gold is found near the lower end of the rocker or sluice box, the potential for losses should be investigated.

Because there is no one "right" design for a rocker box, I am not actually presenting specific plans, but on my website I am giving you the information you need to plan, design and build your own rocker box if that's what you decide to do. My recommended design for a rocker is to start buy building a sluice box 40 inches long, 16 inches wide on the bottom, sloped like a cradle, and with rockers at each end. The hopper would be 16 inches square and 6 inches deep, with a sheet metal bottom made of perforated steel with 1/2-inch holes. This hopper box needs to be designed so it can be removed for clean up. A light canvas-covered frame is stretched under the hopper, forming a riffle. Square riffles of wood or steel are placed across the bottom of the sluice portion of the rocker. Curved feet are placed underneath the sluice portion of the box to allow it to be rocked back and forth. Historically, rockers are built of wood, as the early prospectors built them. However, there is no reason that a rocker could not be built from sturdy heavy gauge sheet aluminum. It would be much lighter that the wood version. Remember that wood also absorbs water, and water logged wood is much heavier than dry wood.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1410815

What is Gold Mining?

Gold mining consists of the processes and techniques employed in the removal of gold from the ground. Earlier gold was mined using different methods like Panning, cradling, dry blowing, shaft mining, Puddling and dredging. Nowadays open cut mining and underground methods are used for gold mining.

Panning is one of the oldest techniques of separating gold from rock. Gold panning technique was introduced by Isaac Humphrey at Coloma in 1848. Also Mexicans developed panning technique in their country, using a flat dish called a batea. Gold panning was slow even for most skillful miner. In a single day, one miner was able to wash only 50 pans in 12 hour workday and obtain only a small amount of gold dust. This method was the most common method of mining on the goldfields. Rocky material was loosened with pick and shovel. After it had been broken down, this rocky material was taken by wheelbarrow to a creek where it was carefully washed and swished around a shallow metal pan. As the water separated the particles of dirt, rock and pebbles, small deposits of gold sank to the bottom of the pan. This was successful for yielding small nuggets. A persistent prospector could find a considerable amount of gold over time.

Cradle (Rocker): 

This method was introduced by Isaac Humphrey. Cradling involves a wooden box with a handle on one side and a ridged bottom covered with Hessian cloth. Large pieces of rock were sorted through and discarded if they did not yield any gold. Finer rocks and pebbles were then washed with creek water across the ridges in the bottom of the cradle. This method was more successful then panning in that it meant that greater amounts of gravel and dirt could be examined.

Dry blowing: 

This method was not very effective. This method was adopted in some parts of Australia like Kalgoorli in Western Australia. In this method two pans were used. Fine, dust like material was poured from a pan held high, into the second pan which was positioned on the ground. As the material was poured down, the wind blew away the dust and fine particles of rock, while the tiny nuggets of gold fell into the pan below. While the method was sound in theory, the winds meant that tiny particles of gold could be blown away with the rest of the dust and dirt.

Shaft mining: 

One of the popular methods was shaft mining. To find gold from underground, miners dug a shaft of up to 50 meters deep. Most of the miners were equipped for pick and shovel, so this was considered a long and tiring task. This method was adopted when prospector was confident that there was gold in a particular place. It was very difficult to find gold in older days, because there was no proper mining equipment. Discovering gold was more a matter of luck than good judgment.

Puddling: 

This method was used to separate gold from clay. Small amounts of clay were dumped in a large container and were filled with water. As it was stirred with wooden stake, clay would dissolve and gold particles would sink to the bottom. Like other methods, even this method did not yield huge amounts of gold, but they were able to get a reasonable amount of gold.

Dredging: 

In this method, a huge bucket would be placed in front of the dredge which would scoop vast amounts of sediment from the river bed. This method would then be carefully sifted and sorted. After the sifting was completed, waste material was returned to river bed.

Open cut mining: 

In this method, rocks that are on surface are removed and moved to another place. Over a period of time, the mine is excavated in a series of layers, known as benches. Mining company does take safety measures at regular intervals within the mine to reduce the risk of rock falls. Benches allow trucks and other large vehicles to enter the site and allow drilling and ore sampling at different levels. The rocks that are removed with the help of machines are crushed and sifted through for gold. This method is very profitable because the removed rocks will at least have three to four grams of gold per tonne. Drills and explosives are used to break the rock. Explosives like ammonium nitrate are used to break the rock. It causes less damage to nearby areas.

