I've always enjoyed prospecting for gold on the weekends when I could get away which wasn't often once I had my son. But I still managed to make some time at least once a month to get out with my prospecting buddies to hunt out some gold nuggets at our favorite spot. Most of the time I would get lucky and find at least a couple small nuggets around half a gram, but on occasion there was just none to be found where I happened to be searching.
But there are occasions you find something really special. I remember finding this particular nugget for a couple of reasons. Firstly it weighed just under two grams and still has quartz crystals in it from the gold vein it washed out of thousands of years ago. The second reason I remember this so clearly is that right before I found it with my metal detector I got a very nasty surprise.
During winter in Arizona rattlesnakes are usually hibernating, but on occasion on a warmer day one will venture just outside it's hibernation spot to soak up some sun. I was detecting along a dry wash (dry riverbed that only has water during thunderstorms in late summer/fall.) As I came up on a turn in the wash I was busy metal detecting when from just around the bend a rattlesnake bites my detector. No rattle first or anything, just the strike. It scared me half to death so I moved away to the other side of the wash, by then of course it decided to rattle. It slithered away once I far enough away.
Once my heart slowed down I started up again and almost right away I got a strong hit. After a little searching I found this beauty:
I took pictures from a couple angles because it was such a cool little nugget. It was the first I ever found with quartz crystals in it. I guess I have the snake to thank for it because I was searching on the wrong side of the wash, had it not scared me half to death I might have missed it!
Although at the time I did have a camera on me I didn't want to get close enough to take a picture of the snake. It was a Mojave rattlesnake that looked a lot like this one. They are particularly dangerous because they tend to inject a large amount of venom when they bite. I was lucky I had the detector out in front of me! Here's a picture of one, they blend in really well with the desert background.
In Arizona there are 14 different types on rattlesnakes, so if you're a snake lover it's a great place to search them out. I've only ever run across a few and they were all the Mojave variety. I'm not much of a snake fan, but you have to respect creatures that have survived and evolved for thousands of years in the hot, dry desert.
That's the story of my finding this particular nugget. There were a couple small ones nearby as well, so It was a great day in the desert! If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions feel free to leave them below. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for your support!
And my disclaimer:
Gold and silver stacking can be a fun hobby but isn't for everyone. You can lose money. I'm not a financial advisor and this isn't financial advice, please always do your own research before spending your hard earned money.
References:
https://wildlifeinformer.com/rattlesnakes-in-arizona/
Re-blog lottery
Now for the winner of the re-blog lottery! Today we had 31 people re-blog my post, thank you so much! You guy are the best! The people who re-blogged were:
Voluntary daily reminder list for those who request to be on it:
If you want to be added to the list as well just feel free to ask!
Thank you everyone! I have been working to improve my engagement and all of you have really helped out! If you have any recommendations or suggestions please feel free to let me know. I'm always looking to improve my posts.
Good luck to everyone!
And since I didn't post yesterday today I will do two spins of the wheel, so two winners today!
And the Wheel of Names results:
You will receive 3 HSBI units!
Now for today's re-blog lottery! You just need to re-blog my post you will be placed on the Wheel of Names for a spin to possibly win 3 HSBI units! Just one prize for the lucky winner. An upvote is not required but is always greatly appreciated. Bots aren't allowed to win the prize. Contest ends at 14:00 (2 PM) California Pacific time tomorrow. If I somehow missed your re-blog please let me know and I'll add you to the next draw.
What are HSBI units? They are units that you can purchase to sponsor someone and you in turn receive a unit as well. This way we both benefit! They give you occasional upvotes on your posts for a lifetime, and the more you accumulate the more often you receive upvotes and the bigger they can be. You can read some more here:
If you have more questions feel free to ask.
