June 29, 2014

 

June 29, 2014

So far everything is going great.  They spent their first night and so far no bears.  He said they heard something run through the camp but they were too tired to get up and check to see what it was.  They haven’t started their core drilling but it’s only day 1 so I guess we can give them a break.  They saw an open field when they flew in and walked to check it out.  He said it looked like some trees had been cut.  They intend to do some core drilling there.  

 

 

Bear Damage

June 28, 2014

 

The guys made it to site ok.  George said it was a very smooth landing.  They found their tin can cabin intact but the bear did rip up one of their metal bins.  The bear had it torn apart with their 3 solar cells, and gas cans and other tools.  They put holes in every one of the gas cans.  George said the foam and cardboard was ripped to shreds.  It appears the bears like the petroleum smell but not the flavor.  One of the bears even took a bite into the seat of their 4 wheeler. 

 

First Stop Mcgrath

June 27, 2014

Took the guys to the airport this morning and they headed off to Mcgrath.  Got a quick phone call saying they had made it ok.  Look at their airport with all the bush planes in the background. 

Dave Arrives

June 26, 2014
Dave made it.  They were both excited to see each other and it was fun to see old friends reunite.  Dave had been up since 3AM Florida time flying.  We all went out to eat at Texas Road House and then came home to our 5th wheel.  Their bush pilot, Ken and his son, came by for a visit. Ken is their first bush pilot but still doesn't have his plane ready since his emergency landing in March.  This year they will be using Barney.   I fixed home made rhubarb cobbler topped with ice cream and everyone  had a great visit and with Ken telling some great stories. 

                                                   George and Ken in our 5th wheel

Dave and Falcon, Ken's son.  He is a pilot following in his fathers footsteps.  It was interesting listening to his adventures also. 

Day -2

 

June 25, 2014
     We are already in Alaska and Dave will be flying in tomorrow.  The plan is to fly to McGrath on Friday and then the bush pilot will take them to their site on Saturday.  George and I will pick Dave up at the airport and all go out to eat at Texas Road House.  They have everything in Anchorage.  Then the guys will have to do their shopping.  I offered to do some shopping ahead of time but I think George is actually looking forward this this apparent pre-camp ritual.  I plan to take pictures.  They have a new bush pilot, Barney because their regular pilot, Ken, is still having trouble with his plane.
Dave will spend the night in Palmer with us in our new 5th wheel.  Bad thing is we have to be in Anchorage at 7:00 AM on Friday and I am having so much fun sleeping in.  When it is 9:00AM here, that means it is noon in Kansas. I have never been a late sleeper, but I love it here in Alaska.  Since I am acclimated to Alaska time, getting up early will be hard on me.   On  the other hand it will be a piece of cake for Dave.  He lives in Florida so he will think he is sleeping in.   George asked if I was fixing breakfast for them.  I laughed and thought he was kidding. 

Fairbanks and panning with Gold Daughters

We went to Fairbanks for my birthday and panned for gold on a site owned by the "Gold Daughters". 
They did a reality TV show call "Goldfathers" some of you may remember.  They were very sweet and had just opened for business.  They were getting their place antiquated with rustic gold mining equipment and it was very interesting.  They even had a pink outhouse.  We did well panning there.  If you are ever in Fairbanks, it is worth the stop.  It is right across the street from the famous Alaskan Pipeline.
We went out to a public area that was free but the whole area had been worked and tailing piles a story high lined the roads so we didn't do well there. 
We visited Pioneer Park and some museums and had a great time in Fairbanks.  I have to warn you.  Looking at Fairbanks on the map from Anchorage looks like a hop skip and a jump.  I think Google maps said 5 hours.  They lied.  With road construction, I would say a good 7 hour trip.  Denali makes it a beautiful drive though. 

North to Alaska with the wife

Since this isn't really part of gold prospecting I won't post our trip on this site.  You can visit www.georgeandlindawedding.BlogSpot.com to follow our trip.  Dave will come up to Alaska and meet with George while we are there and then the guys will go out to the site. 

I haven't done very well keeping you posted about what is going on but their old pilot is still out of commission.  He is still trying to get parts for his engine.  Remember he had an emergency landing on a gravel bar last Oct and still isn't ready.  Dave told me I could be the first to fly with him when he gets his plane fixed so they could make sure it's safe.  Dave is a funny funny man and I told him I would pass.   Dave has had first hand experience with plane crashes so I wouldn't be surprised if he is a little gun shy
The guys have a new pilot and he's planning to take their stuff to the site a week before they are due in so they won't be in the same fix they were in last year.  The guys are taking a core drill to the site  and the plan is to drill to find the source of the gold on this trip.  They're planning to head to the site the end of June and I will stay in the RV in Anchorage or Palmer.  After a month of traveling I am sure I will enjoy some me time with my little dog Toto.