Underground Mining: 

In underground mining, gold is found below the surface. This method is very costly and cause dangers to mine workers. In this method, a shaft is sunk into the ground which would be 1000 meters deep. Horizontal tunnels, known as stopes are dug at various depths and the miners work along these to access the gold.

Vehicles gain access to the various levels of the mine through a spiral tunnel known as a decline. As mineshafts become deeper, the risk of cave-ins or collapses increases. Underground mines operate under strict safety protocols. These include the way the mineshafts are dug and constructed, the methods of support for the walls and ceiling of the mine and the use of special machines to provide adequate ventilation and lighting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2237419

Gold Prospecting Resource for the Southeastern Gold Prospector

The first significant United States Gold Rush took place in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, in 1799 at the present day Reed's Gold Mine. In 1799, Conrad Reed found a 17-pound yellow "rock" in Little Meadow Creek on the family farm in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. The "rock" was used as a door-stop for 3 years until a jeweler identified the "rock" as a large gold nugget! Reed had no idea of the value of the gold and sold it to the jeweler for $3.50. The actual value of the nugget at that time was around $3,600. Sounds like the jeweler got a pretty good deal!

Google Earth is a powerful user-friendly satellite imagery viewing program. It is a very useful tool for finding gold locations. Combined with the downloadable add-ons, Google Earth could easily be your main research tool for planning your gold prospecting adventures. I use this tool myself when plotting out my next prospecting trip to a new area. I have found myself using Google Earth with the add-ons I'm about to share with everyone almost daily. All of the following tools/resources are totally free!

The sluice box is one of the oldest and most efficient types of placer gold prospecting equipment. The common sluice box dates back as far as the 1300's. The name of the inventor is unknown. It was widely and most commonly used during the Gold Rushes of the 1800's. In the 1800's sluice boxes were commonly known as Long Toms. The Long Tom sluice got its name from being so long. Generally any sluice over 6 feet was/is referred to as a Long Tom. There is no documentation as to why someone came up with the idea, but if I had to guess I would say it was to reduce labor and process more material. Panning sure does take a toll on the back!

Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia contain recreational gold prospecting locations. Some states located in the Southeast do not contain recreational prospecting areas for the public. If your state does not, you can jump over to the Clubs page to see if a club you can join owns any land available for members to gold prospect.

Jump over to the Clubs page to see if there is a GPAA or private gold prospecting club near you. All the clubs listed are very friendly and eager to accept new members! There is a club in each gold-bearing state in the Southeast so if you are not a member, be sure to go to the website and find a club near you today.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6492498

Sutter's Mill - Marshall Gold Discovery

California was largely unpopulated in 1848 and just becoming a U.S. territory after the Mexican-American War. A Swiss immigrant named John Sutter had a supply fort, in what is now Sacramento, to support the few pioneers coming west in search of fertile farm land. Sutter commissioned James Marshall to build him a sawmill 45 miles away along the bank of the American River. On January 24, 1848, James Marshall happened upon a few small flakes of gold by the edge of the river. It took less than a year for gold fever to take hold when word got out that there was gold at Sutter's Mill. Immigrants poured in from the east over the Sierra Nevada Mountains and from the west into an undeveloped harbor-front town called San Francisco. The 1849 California Gold Rush was on as hundreds of thousands came in search of personal fortune that was just lying on the ground waiting to be picked up. Dozens of small towns and mining camps popped up along what is today Highway 49. Unfortunately, it didn't go as easy as the rumors claimed and many died of hunger, disease and the elements. Those who did well from the gold strike were mostly merchants like Levi Strauss, Wells & Fargo, Leland Stanford, George Hearst, John Studebaker and several more.

Sutter's Mill is the site that started it all and a replica stands today at the original location in the small Gold Country town of Coloma. Situated almost equidistance between Auburn and Placerville along Highway 49, Coloma could be described as being 'in the middle of nowhere'. It's surprising to learn that Coloma has no Holiday Inn, Chevron or Starbucks for a town that started the California Gold Rush and great migration west. The only accommodations you'll find there is the Coloma Resort, which offers tent cabins and campsites beside the American River. The town still has original buildings, homes and storefronts that once served the gold seekers who swept through Gold Country.

