Posted by Josh on 21st May 2009
Every time Cathy and I go up the hill to Lake Hemet (to go fishing mostly) we marvel at the beauty of the mountains, the pine trees, the meadows and the wild flowers. No matter how hot it is in Hemet it seems there is always a cool breeze blowing off the lake. Garner Valley is so pretty and so close that we go up at least once a month even if it’s just to get away for a little while.
We were kind of disappointed when we were told we would not be able to metal detect at Hurkey Creek Park, but we thought we would make the best of the area and it was such a beautiful day, what more could you ask for.
Jay and many others were at the meeting place (the Lake Hemet store) as we arrived, and after we all stood around talking for awhile the rest of our group (about 20 in total) arrived and we headed a little ways down the road to a parking area where we were under the pines in the shade and Jay could orient us to the area and what and where we could metal detect, hike and sight see.
Soon everyone got busy, getting their detectors out and covering the area.
Some left the immediate area for the other side of the hill and another parking area (always good detecting).
Jay took a group on a tour of a local mine which was off the Ramona trail head just down the road a ways. The mine was about a mile back in the woods and I didn’t think I could handle it so Cathy and I stayed where we were and enjoyed the mountain air.
I think everyone found lots of bullets, shell casing, and junk of some kind.
A few found coins and a couple of us found coins that looked like they had been targets for a 22. One was a wheat penny and the other was a silver dime. See pictures
Although Cathy and I left in the afternoon some TVP prospectors planned to stay in a Forest Service camp ground.
We had a great time, and would advise everyone to go up and enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
Thank you Jay for a wonderful day/weekend.
Tom
Tags: Gold Prospecting, Metal Detector Hunt, Outing, San Jacinto Mountain
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Posted by Josh on 9th May 2009
The San Jacinto Mountains and the Garner Valley have been one of my favorite outdoor stomping grounds for a long time. I visited the YMCA’s Camp Lackey and the Pathfinder Ranch as a school boy and have since fallen in love with the area. Many have. Indians for years have used the area as a high altitude refuge from the hot summer whether common in the valleys and desserts that surround this mountain range. Ditto the ranchers who still summer their cattle in the Garner Valley. I have camped and hunted Thomas Mountain as well as explored the area for the gemstones that have been found in the past. As far as Gold is concerned; I have not found any in the area. Admittedly I have not searched all that much, but have never left wanting any time I have visited. Well maybe wanting a Cheeseburger or a Pizza.
The best way to get to our rally point is via the town of Hemet. Don’t get Hemet and “The Lake Hemet Store” confused they are nowhere near each other. Lake Hemet is accessed via HWY 74, witch is Florida Ave. in Hemet. From HWY 215 / 74 junction head east through the town of Hemet, eventually Florida leads up the windy road to the small town of Mountain Center continue on 74 into Garner Valley. The Lake Hemet Store is on the right once the road flattens on the floor of Garner Valley. It is the only place of its size on the north-west end of the valley. We will meet at 8 AM and leave shortly after to the Hurkey Creek Park nearby on Apple Canyon Road. The address is 56375 Hwy 74, Mountain Center CA 92561. Phone is 951-659-2050. Call for camping details.
The outing will be primarily a Metal Detector oriented trip. However bring some panning stuff, water and a sack for rock and mineral samples. There are areas to camp for free in the valley and very nice campgrounds at Hurkey Creek and Lake Hemet for 20 bucks or so. Campfires are allowed in sites with fire rings. The wether should be warm though. It is high altitude so bring sunscreen and sun glasses. It should be fun call me with questions at (909) 821-0979.
THX Jay
Tags: Gold Prospecting, Gold Prospectors of America, Metal Detector Hunt, Outing, San Jacinto Mountain
Posted in Club Outings | 4 Comments »
Posted by Josh on 6th May 2009
The claims are located near San Bernardino and the meeting place was just off the 15 Freeway at Hwy 138 off ramp, just north of the truck scales. The scheduled meeting time was 8:00am with departure to the claims at 8:20am.
About 15 of us were there early to have breakfast/coffee at McDonalds. We all got together in the back and told prospecting stories while we waited for everyone else.
About 7:50am, not seeing Jay (he’s never late) I took a walk outside and found Jay on the road across from the Chevron station along with several other TVP members.
About 8:15 we all got together on the road and at 8:20 headed out to the claims. What a sight, a real long line up of cars and trucks.
Anyway, we got to the turnoff and headed down the dirt road to the turn at the third railroad tracks.
Well, wouldn’t you know it, there was a train parked on the tracks and we all had to stop and wait for him to move. He had a red light (problems up the line) and couldn’t move until he got the green. We had no idea how long that would be.
Unfortunately you can’t use any other railroad access roads in that area and the railroad security was right there watching us.
We were parked on the larger of the Crystal claims and as we waited Jay gave us a very informative presentation on the area, its history, and what we could expect at the little Crystal claim. Thank you Jay, you always seem to know all about the areas we visit.
In talking to the railroad security we found out there was alternate way to get to the claims, and we were about to head back to go around when the train blow his whistle, which meant he was about to move.
So we were on our way again back to the claim with a total of about 30 prospectors, and if you have ever been to the Little Crystal you know that parking was really at a premium.
Before long the dust was flying with everyone digging, dry washing, panning and metal detecting.
Then the prospecting stopped when someone spotted two rattle snakes that had come out of a bush about two feet from where one of our prospectors was panning. Seems we are always running into the local wildlife, this time not so friendly. We left them alone and they finally went back into the bushes and everyone moved from that area.
In checking with everyone’s finds, most people were finding a little color, most of it being very fine flower gold.
I hope everyone had a good time, I did, and I’m look forward to seeing where Jay will lead us next month.
Tom
Tags: Crystal Group, Gold Prospecting, Gold Prospectors of America, GPAA, Outing
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Posted by Josh on 4th May 2009
Are you hurting for some gold talk?
Do you have questions about gold recovery or equipment us in gold recovery?
Come to the Temecula Valley Prospector meeting on the 9th of May. Come meet other people interested in gold and get your questions answered. New prospectors are always welcome.
We will be starting at 9am on May 9th at 26201 Ynez Rd, Temecula, CA 92591. We will be there at 8am to start setting up. You are welcome anytime after that.
No need to call ahead for reservations. Just show up and join the fun.
Hope to see you there.
Tags: Gold Prospecting, Gold Prospectors of America, GPAA, TVP Monthly Meeting
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