The June outing was the weekend of the 20-21 and for the first time in awhile all 3 associations were in Big Bear at the same time, TSSD at BB1, TVP at their Gold Mtn claim (different than Gold Mtn), and SPMA at their claims on the eastern side of Holcolmb Valley. For me it started as a working trip on Friday placing the directional pointers and finally being able to pull the 2 western posts and move them to their new locations, then placing the claim line marker signs near the road (3N83), and finally checking that the eastern posts were in good condition and posting the annual paperwork in the discovery post tube. Arctic Circle which was the problem child last year is still a bit of a challenge, but all of the vehicles managed it ok. 3N83 up the hill and across to the claim is rocky and crossed by large roots, but again was manageable if you took it very slow. The weather was picture perfect and warmer than the predicted 72 daytime and hi 30’s at night. Saturday was close to 80 and the overnight temp was cool, but not cold. Unfortunately, only 2 new GPAA members came up to metal detect BB1, everyone else was over working on the TVP Gold Mtn claim. From what I saw most of the gold was small flour finds on the south west lower portion of the hill. Only Ray carried his drywasher up the hill to the top of the hill. All told 12 folks showed up and only stayed for the day. By 5:30pm Saturday after a prospect run I returned to where everyone had been parked and one person was left and packing to leave, thus abandoned, I too decided to head for home and picked up the pointer signs instead of camping out overnight for a second day.
As the deserts are too hot (105+), we are now spending the summer months up in Big Bear and the BB1 Claim where it is nice and cool in the pines. Remember to get your Campfire permits and check with the forest service for the fire hazard level, the sign at Polique Canyon read “Moderate” this time and restrictions kick in at “High” and “Extreme”. If you also are a member of TVP and/or SPMA they have claims available to explore and work as well. Last year I took a day to hike up to the Cabin in the Sky and located the Boundary Rock and survey button. If you go to the USF Discovery Center there are maps of the area and a handout for the historical auto tour of the old mining sites. There is a lot to do all around the lake and over in Big Bear City. There are also 3 old city sites and many left over mines and prospects to explore.

Jerryk