My right rib cage took the brunt of the blow from the fall, which left me feeling partially paralyzed and in immense pain.

Luckily, at about that time, I buddied up with a somewhat cantankerous, but very helpful, guy named Rod. He had become a local legend for his ability to consistently find gold.

If you have done any hiking in rough terrain you are well aware that going down a slope is much more difficult and dangerous than climbing it.

Well, the last time I headed out, I decided to go alone. Big mistake. Since I first started my prospecting adventures, I have had both knees and one hip replaced…

The sound got quiet when the fuse burned down into the clay. I waited, and waited…

What are they? They are too hard to be lead, and are not tarnished like silver should be.

I learned the next day that I was not the only one that had crossed paths with a bear. Dick told us about his harrowing experience from the previous night.