Sutter's Mill is part of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park where you'll also find a visitor center & museum, gold mining equipment, original town and Coloma Jail ruins. The visitor center & museum features educational movies, historical documents, exhibits and artifacts including a stagecoach, gold mining equipment, early tools and more. Choose to walk the grounds at your own pace or join a Gold Discovery Tour for a more in-depth glimpse of the town during the California Gold Rush. One Saturday a month, docents dress in period clothing during Living History Day and give demonstrations in candle making, woodworking, dutch oven cooking and more. Many other Gold Mining related events take place in Coloma throughout the year. Bring a gold pan because gold panning is allowed on the opposite side of the American River - a bridge provides easy access. There's still plenty of gold to be discovered all throughout Gold Country.

Sutter's Mill is located approximately one hour southeast of Sacramento. Consider visiting Sutter's Fort, Old Sacramento, Auburn and Placerville for a complete gold history experience. While Coloma could be regarded as a mining camp and Auburn & Placerville thriving towns, Old Sacramento was a bustling city that was a stop-off point for gold headed to San Francisco. Much of the original city remains along with a railway station and riverboat hotel. Other interesting places and things to do in Gold Country include mine tours, natural caverns, whitewater rafting, wine tasting and gold panning. Make your own gold strike and plan your next trip to Sutter's Mill and Gold Country. You'll discover that it's one of the best places in California for history and outdoor recreation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9048982

How to Extract Gold From Seawater

Incredible? No - it actually is possible. The total quantity of gold and other precious metals dissolved in sea water is really incredible. It has been estimated that we have mined over 5 billion troy ounces of gold since mining began about 6,000 years ago. By comparison, the concentration of gold in seawater is, according to scientific estimates, that the oceans contain somewhere in the region of 25 billion troy ounces, and that this quantity is increasing constantly as more gold comes out from the earth's mantle.

There are several ways in which this gold could be collected, and a few companies have trials underway. Distillation would be one method - basically distilling seawater and refining the residue. This is uneconomic as the energy required to boil off the water is considerable, though potentially a product of desalination plants with added stages. Besides gold, practically all naturally occurring elements are dissolved in sea water, to some degree.

There is now a more exciting and potentially economic solution - literally. In regions of the ocean bottom where the earth's tectonic plates are separating (you may have heard of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and continental drift for example), there are cracks in the ocean floor into which sea water penetrates. It is heated in the earth's mantle (these mid oceanic rises are made of of hot soft rock) and minerals dissolve in it. The mineral-loaded water emerges through underwater fumaroles, and the minerals are deposited, which build chimney-shaped structures.

Scientists have discovered over three hundred previously unknown species surviving in this apparently inhospitable environment, where temperatures can reach over 200 degrees centigrade or more and water pressure is as much as three hundred times that at the surface. These species range from bacteria to limpets, shrimp and giant tube worms.

It is thought that bacteria (also known as extremophiles) play an important role in the precipitation of the minerals which build the chimneys - sulphur-oxidizing bacteria of the genera Beggiatoa, Thiothrix or Thiovulum may be involved in this process.

Some observers have proposed that it may be possible to genetically engineer these bacteria to extract gold and other precious or strategic elements and compounds from the sea. Bacteria have already been engineered to devour crude oil, so why not gold?

It will be the economics that drive this of course. Some mining companies are already developing bacteria to help with the further refining of low content gold ore waste produced from traditional gold extraction operations (bio-oxidation).

Recent difficulties in the world economy, and even talk of a return to the gold standard, may result in a continuing climb in gold prices (they have been increasing steadily for many years) - probably for at least ten years - and this will very probably tilt the economic scales of gold extraction and refining towards even more marginal methods.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5961172

Beginners Guide To The Gold Sluice Box

Have you ever tried gold panning?... If you have then great!!!

But have you ever wondered what gold sluicing and a sluice box is? and, how this simple and easy tool can help make your gold panning experience better?

In this jam-packed article I will answer this question, and hopefully, I will answer some more questions that you may not have thought about yet. I have written this article with the express purpose of helping any beginner gold prospector, or any of those of you who want to know about the gold sluice.

What Does Sluice Mean?

The term 'sluice' means to regulate water or to create an artificial watercourse. It can also be described as the act of rinsing in a place. Put Simply, the use of a sluice is a way of interrupting the water flow through the act of rinsing material (dirt) that go's through the sluice's course.

The sluice therefore, is designed to rinse dirt to extract gold from your chosen prospecting place.

What is a Sluice Box?

A sluice box is a general term that is used for a device that can either go in or out of a river to help the gold prospector process gold from the dirt that he/she puts through the sluice.

Through the act of placing dirt from your diggings into the sluice, the gold prospector can rinse the dirt through the sluice allowing gold to be captured if it is there.

