With gold sky rocketing over $1700 an ounce recently, our Gold Rush to Porcupine Creek Tour is starting to be more than mere entertainment to our tour guests. Even small gold nuggets are worth something. Young and old, People want gold!

John Schnabel telling young prospectors; Mike, Farris, Errol and Matt how to pan for gold.

I have become a pretty good gold panner since I get to show tour groups how to pan for gold almost every time we visit Big Nugget Mine at Porcupine Creek. In fact, I became a little over-confident about my gold panning technic and lost my gold in the water trough on one of my tours. My happy tour guide persona quickly vanished and was replaced by a gold fever lunatic who just lost their fortune. I rolled up my sleeves and told all the guests to step back while I franticly panned the mud at the bottom of the trough. Everyone kept silent as they could tell I meant business. It only took me seven times of scrapping mud from the bottom and panning it to recover my lost gold nugget. I breathed a sigh of relief as I dropped my sweet gold nugget into my “poke” and came back to Tour Guide mode, all fun and games and happiness again.
I was pretty embarrassed about that incident until a few tours later when John Schnabel himself (Big Nugget Mine owner) lost his gold during a panning demonstration. He looked at me and said, “In 25 years I have never lost the gold”. He didn’t bother panning it back out of the trough, he just went to his safe and got some more gold. I noticed him eyeing the area he lost the nugget though. I’m sure he panned it out after we left.

Rainbow Glacier Adventure Tour Guests; a couple from Canada and locals Kim & Hunter get a rare gold panning demo from a “real” Gold Miner of Porcupine Creek,
John Schnabel of Big Nugget Mine

This last tour I found out that losing my own gold is not the worst thing that could happen…..losing one of my guests gold is. I was panning with a nice couple, Julie and David, from Virginia when I saw a gold nugget come into view in Julie’s pan.
I exclaimed, “Julie, you got gold!”
She said, “Where?”
“Right there!” I pointed excitedly at a beautiful round yellow nugget that looked decidedly different than the one I had discovered while giving them a gold panning demonstration. That was why she didn’t believe it was gold I guess, it looked really yellow, my nugget had more iron in it and caused it to have a reddish tint. Julie’s gold looked very pure.
She said, “That is just a yellow rock.”
“No, it’s gold, and a pure piece of gold…less iron in it than mine!”, I exclaimed.
She looked at me skeptically.
“Its gold alright, look here, see…”, To convince her, I picked her gold nugget out of the pan and started turning it over in my fingers when – PLOP – down it fell, out of my fingers and into the watery trough! Oh My Goodness! We both looked at each other in dead silence, then down at the murky water.
“Ah…hopefully your right Julie, maybe that wasn’t your gold” I backpedaled, wishing I hadn’t made such a big deal about how pure and pretty her gold looked compared to mine.
“That looked like my gold.” Julie proclaimed with a 180 degree turn from a few moments ago.
“Don’t worry, I’ll get it back” I said as I started digging into the bottom of the trough with my pan.
“You better”, she said, somewhat teasingly, somewhat not.
I cleared my throat and confidently told her, “No problem, we will get it back in no time.”
We both started panning the bottom of the trough to no avail. After multiple attempts we asked David to join us in the search and I mentioned to Julie that if we couldn’t find her gold she could have the nugget I found. She said she wanted “her” gold piece, not mine. Oh shoot, any gold nugget was not going to appease her. She wanted the pretty round yellow nugget that was meant for her. Ugghhh. I panned more furiously.

My gold nugget to the right there – the one I offered Julie as a
consolation prize, but was rejected. Mine is long and flat
with more red coloring, hers was fat and round and pure yellow.

After scraping the mud from the cold water over twenty times my hands started to feel numb. We are on a real Placer Mine at Big Nugget Gold Mine in Porcupine Creek….we don’t heat our water.
I began losing hope, and started talking seriously about the possibility she may have to take my gold nugget as a consolation prize and when I found her gold I could mail it to her. The look on her face told me that was not an option. I was going to find “her” gold…or die trying.
So I said a little prayer. I know, this is not really a praying matter, but I could not think of anything else to do and my back was getting sore, my hands were pass the numb stage and starting to grow icicles. I just wanted the nightmare to be over, so I prayed a silent little prayer in my heart to help me find this reluctant gold nugget.
Presto! Like magic, that round yellow gold nugget appeared on top of the mud I had just scooped up from the bottom of the trough. I didn’t even need to pan it out. It was gleaming on the top of the panned mud like it was King of the Mountain! How cool is that?

