Jay led us up the mountain to Big Bear for our August 2009 outing.

What a great place to go when the weather is still hot. Plus, “everyone” likes the mountains and there is actually gold to be found.

Holcomb Valley is the site of Southern California’s largest gold rush in 1860. It is now home to the Holcomb Valley Scout Ranch.

The Gold Mountain and Holcomb Gold claims are part of the GPAA Claims Guide and are a great place to visit and prospect. Drywashing and Metal Detecting are the recommended means of finding the yellow metal and you have to remember to take lots of water for drinking and panning.

Most of us met Jay at the Big Bear Kmart around 8:00am and hung around until 8:30am to make sure we didn’t miss anyone. I think we had around 20 TVPer’s.

The road up to the claims is rough in places, but most vehicles can make it. It’s just better if you have a truck or SUV.

What a beautiful place to spend the day. We checked the temperature most of the day and it held at 72 deg with a nice breeze. You couldn’t ask for better weather.

After checking, most prospectors using a drywasher were finding some fine gold. They had to work very hard and move a lot of material to get it, but they were getting it. (See pictures)

Prospectors metal detecting picked up the usual, a few coins, ammo brass, nails, cans, etc.

Yes, it was another great day, whether you found gold or just enjoyed a beautiful day in the mountains.

Thank you again Jay, for your leadership and help.

Tom

The August 15th outing will be at the GPAA’s  Holcombe Gold and Gold mountain claims in the Big bear area. Many TVP’ers have been there.

We will meet at the K-Mart on the east end of the lake at 8 AM and depart for the diggins as a group at 8:15 or so. The adress is 42126 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear lake CA 92315.

It is a dry washing and metal detecting spot. Bring water for panning and for drinking as the area is desolate and none is immediately available. Make sure to bring anything you might need like food, tools, and first aid. It is the great outdoors and there is not a lot of stuff out there. We will be meeting at the K-mart so you can get some last minute items there.

For more info,  you can call Jay at (909) 821-0979 for outing info or directions, or refrence the GPAA guidebook for directions to the claims.

The June outing will be at the GPAA’s Gold Hill and Holcombe Gold claims in the Big bear area. Many TVP’ers have been there. It is a favorite of mine to mine at.

We will meet at the K-Mart on the east end of the lake at 8 AM and depart for the diggins as a group at 8:20 or so. Google K-Mart Big Bear for a map, or the adress is 42126 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear lake CA 92315.

It is a dry washing and metal detecting spot. Bring water for panning and for drinking as the area is dessicated and none is immediately available. I am not sure if there will be a campout or not so be prepared for whatever if you are interested.

For more info, there is plenty of time to communicate you can call me at (909) 821-0979 for outing info or directions, or refrence the GPAA guidebook for directions to the claims.

THX
Jay