Today we grabbed the metal detectors and gold pans and headed out in search of the gold. We started at the Pomranky gold mining operation where Steve Pomranke’s niece allowed us to take a bucket of dirt from the tailings pile so we could see if there was any gold remaining after they ran it through the sluice box. The tailings are the remnants of the gold, dirt and rocks that were run through the sluice box in order to capture gold in the carpet. If we find gold in our bucket, they will know they are not capturing all of it in their sluice. Getting to see a full blown successful mining operation was a real treat. After sneaking a quick photo of Steve (from Bering Sea gold) we headed up the mountain to Anvil mountain to look for nuggets. There is also a nearby mountain with Cold War era early warning radar system equipment, so, of course the 5 of us had to go check it out. Along the way we found a herd of Must Oz. Of course she had to get some photos of, and with them. Fortunately, no one was gorged during the photo op.
Finding only rusty garbage, except the 50 year old shell casing, to be mentioned later, we headed deeper into the mountains. Across the tundra we saw an old rusty wash plant from mining operation years ago. We decided to go explore and see if any gold remained anywhere around this old operation. So across the tundra we set off hoping to get rich. However, again all we found where rusty remnants of the past and nothing of value.
So home we headed, if you can call a shipping container in a mining camp home(for the record, I slept in a tent on the soft tundra) We bounced down the dirt roads and finally arrived back at camp where we picked up some gold that needed to be turned to cash and headed towards town. In town and we saw Sean Pomranke who’s back you’ll see in the picture (ha ha) at the local gas station. Later we decided to visit a local saloon which was quite active. We met a couple other characters from the Bering Sea Gold show as well as a unique Alaskan native name Joe. Joe carried with him many fossilized artifacts that he was selling from his backpack. This individual later told me to my disbelief that he was 75 years old and still diving the islands of Alaska for these artifacts. He even tried to challenge me to a strength contest by grappling my hands and squeezing. Worried someone would get hurt, me, I diverted his attention away from this game. He carried with him a 3 foot fossilized tusk that he offered for a great bargain ,however, I was worried I would be detained in the airport if I tried to bring it home. I did end up buying a particular piece from him that I will not mention on this blog however I will show anyone interested. And this now takes me back to the artillery shell that I found earlier in the day. As Joe and I were talking at some point discussion of this bullet casing came up and I showed it to him. He was very interested and said it was 50 years old. So because I did not want to take it on the airplane with me and found someone who really thought it was interesting and would appreciate it, I offered it to him. After he took it, he looked at me then reached in his bag and gave me an artifact which I will cherish. It’s an ancient harpoon tip that appears to have fossilized. Funny how him and I value what we have differently. If I lived in Nome, I would have just made a new dive buddy. Oh, and this guy doesn’t use any hot water when he dives. This turned out to be a great evening full of surprises.
Dad
2018-07-04
So Cool...Your narrative really brings your experiences to life. I am enjoying your vacation!
Big Momma
2018-07-04
Wonderful adventures and great story telling. I feel like I am with you. We miss you. Love, Mom