Julie’s shy little gold nugget safely found at last!

Now I don’t want to turn this into a religious blog or anything, but I believe in giving credit where credit is due. That is how I got Julie’s gold nugget back to her. She was a happy gold panning tourist again. All was well in the Tour Guide World.

Jenny Lyn Smith with her daughter, Sabrina & family,
visiting from Utah – they were all successful at Gold Panning!
Sometimes we Tour Guides have to go to extreme measures to insure the guests have a wonderful experience. This was one of those times…and frankly, I wish I had thought of praying sooner. My hands wouldn’t have froze and I wouldn’t have to be rubbing “tiger balm” on my back every night since then.

For your own unique tour adventure in Haines Alaska, go to www.tourhaines.com

Field of the Dandelion weeds at the Ghost Town of Porcupine City. My Dad on one of my tours.

I cant believe we are already into July.  Summer flies when your having fun in Haines Alaska and Tour Guiding seals the deal!  I’m having a ball taking people to the Schnabel’s Big Nugget Mine where we pan for gold and find nice nuggets.  This is a great tour for the young and the young at heart!

Elizabeth from California takes a snap of her cousin, local cutie, 4 yr old Hayden with his gold nugget he panned all by himself

We have seen black bears on Porcupine Road…

Black Bear take off quick on Porcupine Road, it is hard to get a good snap of them

Bald Eagles in the Bald Eagle Preserve and Celebrities (in the making) at Big Nugget Gold Mine.

Each tour is unique and unpredictable…special in its own way.  I’ve met interesting people from all over the world.

Hilarious “good ole boys” from New York.  They came to Alaska for the summer to gold prospect.  They are big fans of the TV show. Yes – Roger is offering John Schnabel some chewing tobacco.  John kindly refused saying, “I don’t drink or smoke, nor does my grandson Parker”

I feel fortunate to go out to Porcupine Creek as often as I do because each day the scenery is different….no joke.  With super long days in Alaska the flora and fauna bloom rapidly, and go to seed just as quickly as they come.

The elusive Chocolate Lilly – they have come and gone

I have seen Lupine and Wild Iris all over the last week or two, and I have already seen the Fireweed start to bloom, which is the sign that summer will be coming to a close before we know it.

Bunchberry – they were here the last 3 weeks

Haines Alaska is a beautiful wonder to behold.  I love guiding these tours, it is a historical journey of the Dalton Trail and I have the privilege of reliving the adventure of the Porcupine Creek Gold Rush of 1898, on every tour.  It is amazing to think of the determination and dedication the pioneers of this wild frontier possessed, giving us the luxuries we have today.

Views of the Dalton Trail Route (general area)

It takes us 30 minutes to drive to Porcupine Creek from Haines.  In 1915 they bragged that it only took 4 hours in the first cars of the area.  That was fast compared to the month long trek of the Gold Prospectors of 1898.  They would pull their gear in sleds while the rivers were still frozen.  Most of the prospectors made the 34 mile journey by foot, totaling 350 walking miles after they went back and forth, hauling multiple loads of gold mining and camping gear for the summer.

1898 Johnson Party Gold Prospectors – from “Gold Seeking on the Dalton Trail”

That’s all for now folks….Happy Forth of July!  Celebrate our freedom to follow the American Dream!

For Gold Rush to Porcupine tours go to www.tourhaines.com

Excerpt from RGA guide: HainesAlaskaTourguide.blogspot.com

Kir & Pacific found some gold!

We had three Gold Rush to Porcupine Tours last week.  Each one was a unique experience.  My first tour went out last Monday with a local Haines family.  They had the cutest 4 year old, Pacific, who loves to gold pan.  She brightened up like the sun when that yellow nugget popped out of the dirt.  The family took me out to eat at the famous 33 mile restaurant afterward – sooo good, yum.  It sure is great being a tour guide in Haines!
On Wednesday I stood at Port Chilkoot Dock trying to drum up gold lovers to take my Gold Rush tour.  My husband, Joe, made me a felt sign (he is “The Feltist” Artist, his art is on exhibit at Sheldon Museum right now) and an easel.  He is a very handy man!

My hunky honey and the sign he made out of felt.

