BajaNomad - any prospectors here??

any prospectors here??

scouter - 8-14-2011 at 06:23 PM

Any body ever do any prospecting ??
in Baja??
Detecting??
is it Legal in Baja for Gringos??

just check inn ??

woody with a view - 8-14-2011 at 06:29 PM

just don't get caught with a pocketful of gold..... but other than that, prospect away.

DENNIS - 8-14-2011 at 06:30 PM

Touchy subject. All natural resources belong to the government, but if you're on private property and just having fun, I doubt you would have a problem.
On the other hand, blowing out the side of a mountain with a case of TNT may get you some unwanted attention.

sancho - 8-15-2011 at 11:55 AM

I've always thought poking around with a metal
detector would be interesting, I assume a lot of
beach/land would not have had a detector gone over
with, if that is what you're talking about. Have seen
a Mex local in San Felipe on the beach with detector
for Gringos, I would not make my self highly visible doing
detecting, just reread your post, I guess prospecting
would not be detecting, I imagine totally illegal,
although yrs. back, met a Gringo in La Paz who claimed
to be mining gold east of La Paz somewhere around Los Planes,
he claimed to have the whole set up, I would assume
it is POSSIBLE by going thru much red tape

[Edited on 8-15-2011 by sancho]

DENNIS - 8-15-2011 at 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sancho
I've always thought poking around with a metal
detector would be interesting, I assume a lot of
beach/land would not have had a detector gone over
with, if that is what you're talking about. Have seen
a Mex local in San Felipe on the beach with detector
for Gringos, I would not make my self highly visible doing
detecting, just reread your post, I guess prospecting
would not be detecting, I imagine totally illegal,
although yrs. back, met a Gringo in La Paz who claimed
to be mining gold east of La Paz somewhere around Los Planes,
he claimed to have the whole set up, I would assume
it is POSSIBLE by going thru much red tape

I don't believe metal detectors on the beach are illegal. After all, you're just picking up trash.
I've known quite a few others over the years who have placer mined in various places....secret spots, you know.
They have never had a problem either...probably because no one's out there looking for them.
On the other hand, the national Parks are more closely monitored and the rules must be known and obeyed.
That goes for chain-saws as well.

"We ain't got no steenking badges"

Skipjack Joe - 8-15-2011 at 12:30 PM

Looking for gold - be careful.

[Edited on 8-15-2011 by Skipjack Joe]

stinkingbadges.jpg - 42kB

vgabndo - 8-15-2011 at 04:19 PM

The US Gov't. did a lot of resource studies around WWII and I have the USGS study on gold deposits in Baja. Between Parque National 1857 and the border there was interest in the past. I had some interaction with Berylium miners up there years ago.

[Edited on 8-16-2011 by vgabndo]

scouter - 8-15-2011 at 08:41 PM

Vgabndo and others Thank You...

interesting reading

mcfez - 8-15-2011 at 10:12 PM

http://www.arizonagoldprospectors.com/invision/index.php/top...

David K - 8-15-2011 at 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
http://www.arizonagoldprospectors.com/invision/index.php/top...

Max (Gilaoro) is/ was a Baja Nomad... I went 4 wheeling with him in 2002 ( http://www.vivabaja.com/503/page3.html ) and Neal & Marian Johns ran into him near San Borja too: http://vivabaja.com/neal2

[Edited on 8-16-2011 by David K]

mcfez - 8-16-2011 at 08:21 AM

I cant believe you have pictures of this guy. Come on David....let's get a book out so we have another Graham reading experience. Txs 4 posting those pics.

wilderone - 8-16-2011 at 08:25 AM

"The US Gov't. did a lot of resource studies"
Others too. There are many extremely detailed maps online for the entire peninsula for all minerals and metals. If you're using a metal detector to find antiquities, it is not illegal. Taking certain things out of the country is the problem. It is fun to follow-up a legend about abandoned Spanish weapon cargos (supposedly in the foothills of Sierra Juarez) and buried treasure. And a gold deposit has been identified in the hills behind Puertocitos. Did you ever hear the legend about the UFO that is buried in Laguna Salada? Good luck!

David K - 8-16-2011 at 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
"The US Gov't. did a lot of resource studies"
Others too. There are many extremely detailed maps online for the entire peninsula for all minerals and metals. If you're using a metal detector to find antiquities, it is not illegal. Taking certain things out of the country is the problem. It is fun to follow-up a legend about abandoned Spanish weapon cargos (supposedly in the foothills of Sierra Juarez) and buried treasure. And a gold deposit has been identified in the hills behind Puertocitos. Did you ever hear the legend about the UFO that is buried in Laguna Salada? Good luck!

