False Expectations of Success

 (Despite what the "dream merchants" may tell you...small-scale gold mining or treasure hunting are NOT get-rich-quick schemes.)

"80% of the World's Gold?"

I recently received this question from Amber and Paul, a couple of aspiring gold prospectors and miners who maintain a ongoing correspondence with me via e-mail:

"With all the 'dream merchants' telling us that 80% of the world's gold is still out there to be found, shouldn't that number be more like 40% or lower?"
 

Thoughts on the Victorio Peak Treasure (Part 1)

 (Victorio Peak.)

Directly Involved With This Treasure

I first began studying the legend of New Mexico's Victorio Peak Treasure some 32 years ago. Since that time, I've had the distinct pleasure to come into contact with a number of individuals who were directly involved in one way or another with this famous treasure trove.

Oklahoma's "Treasure Triangle:" KGC Trove Hotspot?

(Southeastern Oklahoma landscape.)

Evidence of KGC Signs and Symbols

A number of contemporary treasure hunters and researchers believe there's a strong possibility that Jesse James (and Frank James and members of the James Gang) made numerous trips into southeastern Oklahoma. Why did they do this? Probably to cache robbery booty or Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) treasure.

Small-Scale Treasure Hunting That Pays Off

(10, 14, and 18-karat rings like some of those those pictured above are common finds for beach and shallow water detectorists. Image courtesy Kellyco Detectors. )

Lucrative Small-Scale Treasure Hunting

Treasure hunting takes many forms and just as many levels as I've mentioned from time-to-time in "Treasure Trove Dreams." Although hitting the "big one" with a large cache or trove recovery is often foremost in our minds, the reality is that few treasure hunters achieve success on the scale of a Mel Fisher or Tommy Thompson.

Mining Fool's Gold with Hypocrisy

(Pitching great Roger Clemens when he was with the New York Yankees.)

A Glaring Example

There's no knowledgeable or self-respecting miner I know who'd waste countless hours and hundreds of thousands (or worse yet) millions of dollars mining iron pyrite or fool's gold. That's because gold miners are, by and large, practical minded folks who know the true value of hard-earned money and what real gold looks like.

Treasure Hunting Pitfall: Chasing "Will o' the Wisps" and Dead Ends

(Every treasure hunter hits a dead end at some point.)

The Real Odds

"Will o' the wisps" and dead ends are the bane of all treasure hunters. That's OK in a fundamental sense...it's all part of the process. What's not OK, however, is when treasure hunters refuse to accept the fact that a treasure lead cannot, nor should not, be pursued any farther.

Treasure Hunting Pitfall: Placing Trust in the Wrong People

(Your decisions can take you in either direction in treasure hunting.)

Placing Trust in the Wrong People.
 

Most treasure hunters will (at one time or another) find it necessary to hook up with others to pursue a given treasure trove lead. The reason for this is manifold and includes:

Potential KGC Treasure Cache Locations (Part 1)

(KGC imagery.)

I'd Be a Complete Idiot

I've already covered a few of the treasure signs and symbols used by the Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) and I've also alluded to the fact that Jesse and Frank James (as well as some of their cohorts) were not only members of the KGC, but perhaps KGC "Sentinels" as well.

Since interest is very high right now in Jesse James/KGC treasure caches, I thought I'd pass the following information along to you about potential KGC treasure cache locations. No, this isn't specific information that'll lead you directly to KGC treasure troves (I'd be a complete idiot to provide that sort of info don't you think?). Instead, I'll provide you with general information that may help you narrow down your KGC treasure trove search area(s).

Three Tips for "Newbie" Treasure Hunters

 (Get good at this treasure hunting game and you just might "cash in.")

Steep, Uphill Climb

Climbing the "learning curve" in any pursuit or hobby can prove to be a difficult and frustrating experience at times. Treasure hunting is no different in this regard, and some novice or "newbie" treasure seekers who face this steep uphill climb find themselves floundering at times.

Finding a Treasure Hunting "Pard" (Conclusion)

(Phonies don't make very good treasure hunting "pards.")

 Finding a Good "Pard" Isn't Easy

In my previous post on this subject I discussed how some treasure hunters prefer going it alone rather than partnering up. Additionally, I mentioned three main avenues for finding a treasure hunting "pard."

The long and the short of it is this, however: finding a good "pard" isn't easy. That's a fact you can take to the bank with you my friend. Often, I believe that we as gold miners, treasure hunters, and treasure salvors, seek pretty much the same thing when it comes to a partner or partners. But these much sought after personal characteristics are often in short supply.

Finding a Treasure Hunting "Pard" (Part 1)

(Scene from the classic adventure film, "Treasure of the Sierra Madre.")

Some Prefer Going It Alone

When it comes to partners, many treasure hunters prefer going it alone and have any number of reasons for doing so. Some of these reasons include issues as mundane as pure selfishness ("If I hit the big one I won't have to share."), a healthy distrust concerning the honesty and reliability of others, and greater or lesser degrees of true paranoia.

Idaho's Lost Breen Mine

(Rich gold ore.)

Idaho is no stranger to precious metals mining. Gold and silver abound in the "Gem" State, as do many precious and semi-precious minerals, which give the state its nickname. However, it's not gems that concern us here, but the soft yellow luster of gold.