Sure enough, after hiking a couple miles uphill and hacking through some brush, we found the place just as he had described it.

As we got closer to a wide stream bed, we started hearing some gunfire. It was single shots at first, then semi and automatic weapons fire…

The temptation to enter the dark interiors beckoned to me before the day was finished but I resisted.

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

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.