Archive for the 'President’s Message' Category

Lucerne Dry Lake was OK and there was one good find. An old casino token from a casino closed years ago.
There was also a lot of hobby rocket motor debris. We did go out to the campground in Warner Springs. That’s a
great place to metal detect because it is reported that the campground existed back in the 60’s or even further.
We had only one member sign up and a total of 12 showed up. Sometimes, we cancel events when there are no
more than one or two sign up. I don’t know how to fix this.

It is hard to get members to volunteer to attend events and also take the attendance sheet with them. We did try
to award the holder of the attendance with a “red” ticket. I believe we should put that practice in permanently.
Remind me if I forget.

Back to Warner Springs. There is a lot of varied history in that campground. There are a lot of different caliber
shells there. Must have been used as a target range in the past. Can’t say that there was that much game
hunting out there. Since this is a designated campground, I doubt that this practice can now be done. A good
number of wheat pennies are being found and also some old larger denomination coins too. We just
haphazardly detected the campsites again. Still enough left over to have other events out there.

This weekend we are heading out to the GPAA Gold Show. We are also leaving early to attend the GPAA
Summit Meeting. This is where GPAA is going to explain their changes to their “point system”. Point system,
being their method of rewarding chapters for volunteering and for signing up and renewing their memberships.
We will have a booth with many items to sell. Much more that we have had in the past. We will definitely talk
about this at our next meeting.

Our May outing is out at the Freedom Claim. We have also invited Southwestern Prospectors and Miners
Association to the outing. This should be interesting. This claim has a lot of space to camp, so should not be a
problem. There should be those who will explain how it looked in the past and where we have been finding
those precious minerals. The Freedom “camping area” has been worked over quite a bit since we first acquired
the claim.

The last two Fridays of May are scheduled with two elementary school Gold Rush presentations. Magnolia
Elementary School in Carlsbad and Oak Hill School in Escondido. Other schools have contacted us, but they all
seem to have their California Gold event at the same time. That’s going to be fun to set up. Like I’ve said in the
past, “we work hard to entertain and educate you, all you have to do is volunteer to help us once in a while.”
There are already too many events scheduled for June and we will probably cancel some.

That’s it for now. See you after the Las Vegas Gold Show.

Sourdough Chet

We had two outings this month. One at the Lucerne Dry Lake Beds and one at the Potholes. There
were signups for both events. At both events, you could look for meteorites and old relics and at the
Potholes you had the opportunity to detect or drywash for gold.

This month, we have the GPAA Gold Show in Las Vegas and an outing in the Warner Springs area. We
have a few members who have wandered through the Warner Springs area and may help guide us
around here. We haven’t participated in a gold show event for some years because it hasn’t profited our
organization much and it certainly doesn’t bring in new members from the Las Vegas area. We have
some new items to sell and we will see if we can bring back some profit to us.

We are coming up with some meeting time changes and a little change in the chairs and tables. We
find that we need more time for the meeting, so we will be starting a half hour earlier. What this means
time wise is that the members setting up will get there at 5:30. We don’t want general membership
floating in and bothering those setting up. Our meeting will start at 6:00 PM. There will also be a
slight change in the table arrangement too. Probably some more chairs also. We are just getting too
big.

We will hold our elections this month. Up for election are the positions of Vice President and
Secretary. These positions must be filled by GPAA members and GPAA will give a two year free
membership to these elected officers.

Other than I am still recouping from a knee injury from metal detecting, everything is good. No
workman’s comp for this event. You just have to be careful while getting up and down while digging
targets. My doctor said it will take a few months to heal. I told him that I would purchase a good brace
and be careful. The places I go don’t have need for a handicap sign, so I’ll just still hike in……….

Be good, be careful and have fun.

Sourdough Chet

Busy month again. As of right now, some of us are meeting with board members of a Vista organization
to close a deal on having some of our events at their events. Some of us also scouted out a potential
new claim within an hour and a half drive. Some of us are also planning on the April GPAA gold show
in Las Vegas.

The hearing was held in court to settle the dredging debacle. There were at least 50 miners showing up
at the hearing. The most important date is now July 24, 2013. That is when attorneys for the miners will
seek summary judgment and an injunction to get dredging back on track. There are four other hearings
in between, leading to this injunction.

David Rice held another successful Painted Gorge trip. Twenty two people from TSS, Imperial Valley
and guests showed up. Various mineral deposits and petrified wood was found. Thank you David and
Charlene for making it a fun outing.

We had another twenty some out on the Freedom claim as well. Didn’t hear how much gold or other
items were found, but I do know that Sharon and Lee always make it a fun and interesting trip.
This month, we are going out to the Lucerne Dry Lake Beds and this is always a great place to explore
and metal detect. This is a one day event and Charlene will lead a tour. It’s important to hook up with
her or lead your own tour.