I want what you're drinking!! :lol:

David K - 8-16-2011 at 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
I cant believe you have pictures of this guy. Come on David....let's get a book out so we have another Graham reading experience. Txs 4 posting those pics.

What do you want Deno? Anything that would be in a book I could write probably can be found in my posts here on Nomad or in my web site?

The two photos I have of Max are in VivaBaja.com... my trip with him and Polly into Arroyo Matomi and Llanos de San Fermin was a fun day and then the second photo is from Neal Johns when they bumped into him. Max was building a beach house north of Puertecitos, then for medical reasons he had to sell it. A Nomad now owns it.

Max tried to email me lots of photos of his prospects, but wasn't successful... I do have emails from him describing where gold nuggets were laying about on the ground, and where a hot spring is located in the San Pedro Martir (that is not in any map or book I have seen)... Interesting stuff!

scouter - 8-16-2011 at 10:06 AM

Wow some great stuff here thx Mcfez the AZ site was interesting I work some areas along the river and found some interesting stuff on that site.. and David once again your like a history teacher I always enjoy your contributions.

I too have a ton of Baja Pics from many years of travels some day when I can drum up the patience I will scan them and share them with the group..

thx again...

detector?

joerover - 8-16-2011 at 02:23 PM

As long as were on the subject of metal detectors. Is anybody up to date on the latest technology? What about solar chargers for people spending a week or so in the mountains? What is the trusted brand? Does a person use the same detector on the beach to look for lost coins, then travel to the mountains and search for nuggets and and buried loot? Do people have different detectors for different applications?

DENNIS - 8-16-2011 at 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by joerover
Do people have different detectors for different applications?

Garrett is a top of the line product...as far as I know. Here's their site:

http://tinyurl.com/3mxeyj2

goldhuntress - 8-16-2011 at 03:02 PM

Don't know about solar chargers. We charge ours with a car charger when we are out in the boonies. I have 2 detectors, one for gold and another for the beach. I disagree with Dennis about the Garrett being the top of the line but to each his/her own. Mine are both Minelabs, a GP 3000 for gold and an Explorer for the beach. I am going to be selling my 3000 though and getting a 4500. It has much improved technology over the 3000. Minelab has a 5000 that is touted as an all around machine but not everyone agrees and they are about $6000 new, I think, with the extras you'll need.

Gold is in them hills!

Jack Swords - 8-16-2011 at 03:17 PM

Lots of gold prospecting in Baja. Currently there is a gringo getting gold in an old mining area south of La Paz. Two big shafts in the area. He lives there full time. He is not getting placer, but hard rock, crushing, and using a vibrating table to separate fines. There are newly reopened mines near El Triunfo being worked daily, but owners wouldn't let us observe or photograph them. Then there are arrastas we encountered hiking into San Pedro Martir, an old mining area. Found an arrasta exploring the ancient waterhole at Yubay. Near El Arco were remains of dry washers and rockers. How successful were/are these? Miners lie, hope for the next shovelful to hit paydirt. Then there are the silver mines......another story and more mines.

More mining...

Jack Swords - 8-16-2011 at 03:21 PM

And...an ancient arrasta found hiking into Mission San Pedro Martir.

DENNIS - 8-16-2011 at 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by goldhuntress
I disagree with Dennis about the Garrett being the top of the line but to each his/her own.

Well...like I said, "as far as I know" which evidently isn't very much. I was just trying to keep the conversation moving along.

It doesn't seem to me that a 6000 dollar machine would be a mass-market, hobbyist item although I'm sure it's a fine tool.
How many Tecate can tabs would it take to break even on the investment?

DENNIS - 8-16-2011 at 03:58 PM

More on gold mining in Baja:

http://sites.google.com/site/mexicowiki/news-features/open-p...

joerover - 8-16-2011 at 04:51 PM

I´m talking about a hobby machine. I´ve been saying for years I would get a metal detector when my hair turned gray. Alright my hair is still brown, but I need a hobby. I have no expectation that a detector would pay for itself. I just want a hobby, some way to entertain myself.

goldhuntress - 8-16-2011 at 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by goldhuntress
I disagree with Dennis about the Garrett being the top of the line but to each his/her own.

It would take more tabs than I would care to dig! It would take a lot of gold to pay for that too, though not as much as a few months ago. The 5000 would not be for a beginner, it takes a lot of detector knowledge, experience and practice to even use the machines. Then you have to know where the gold is. I was lucky enough to have someone teach me and bring me to gold country and point me in the right direction. Plus I started with beach detecting so I already had some experience. I've come a long way but it would have been a rough road without the guidance. I think a 3000 like mine would be great for someone starting out and you can get a used one for about $1500 to $1800. That being said I know nothing about Garretts or Whites or any other makers. But I do know most, but not all, serious prospectors, use Minelab. At least the one's I know.

wilderone - 8-17-2011 at 09:49 AM

"I just want a hobby, some way to entertain myself."

