Not Always About the Gold !

[hunter_46356]

Went prospecting today and knew the creek was gonna be up with several inches of rain recently. Took my kayak cause I also knew I wouldn't be able to cross the creek on foot to get where I wanted to be. When I saw how high the water was I just about turned around and went home but a hour trip for nothing was not making for a good day. While walking down the creek before I decided I watched a Bald Eagle fly off what I guess was his nightly roost. This is actually the second time I've seen the big bird leave the same tree when arriving at this location. This usually is not a typical occurance for this part of Indiana and it was an awsome sight. Anyway I unloaded the kayak and made the trip down stream. About half way there I had serious concerns about weather I should have made the choice and was already wondering how or if I was going to be able to make it back to the truck. Under normal conditions I can move upstream with little difficulty. I soon realized the conditions today were not only going to be challenging but borderline dangerous. I had an Alice pack straped to the bow, buckets on the stren and shovel, short pick, hand dredge,and Mackirk sluice and a day pack with food, water in the kayak. I'm sure I was pushing weight limits for conditions. Prospecting was tough and not very productive but the day was increadible. A pair of nesting Canadian Geese, and couple of some kind of baby diving ducks, a small banded water snake and one not so small cotton mouth kept me entertaind and on my toes for most of the day. On the trip back I had to pull the kayak upstream for a hundred yards to a place where I would be able to cross fast water to reach and outside bend and slower water on the other side. When entering the fast stuff it almost rolled me and I took on about two to three inches of water but somehow kept it upright and was able to make the other side. Had to unload, dump the water and then try to paddle three hundred plus yards upstream. So even though I didn't bring a usual amount of gold home for the day it will be one I won't soon forget. Oh and one more thing I didn't see one single other human being all..... day..... long.

 

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[Hoser John]

Must agree as when no gold--mineral specimens,artifacts,old cabins and much else to enjoy as do it all and all is indeed profitable. My kayak is my freighter to haul equipment and supplies in/out and covered storage watertight sure rocks. tons a au 2 u 2-John

 

[TAKODA]

Gold hunt'n does have it's moments ... don't it .

Aspects a plenty .

 

[freddy williams]

Sure love the hunt, the serenity of the wild and the sound of running water with nothing around. Even sometimes when nothing is found it is still awsome to just be out there in the wild enjoying nature at it's best HH everyone...