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.

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

I have a slight mental disorder. It causes frequent lapses in common sense, good judgment and bouts of high fever—gold fever.

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.

…being sneaky, I filled in the hole, and buried therein some trash items that I had previously found, just to discourage any other detectorist that might come along.

We started off excited and enthusiastic as we began hiking up the river, daydreaming about finding big gold.

Saturday came and it looked to have the makings of a dreary, misty day. Undaunted, I loaded my truck with my sluice, buckets and gear, and headed for the claim.