Midway into my first tank of gas I was beginning to see color in my sluicebox. Needless to say, I was excited.

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.

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.

…more difficult terrain must be traversed in the hope of locating small pockets, low depressions or small gullies on needle-covered slopes.

The catch being was that it was about 60 miles from Anchorage near Hope, and a good four or five-mile hike uphill to the claims.

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