A friend and I used his that he bought for about $150. We had a lot of fun with it. It would find pull tops and nails at 5". You don't need that much depth capability to find stuff. I found coin dated 1934 at San Fernando Mision laying in plain view. I panned for gold there too - no luck! Ha!

toneart - 8-17-2011 at 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by joerover
... I just want a hobby, some way to entertain myself.

I thought that most of the lustful "prospectors" spend all their waking hours (and probably their sleeping hours too) on the Bajanomad site for this purpose. :lol:

Seriously, to prospect in Baja and maintain a low profile, what do you think about this link? http://www.desfox.com/

vandenberg - 8-17-2011 at 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by joerover
I just want a hobby, some way to entertain myself.

Try Sharky's :biggrin:

sancho - 8-17-2011 at 10:35 AM

Good stuff, 'My Hair is Still Brown but I need a hobby'
'Go to Sharkeys for a hobby', just remember mandatory
uniform for detecting include, leather loafers, knee hi black
socks, Bermuda plaid shorts,
Gilligan style floopy hat

Von - 8-17-2011 at 11:53 AM

My buddy Ruben Daggette does a little prospecting in BOLA~ lots of river washes you should ask him, hes cool. Lots of places if i ever get the time i cannt wait to fill my jars with nuggets lol~ maybe when i retire or hit the lotto lol~

scouter - 8-18-2011 at 03:09 PM

ok folks gold closed today at over 1800.00 anyone want to join me??

thx for the input gang most likely when I go to BAJA its to fish , boat or off road
prospecting for me is my slow time or with kids, just a way to get out and get dirty and enjoy the environment , when we leave you can never tell we were there. thats the way I was trained...

wessongroup - 8-18-2011 at 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by scouter
ok folks gold closed today at over 1800.00 anyone want to join me??

thx for the input gang most likely when I go to BAJA its to fish , boat or off road
prospecting for me is my slow time or with kids, just a way to get out and get dirty and enjoy the environment , when we leave you can never tell we were there. thats the way I was trained...

Ditto's

David K - 8-18-2011 at 05:58 PM

We got pans! I would like to learn how to do dry prospecting, too!

DENNIS - 8-18-2011 at 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
We got pans! I would like to learn how to do dry prospecting, too!

Well....you only have to be smarter than a shovel, but it's a dusty, tiring way to prospect.
If you find some interesting dirt, put it in a bucket and take it down to the river to pan it out.

David K - 8-19-2011 at 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
We got pans! I would like to learn how to do dry prospecting, too!

Well....you only have to be smarter than a shovel, but it's a dusty, tiring way to prospect.
If you find some interesting dirt, put it in a bucket and take it down to the river to pan it out.

I am talking about having no water or river nearby... like in most of Baja.

DENNIS - 8-19-2011 at 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I am talking about having no water or river nearby... like in most of Baja.

OK....I'm talking about loading the back of your truck with promising ore and driving to the nearest water. The ocean will do just fine.

Jack Swords - 8-19-2011 at 11:09 AM

David, lots of gold prospecting in the desert with no/little water. We get a little gold up here on monthly trips, but just bring 5 gallons of water. One of the photos I posted was several old dry washers we found near El Arco. Our dry washer operates by shoveling 50 to 100 shovel fulls into it, letting it run (gas motor or hand crank) and taking the remaining dirt (concentrate) and panning it. It is the same as panning 50 to 100 shovel fulls. Water in the 5 gal container is more than sufficient as you can reuse the water as you pan. Dry washer was hand-built, lawn mower engine. Noone is getting rich, but we do get gold. I carry a pan when backpacking and pan streams in the High Sierra. In the fall when the rivers are low, we scrape crevices of their packed gravels and pan that with pretty good success. Good hobby enabled a nice gold ring for my wife. Gasoline costs to the location exceeds gold value we find.

mtgoat666 - 8-19-2011 at 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
We got pans! I would like to learn how to do dry prospecting, too!

Well....you only have to be smarter than a shovel, but it's a dusty, tiring way to prospect.
If you find some interesting dirt, put it in a bucket and take it down to the river to pan it out.

I am talking about having no water or river nearby... like in most of Baja.

dk: there is an iphone app for that!

regardless of the app, if an socal irrigation contractor can't solve a problem about dirt and water, perhaps he should try buying his gold trinkets at Tiffany's at his local mall! if your time is worth money, you will find it more economical to buy gold bobbles from jewelery store than pounding sand!

dk: i think you got water at shell island! try panning there!

Cypress - 8-19-2011 at 04:15 PM

There are ways!!!