For many years I have one day a week pursued my passion for mining. “Mining Thursday” has become a mainstay in my routine and has become both an emotional and monetary fulfilling activity. All this despite having a physical condition - a chronic lung condition and asthma, which puts me in the high risk category according to the CDC. And while I understand that I would most likely not survive a bout with COVID-19, I choose to continue to mine and enjoy the outdoor adventure, and choose to do it responsibly as I have been for many years.

I have decided to create a mining trip “habit”, something that you can share with your trusted mining partners, spouses and children. It has three basic parts – preparation, sanitation and working together despite physical space limitations.

"The natural order of things means the flip side of my dad’s phrase is about to have its day: If it is broke, fix it. Take it for what it’s worth, but it is of my opinion that the time has come to start gathering gold immediately."

GPAA Claims are located on federal BLM and USFS land. At this time, only developed property and campgrounds have been closed in certain states. Access to GPAA claims has not been impacted, and if your local guidelines permit, you are free to continue prospecting as long as you are following the CDC guidelines to slow the spread of the virus. This includes practicing social distancing, and not being in groups of more than 10 people.

Take a break from the present and go back in time to life as a 1849er Gold Prospector during the California Gold Rush - complete with a recipe for the notorious Hangtown Fry prospectors rewarded themselves after a good day in the fields.

From GPAA Member and Station Captain/EMT for a DoD fire department - Preston Harris.