Then back to the big city of McGrath Sept 2011

Clearing the runway September 2011

You might think all work and no play makes for dull boys, but I guarantee these guys wouldn't trade their experience for anything.  Here is Dave working his butt off clearing the runway.  A plane can't land on the site yet because it is so thick with brush.  They had to have a chopper take them in this time.  They went back to McGrath everynight because they didn't have enough equipment or provisions to set up camp.   

2 happy campers on the fourth of July Creek in Spet 2011

This is their first time on their claim and they didn't seem to waste anytime testing their site. 

Here is Dave with his sleice no doubt drooling with anticipation. 

Their persistence paid off and they are already plotting their plan of attack.  I know what you're thinking and no...they can carry their gold finds in their pocket right now.  But next year, who knows what they are going to need to carry their gold out.   

It's September and the mosquitos don't seem to be bothering them.  But again, wait till next summer. 

The 4th of July Creek September 2011

Just a little ways from the river

Let's head to the river

Here's Dave getting ready to head down to the river. 

Slinging supplies from Moore Creek

Look! We can build a cabin! Sept 2011

Back in 1985 a mining company had been on this site and left some wood behind.  Nothing of value but in Alaska nothing is ever really thrown away.  What goes in usually doesn't come back out due to the cost of hauling it in in the first place.  So no doubt the guys have plans for some of this.  I'm sure it all complies with the building codes. 

Surveying the site

George and Dave surveyed the site and found an old generator left behind and the start of what was supposed to be a log cabin.  This is where they will store and hide some of their equipment from the bears till they return next year.  The bears like to explore and check out things that are left out.  Dave brought a metal bin that is supposed to be bear proof. 

Honey we're home Sept 2011

This is the first time they set foot on their site.  I can't imagine how excited they must have been. 

This will be the place they dream about for years to come.  The planning and dreams is what it's all about.   They have a long way to go, but the big message I think everyone can come away with is never give up on your dream.  Everything starts with first a thought.  It was their excitement that gave this the momentum to move on.  Of course we will all be waiting for the results.  Just know that deep down the guys already know.

Landing on site for first time Sept 2011

Here is the view the guys saw as they landed with their bush pilot.  Their pilot seems to be able to land on a dime.  Alaskan bush pilots are the best.

Chopper View Sept 2011

This is a view of their site from the chopper.  George and Dave had a bush plane deliver their supplies to Moore Creek earlier in the season.  Remember Moore Creek is the mining camp just 4 miles from them where they stayed on their first attempt to get to their site in July, 2011.  They drove to Wasilla from Anchorage and took off in the chopper for their site 3 hours away.  So the chopper now has to sling the supplies over to their camp from Moore Creek.  When it was time to leave the chopper loaded the guys in this tiny helicopter and tried to take off.  They had to unload their gas can and even throw out their 16 ounce water bottles to get enough lift to get them out.  The pilot warned them he would have to tip forward quite a bit to get them out, but all turned out well.  They didn't have enough gas on board for the flight back to Wasilla so they had to stop several times and pick up some gas that had been stategically placed earlier.  When they got back the pilot did a scheduled check and found a belt that had a tear in it.  As you can see God has been watching after these guys. 

Trip 2 Arial View Sept 2011

 

 

The beautiful views

 

And the reality.  You can see where a plane crashed in the past.  The pilot told them about the wind currents and short cuts through the mountains.  The wind is sometimes so strong it pushes them right in the mountain.  Sometimes they can't see and they run right into the ground.  Obviously you have to be a very cautious and skilled pilot to fly Alaska.  Their chopper pilot was about 35 and had only been flying about 5 or 6 years.  George and Dave said they felt very secure with him.  Dave also has a pilot license but George is forbidden to fly with him.  Sorry Dave.