Gold Fever!

I received several emails last week. Where are you? they asked.

Right in here somewhere.

I'm staying with Richard in the desert of western Arizona, on the beautiful property he cares for in the summer -- the magical Owl House and surrounds, owned by friends Jeanie and Jon. 

All over the property, and in all surrounding properties, lie the mysterious implements and paraphenalia for finding gold. This area is prime gold country, full of history and lore. Just down the hill is the gold camp I've heard much about, but had to see up close to appreciate.

Stanton camp is nearly empty at the moment, its denizens having fled north to avoid the summer heat just like in San Pancho. Richard and I went down in the quad to take photos of this historic site, which is still a boomtown in the winter when modern-day gold prospectors return to repopulate Stanton.

The reason for Stanton's existence is Rich Hill. Notice the arrow.

I look at Rich Hill every day, pocked with old mines and feathered with piles of tailings, the leftovers of mining. There are still a few large-ish operations in the area, but most of the local prospectors are individuals with a love of this raw and beautiful Arizona country and a persistent case of gold fever.

I've been busy learning about the history of this area. Also about how to classify dirt and pan gold and use a metal detector. Next week I'll tell you all about that, with photos and observations. It has me fascinated for sure.

My goodness! Do I have gold fever??

Something like that.

 

Comments

[Jeanie (from the owl house)]

Oh My how I enjoyed your take on the things that we take for granted. The gold separating process, Stanton and the area. Especially loved the angles on the pictures of Stanton,, when I take a picture its just a picture, you make it ART! I might learn to take more time and try to get better effect! Thank you!

[Gretchen Goodliffe]

I particularly like the cowboy boots hammered to the side of the house! Some cool visionaries and apparently some REAL stories behind some of them!

[Jeanne]

Was about to send Greg a message to see if you were alright but figured you were just having too much fun and were too busy to post!

So have you found any gold nuggets? Good luck!