Some other names for a sluice box are gold sluice, sluice, and gold sluice box.

The sluice box is an open-ended long metal ¾ box shape (usually made out of aluminum) or hard plastic box that is placed in a river. The sluice box is 'U'-shaped much like a large piece of gutter pipe with a wider opening at one end much like a flat funnel shape (where the dirt goes in) and then it ends with a straight 'U' gutter or 'tray end'.

For a sluice to work it needs three (3) more ingredients. Firstly, there are small ridges inside the straight tray end of the sluice box called riffles.

Secondly, the next component is the matting material underneath the riffles that captures the gold for later processing, and, the third part is a metal mesh that sits between the riffles and the matting.

1. The riffles - Are designed to create an interruption in the water flow allowing the gold to settle down behind the riffles. (I will be discussing the riffles in another article at a later date). However, for ease of this introduction to the sluice, all you need to know at present is that a sluice needs the riffles to make the sluice box work.

2. The matting - The matting under the riffles is designed to help capture the gold once it has fallen down after going over the riffles. This can be made from a number of different products either plastic, rubber, or carpet type matting.

3. The metal mesh - Is much like screen door aluminum mesh that keeps the matting material under the riffles, but, also allows for further water disruption allowing the gold to be captured.

Size and Dimensions of the Sluice

The following figures are general approximations that relate only to a manual OR 'in-river' sluices that you would carry and place into river course.

LENGTH - 1000mm (40 inches)

WIDTH - 250mm wide (10 inches)

HEIGHT - Tray height 100mm (4 inches) high

Types of Sluice

There are also different categories of the Gold Sluice as well, and, each of these describe their different function and action, such as:

- Manual or (river) sluice

- High Banker or a 'Power sluice'

So Which Gold Sluice Is for Me?

So, which one do you choose? Well, this answer has many parts.

For beginner gold prospectors, I would suggest using a manual or in river sluice box to get accustomed with the workings of the gold sluice. They are really not that hard of a contraption, but getting it set up to the way you like it and for good gold recovery are all part of the gold prospecting learning experience.

For gold prospectors considering the later type of the power or 'high-banker' gold sluice, I would suggest you either speak to a number of specialist prospecting clubs and gold prospecting supply stores before making this step as it involves more technical knowledge relating to set-up, pumps, and the different systems used for these beasts. Also the cost of the 'high-banker' is quite high compared to the manual gold sluice.

Now as just mentioned, the second part to choosing a sluice box is cost. Cost of a manual sluice can range from $60 and then up to $500 for a two-tiered system depending on its brand and set-up. With 'high-banker' or power sluice boxes, the cost can range from about $800 up to $3000.00 depending on the size of the system.

What Are the Benefits of Each Sluice Type?

Manual Sluice - Light, usually easy to carry and put in river, takes up less room usually than the power sluice box.

Power sluice - Ability to set-up away from the river, can set-up closer to a dry river bed source and process dirt without having to carry to the river sluice.

What Are Negatives of Type of Sluice Box?

Manual Sluice - Making sure you adjust the gradient to get the right flow velocity to capture the gold, having to carry dirt to the stream where the sluice is to process it, and having to move the sluice if too much if the dirt material banks up, and the height of the sluice will be at river as opposed to loading into a two tiered system.

Power Sluice - Cost, Storage, space it takes up, and technical skill.

What's the Lesson With Sluice Boxes?

All of the negatives with both of these systems can be overcome quite easily, and it is up to your individual skill, ability, and gold prospector determination that will help overcome these that will give you a greater boost in your take-home gold.

That's Great! But Where's The Gold?

With any good system there is always and end to the process, and this is no different with using a Sluice. It is the cleaning up process at the end of your sluicing work that the gold is recovered from the sluice box. The end product is then panned off into your gold pans and hopefully the spoils of your work will be revealed.

I will expand further on this sluice article in another couple of posts in the coming future. I hope that you have enjoyed this article and I look forward to helping you on your way to a fantastic gold prospecting future.

I've written this article with the information you should need to help you understand some of the basics of gold sluice boxes. If you're ready to gain some more great gold prospecting information, then what you need is a resource that doesn't just give you copies of the same old internet tips that everyone else has.

What is the point in going over the same free information that everyone (including some experts) are using? What you need is the benefit of some sound gold prospecting knowledge that will help you improve gold prospecting returns.You literally have NOTHING to lose by visiting my Gold prospecting website.

You will find more great information to help you improve your chances of finding gold there, and, more articles and resources on gold



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8658920