Prospecting the PNW

[BoulderTroll]

The first time I picked up a pan was the summer of 2020. I was about to go on a backpacking trip in central Idaho, and I knew the place had a rock mining history. So I bought a pan, watched some videos on YouTube, and set off to learn how to do it. When I finally did see that first color in the pan, I was hooked.

It’s been a few years and I have got a little more experienced. As well as spending hundreds of dollars some pocket change on equipment ;-)
I’ve been wanting to start a journal of sorts, and figured I’d do it here. I can share my experiences with others getting started, and seek some advice from those that know way more than me.

 

[Assembler]

Was supposed to get out for “one last trip” a couple weeks ago with my son, but he sprained his ankle in soccer practice. It got delayed, but I did get a trip in solo and it was great! Frost on everything, rocks were slippery! Didn’t get above freezing until the afternoon. It was already going perfect, then this guy happened! Totally unexpected, as I had only seen flour gold in this spot.
Then walking back to the truck, spotted a couple matsutake and white chanterelle mushrooms.

I wanted to share the excitement with an old friend who helped me get started prospecting, but instead found out that he had passed.

I do believe there are forces in this universe that we don’t understand. And I think this is one of those. Something tells me that old man’s spirit gave me a blessing to remember him by.
RIP Wes. You were a great man and will be missed.

Nice mushrooms as well to add to the trip.
Great job on the near one gram nugget.