We have an invite with the Southwestern Prospectors and Miners Association (SPMA) to join them at
the Potholes Claim. This is a great place for nuggets, old relics and fine gold. Maps will be available at
the meeting for only those who plan to go.

Let’s all get ready for the warmer weather where the beaches make for good pickins’ along with the
parks. Have fun with other organizations. Spend some quality time with other TSS members and learn,
but be ready to teach, better techniques to search for gems, minerals, relics and caches.

Sourdough Chet

Last month, we had an outing at our Cargo Muchachos claims, out by Yuma. There were twenty-some signed up for that one. From what Lee and Sharon said, they all had a great time. They were glad to see some of the board members attend the outing.

David Rice led another successful Painted Gorge Trip. Charlene sent a whole mess of photos via email to Robert Cook to share at our meeting. I didn’t hear how many attended the outing.

We also worked a GPAA gold show. Three of us worked at the show for the GPAA. We made some “points” by working and also helped tear down. The points will help us purchase some prospecting gear. The number of vendors and those who came to purchase equipment seemed very small there in Pomona. There seemed to be more isle space than booth space. Not too many chapters showed. We are definitely planning on having a booth at the April 27-28 Gold Show in Las Vegas, so plan on it. We have a number of items to sell and we will also have the gold panning as well.

We are working on some outings where we will set up a booth. We figure we will have at least three gold panning/metal detecting events this year. We can add to the events if you know some venues we should venture into. We will let everyone know what and where, soon.

Ray is attending the Rendezvous in Arizona the first week in February. This is the event where GPAA Chapters have met to discuss better ways to organize and run their chapters. In the past, Ray, Jerry, Robert and I have given others a whole lot of information on bettering their chapters. This year, the whole program has changed. The new organization is called WWATS, World Wide Association of Treasure Seekers. It not only takes in the GPAA Chapters, but other outdoor clubs or associations. We’ll see what news Ray brings back.

An important court hearing is scheduled for this month. On Feb. 13, 8:30 AM at the Rancho Cucamonga, CA Court House, 8303 Haven Ave., Dept. R8, a new judge will hear the six coordinated cases on suction dredge mining. It would be great to have many members at this hearing. I entertained this wild idea that we could rent a 15 passenger van, have this many people meet at a designated park and ride, leave at 6:00 AM and represent the TSS at the court hearing. Is that wild or what do you think?

This month, we are scheduled for an outing at the Freedom claim. We scheduled these outings last year and we can never tell if the weather is going to cooperate or not. This is the upper desert and is known to be wet and cold in the winter. We’ll see. We do the best we know how to do. If you have any good ideas, please share them with the Board Members or our ‘Suggestion‘ box. It will only make our outings that much better.

That’s it for now. Stay safe and healthy and get ready for some great speakers at our meetings.

Sourdough Chet

Here it is, the last month of the year. We’re getting ready for 2013. We have already got our event schedule done with some new outings for next year. We planned on two joint outings with the Southwestern Prospectors and Miners Association. We’ll see how joint outings go.

We continue to support other organizations in their fights, which are our fights, to keep our public lands open for us, the public citizens, to enjoy. We have finally got some recognition for our help and support for another organization who is bumping heads with an environmental group wanting to annex the Dale Mining District into the Joshua Tree National Park. On Facebook, the GPAA has a site called Articles and Information. Subject was “Miners fight park service annexation.” Within that article the Treasure Seekers are mentioned in supporting the First Class Miners in their fight against the possible annexation. If you remember, we gave the talks and teamed up with the Temecula Chapter and the SPMA group. Combined, we had over 300 signatures on the petitions.

Hey! We had a great outing at Warner Springs campground. I even got there early. Jerry and Robert made me get up early and get there around 8:30 – that’s A.M. too. The weather was a bit cool and sprinkly. The Thompson couple took some of us on a hike and we saw some great rock formations. Some tourmaline was also found. While detecting in the campground, some wheat pennies and other old coins were found. I also found part of a silver necklace with a turquoise stone in the center. It’s worth doing another outing there.

No outing for December but the Christmas party is always the best event at the end of the year. TSS will furnish the ham and turkey; you just bring a side dish and a present for the gift exchange. Gift being around $15.00 to $20.00. You know we always have fun at the party. After that, we’ll wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, then start this fun all over again in 2013.

Sourdough Chet

Still no new word on the court battle about dredging. This is beginning to worry me some. I also heard
some rumors of land closing up in the Virginia Dale area. We have three claims up in there. There is a
movement to enclose much more area into the Joshua Tree National Park. The 29 Palms City council is
in on this. Rumor has it that there is a lot of desire to put in more solar energy structures so the
Council wants to expand the national park to include the Virginia Dale Mining District which will
include our claims. With all the liberal thinking and environmental groups trying to close off
everything and frowning on alternative energy projects, it looks like it may be an easy slam-dunk.

