Hunting for gold has occupied most of the time during the last 2 weeks. The picture below shows where I start the hike to the claim. I get very nervous crossing the road to get across the guards. Coming back is tougher. My legs are shaking and I am out of breath.

Then I get down to Scotch Creek, which I have to cross. Not hard, but I am a tad shaky after coming down from the road. Its steep and rock strewn. And the rocks in the creek are slippery.

Then I walk, with a stool in my left hand, a cane in my right, a backpack with a shovel, snuffer bottle, scoop, and pan. I also carry toilet paper and water and a ginger ale. Finally I come to “my” claim. Then I start prospecting, looking for some sign of gold.

And keep walking and prospecting.

And get totally distracted by the beauty.

So I haven’t found the “magical” spot to find much gold. YET. But I have found many breathtaking views and flowers and water. And some “flour” gold.

There is a change in the plans, however. Tomorrow I will be campground hosting. The folks who I have worked for before (Rocky Mountain Recreation Company) are hurting for help. COVID. They were great to me for many years, so I volunteered.  One of the joys of being retired, the flexibility. Will have to wait for next year to find the gold.