Hefty,
You ARE a "gold stud"! I thought that was your truck I saw parked there. I would have stopped in but the Bronco was loaded with all my stuff AND I was on my up to see the condition of the roads to higher country. Most of the snow was gone save for even higher elevations. Where I want to go there is still 5 feet of snow that is actually solid ice. Rain today and tomorrow may help. I've noticed the water levels are starting to fall so by late July possibly I will be able to get in where I want to.
Met an affable claim owner and some of his acquaintances and some of his acquaintances are OK while others are absolutely not. Meet all sorts of folks in this "hobby"!
In just a few minutes I will start the drive to Salinas, about 5 hours worth and will attend my Mom's Celebration of Life on the 30th at my Sisters. From there I could have a handyman job for 3 to 5 days at 8 hours a day. I should be back in the mountains by July 10 or sooner depending on the HM job. While in Salinas I will readjust the gear in the Bronco to full time summer and only backpacking type equipment, no car camping stuff. So far I've only found a bunch of square nails.
More Later, 63bkpkr