Our monthly outing was not as great as it should have been. One, because it was still hot weather and
two, because of the lack of a Wagon Master who knows the area. We did have someone to volunteer
and it was one our newer members. We thank you for taking on that project. That is one of our
downfalls, Wagon Master. We will work on that.

Our next speaker will be talking about the area where our next outing will be. This is a way we can help
our newer members get a feel for those mineral areas. We also would like to hear from the members of
those areas they think would be great to visit.

Bates Nut Farm setup starts Friday and they are chomping at the bit to have us come up and
participate. It’s their Farm Education Days with lots of old time events going on. When you read this,
the event will be over, but hope you all got to come and see. We will sure have a lot of stories to share
at our meeting. Lots of Scouts and lots of kids.

We are coming to an end of this year with just two outings and the Christmas party left. Also, we are
working on next year’s outings and events. Let us know what you want.

Like I said last month, there is always something new and exciting going on, but you have to come to
the meetings to find out. If you don’t see it happening here and you want it, you’ll just have to let us
know or jump in and volunteer to help.

Sourdough Chet

No new word on the court battle about dredging. We went to see Jerry Hobbs in San Bernardino the
last week of August. He said we should hear something soon. He feels pretty positive that all the
hearings will be in San Bernardino court.

Robert and Earl have pretty much finished filing the claim documents with the county recorders.
Recording fees have increased this year. Just another increased tax fee. Next filing is with the BLM.
It’s been too hot to visit any of our claims this past month. We are planning on going to one of the
GPAA claims in September. This will be the Gold Mountain claim. The plan is to camp on the Gold
Mountain claim, or the Holcomb Gold claim. You can also stay at the Holcomb Valley Campground.
This campground has vault toilets, fire rings (if they will let you use them) and room for RV’s. Only 19
spaces on a first come basis. You’ll have to visit the Visitors Center in Big Bear to get your day use pass
and the ranger’s office for a permit to use your propane stove. You may also be able to fill water jugs at
the ranger station. The thought is to camp in those spots and commute to Gold Mountain just a few
minutes away.

With all this heat, I’ve been on the beach metal detecting. Haven’t made enough finds to pay for the
gas, but the ocean and cool weather has been worth it.

Bates Nut Farm is the next weekend after our scheduled outing. The folks there are anxiously waiting
for us to participate in their event. They call this their Farm Education Days. Lots of Scouts, lots of
kids. We will need a whole lot of volunteers for this event. We will have regular gold panning, free
gold panning for the kids, dowsing rod demonstrations, and metal detecting events. This will be on
September 29 – 30. We need volunteers to help set up on Friday the 28th. We will also promote GPAA
and the TSS at this event.

There is always something new and exciting going on, but you have to come to the meetings to find out.
If you don’t see it happening here and you want it, you’ll just have to let us know or jump in and
volunteer to help.

Sourdough Chet

I spent today at the GPAA office, with other volunteers, putting together DVD packets sent to GPAA
members. Here is some information I found out. When we volunteer, we make 13,000 points per
volunteer the whole day we work. We had three volunteers there. So today, we made 39,000 points.
A new item on the market is called a Gold Cube (http://www.goldcube.net). The three stacker costs
$390.00. GPAA offers one for 147,875 points. If we had three volunteers each time they ask, we could
earn enough points for the Treasure Seekers to own a Gold Cube in four volunteer trips. It would take
only three trips with four volunteers. We haven’t been making our “points” like we should, but we do
have a little over for a Gold Cube.

This past month, we had our annual picnic at Dixon Lake. That’s always a lot of fun. Ron, Sue and Ray
cook the best burgers and dogs. Jerry always does a great job of the metal detecting hunt and I, of
course, put on the best gold panning contest. We also had a prospecting equipment demonstration.
Big C demoed the motorized vac he built and I demoed some coin cleaning vibrating units, a mini gold
cube my friend Al Freeman built and also showed how to use a spiral wheel after Linda Durbin showed
me how to correctly connect the battery. Dwight Reed, Brian Kinnear and Kalina Catlagirone won in
the metal detecting Contest. Sharon Crnkovic, Dave Coolen and Alex Iqrell won in the gold panning
contest.

We have decided not to have an outing in August because of the heat and that a large number of our
members have scheduled other types of vacations with their family. We are scheduled to go to
Holcomb Valley in September. I was just talking to some Route 66 members and they are still finding
nuggets and pickers on the GPAA Gold Mountain claim. You can either dry camp with no fires, on the
Holcomb Gold claim or you can camp at the Holcomb Valley campground, pit toilets and fire pits.
Maybe, the pit fires will not be allowed because of fire danger. You can bring a motor home in there.
But anyway, camp in those spots and commute to Gold Mountain just a few minutes away.

