Well after months of anticipation and planning the 2002 GB outing has finally come and gone and despite the rain a good time was had by all. In the days prior to the event we all butted heads and came up with a plan that ended up working like a charm! John B. again brought the steaks and enough for 60 hungry nugget shooters to boot!, Roger was kind enough to put together a great banner and also built us a great grill, Doc made beans, salad, and was one of the biggest helps in organizing the whole thing. Well more about the dinner and all later...

Starting to seek warmth by the fire, note the cool banner

Here is a shot of the grill Roger made, THANKS Roger!!

I arrived Thursday afternoon to find several people already there and the weather at that time was outstanding. I got a little beeping in and managed 2 small meteorites before quitting for the day to say hello to old friends and make some new ones. Man what a great bunch we have gathered through the net! I will try to remember everyone, but pleas forgive me if I don't. My camera took a dump so the photos I am using are from RD and I think most were taken late Friday afternoon and Saturday.

By Friday there were at least 30 folks attending and we were sure of a large turn out, but the skies were beginning to turn ugly and it smelled like rain. We knew if it rained Friday night a lot of folks wouldn't be joining us. But that didn't stop folks from having a good time!

A bit blurry, but.....Friday fun

I can't remember all, but L to R Gary, Dick from Minelab, JJ, and forgive me on the rest.

By now there were some nice nuggets and more meteorites found and all was good except for a few sprinkles beginning to fall here and there. Plaz managed to nab some very nice nuggets with a total weight of over .5 ounces. By the end of the outing he remained the holder of the most gold.

Sunset at Gold Basin

Saturday morning was to put it into words WET!!, but most already there took it in stride and wearing ponchos and bags on the detectors headed out to do some wet weather nugget shooting. There were more nice finds, but we lost a lot of people that just got tired of getting wet. My bed and the rest of my gear was also wet and I decided to leave after the Saturday night feast.

Man it was chilly Saturday night so we all huddled around the fire while Lenny our master chef prepared to cook the dinner. Everybody chipped in and helped in the pre-dinner duties.

Doc working on the beans

L to R Joe B., Dick S., Roger, Bill S., JJ, Kenney, and I apologize again to the last two that I forget...Sorry
Jim P. and Mike K. checking out Mike's lap top and AZMils mine listings.

passed around a care he got for Joe for everyone to sign thanking Joe for the use of his claims and attached to the card was a gold coin!

Joe and John with the card, oh and Joe's dog Babe

Well it wasn't long after eating that I left as I had a wet bed and obligations at home. I drove in a pounding rain all the way home wishing I'd have stayed as the weather Sunday was great! This could be a lot more detailed with names and all, but if ya want to know all that be sure to make the next outing!

Until Later...Bill