We are gearing up to put on the best event ever at the Bates Nut Farm on September 29 – 30. This is
when they have their pumpkin patch or October Festival. They call it their Farm Education Days. Lots
of people, lots of fun. They are saying that “the Treasure Seekers are a welcome addition to this
educational event.” We are going to promote the GPAA at this event and GPAA is going to ante up
some items for gifts, prizes or for us to sell so that we can make funds to support our organization. We
will have dowsing rod demonstrations, free gold panning for the kids and metal detecting events. Don’t
forget the days and don’t forget to have fun volunteering.

I know there is more going on but you’ll just have to jog my memory at the meeting. See you there.

Sourdough Chet

We’ve had some great finds at the beach metal detecting this month. It just gets better as the weather warms up. And it was much better after Memorial Day weekend. I heard that there was much left on the beaches.

We did the California Gold Rush presentation at the Oak Hill Elementary School. The kids had fun, found their gold and precious stones. We sent them back to class wet and happy. It was early for me, but I managed to stay the course.

I finally got my sorry butt out to an outing at the Freedom Claim. It has really changed out there. All the metal is gone. No more flat cars, trucks, shot up auto, tanks or sheet metal. Pretty much, all the mounds containing gold are now flat. Some of the overburden has covered any remaining gold containing mounds. We also had a great potluck and evening light show. We were able to put up our center posts on all our claims out there.

A special thanks goes out to all those who helped put on a great California Gold Rush presentation and those who helped put out the center and corner posts on those claims. The center posts were the easy part. Those who walked the corner posts, did a lot of walking.

There was another postponement on the dredging lawsuit held in San Bernardino Thursday. The motion was made to combine all the five or six lawsuits into one. The conservationists want the hearing up in Alameda County. PLP and the State’s want it held here. June 28 was the next scheduled hearing. While that was going on, there were also meetings given by the U.S. Forest Service on “inventoried roadless areas” that the U.S. Forest Service is going to convert into National Forest areas. There was not a lot of dialog going on in these meetings. Just a lot of maps with before and after photos and you could ask one of the rangers what it all meant. One item that always comes up on both dredging lawsuit and the National Forest conversion is the lawsuit driven by the Center for Biological Diversity against the BLM, Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S.Forest Service.

Well, let’s keep it as positive as we can. Enjoy the outings, events, meetings and camaraderie. We’ll stay posted on the events and do what we can do to keep our rights to explore our public lands. We’ll let those “officials” know when our rights are being taken away, and we’ll spread the word to other
individuals and organizations.

Sourdough Chet

Gary and Nancy at Friendly Fox

We lost another one of our founding members this month. We had a couple who helped us learn how to file our documents for new claims. This couple would go with us to explore the areas to see if we should file and if there was still gold in those hills. I remember when Gary Hopkins drove his older Cadillac out on the Friendly Fox dirt and sandy roads.
Nancy was the brains in the family. She knew how to file the claims papers. When she first used to file for claims, the necessary information was on Micro Fiche film. When the BLM LR 2000 came out on the internet, she quickly learned it and taught Harriett how to use it and also how to file all papers needed for claim acquisition.
We became good friends with the couple and hung together like brothers and sisters. We began to travel together, camp together and just hang out together. We all got together and took a long vacation up to central and northern California. Nancy and Harriett would do all those girl things while Gary and I would go out and do a lot of prospecting together. We hiked and planted center posts and corner posts on various claims. Gary loved the Italian Bar and Duisenberg areas for prospecting and he did a lot of prospecting in his lifetime.

They moved up to Stockton, CA, Nancy had some medical problems, but that didn’t deter them from continuing their love for the outdoors. They still traveled and prospected together. Well, earlier this month, odds caught up with Gary. According to a Bakersfield newspaper article, Gary was digging in a four foot hole, in the Duisenberg, area, Puppy Feet claim and the surrounding dirt fell on him. It took a local fire department to get him out. He was sent alive to a local hospital. I read the article but at that time I didn’t know if this was the Gary I knew. We didn’t have any new phone numbers for them.

Tuesday morning, April 25, Nancy called. They had to let Gary go. While at the hospital, the doctors had to take one leg and then the other. He had internal and facial injuries. I did talk to Nancy and their son for a long time. They are grateful that he passed doing the one thing he loved doing. Nancy will go and live with their son. They are planning a memorial at Italian Bar and maybe spreading some ashes there.

So, why should I write about something that is sad? This is a fun organization that loves to do fun things. The reason is because this can happen to any of us who enjoys this type of event. Gary had years of experience. It can happen to my friends and those others I consider my brothers and sisters. Be very careful out there. Think ahead. Watch those holes and trails. If it doesn’t fall on you, or you fall off of it or into it, it may bite you.
God bless Gary, Nancy and family. Happy trails. Watch your step my friends and may all your finds and treasures be great.

Sourdough Chet