My parents are in town visiting from Arizona and hung out at the dock with me to watch all the action.  Having a big Holland America cruise ship in little Haines is entertaining in and of itself.  My parents stood in for me when I took a little break just after 11am.  Wouldn’t you know it, when I returned my Mom was beaming, they got a couple who wanted to go pan for gold.  They are natural salesmen, I wish I could have them do that all summer.

Mom & Dad at Port Chilkoot Dock in Haines Alaska

50th Wedding Anniversary for both couples who married on the same day. They met this day for the first time.

I had two couples for our 1pm departure.  My parents, along with Thomas and Mary.  We found out they were on their 50 Wedding Anniversary Cruise and what a coincidence to find out they were married on the exact same day as my parents, both of them 50 years ago!  Coincidences are so……mysterious?  My parents said they would call this trip their 50th celebrations also.  We panned for gold at the Schnabel’s Big Nugget Mine on Porcupine Creek.  It is so fun to see people get into the spirit of gold panning….especially when they start seeing big yellow gold nuggets.  They don’t call it Big Nugget Mine for nothing.
We took a drive around the historic Porcupine City townsite and what do you know….the film crew was beside the road filming a person in a big white trailer.  When he stepped down and out of the trailer we saw it was Jack Hoffman himself (the father in Gold Rush: Alaska)!

Jack Hoffman

Jack must have come back for their white trailer that has been parked in the historical townsite of Porcupine City, because when I drove through there again on Saturday the big white trailer was gone.  Must be back to the Yukon for him.  I didn’t take a photo of Jack at the trailer since the camera men were there and they were in the middle of shooting.  This photo is from Jack Hoffman’s visit to Haines in May (see early blog on Tourism Night in Haines).
On Friday I took two families that had a cruise ship stop in Skagway.  I picked them up from the fast ferry after their 45 minute catamaran ride on the Lynn Canal.  One family was from the Disney ship and the other from the Carnival ship.  We don’t sell our tours on the ship.  These people searched the e-net ahead of time to find the Gold Rush to Porcupine tour.  That means they are big fans of the TV show Gold Rush: ALASKA, the same show Jack Hoffman stars in.  My parents came on the tour again as well.  I think they have Gold Fever….big time.

Visiting at the 27 mile pull out

I could feel the excited anticipation of the group as we drove through the Bald Eagle Preserve, on our way to Porcupine Creek and the Big Nugget Mine. When we pulled into the mining area we were met with a great surprise….John Schnabel got out of his truck with his grandson Parker and welcomed us to their mine!  He is such a cool and lovely man at his ripe young age of 91.  He has been under the weather and had not been to the mine lately.  Parker said John was not completely well yet, and he should be at home recuperating.  John said he just cant stay away.

John Schnabel greeting a Gold Rush: ALASKA fan

John let us take photos with him.  He chuckled at the thought we even wanted to.  We told him he is a celebrity now, he better get used to it.  He laughed and made us all feel welcome.

The Valdez family from Texas with Parker and John Schnabel

Parker gave us pans with some dirt and pebbles in them and taught us how to pan for gold.  Everyone found Gold Nuggets in their pan! Some of the tourist are into gold panning so much they even brought their own pans and sniffers.  It was great fun.

Gold Panning at Porcupine Creek’s Big Nugget Gold Mine

Parker took us up the river a little bit to show us where they are getting the dirt.  Parker is such a cute kid, being a 16 year old gold miner, I think he is going to steal the show next season.  He said he can’t talk about the Gold Rush: ALASKA show.  He has signed some confidentiality papers, but I heard rumor he is being filmed a couple of times a week by the Discovery Channel film crew.

Parker Schnabel is the big boss at Big Nugget Mine

We stopped at Schnabel’s veranda for a nice view of the Discovery Channel’s Gold Mine.  We couldn’t see anyone working the mine or walking around that day. Everyone had hoped to see Dakota Fred, whom it is rumored is the guy working the gold mine this summer.  We took photos of the location anyway.

New equipment coming to the mine

On our way back to town we got stopped by a truck blocking the one lane dirt road we were on.  As we pulled closer to the truck Dakota Fred himself got out of the vehicle and waved at us to stop as he came up to my window. My bus load of fans exploded with excitement!

Ken & I are having fun with Dakota Fred from TV show Gold Rush ALASKA

Tina, Eloy and Natalie meeting Dakota Fred

They may have thought it was all staged because it was so perfectly timed, but it was just good luck and perfect timing.  Fred was all business when he kindly let me know I would need to pull over to the side for 10 to 15 minutes as a semi-truck was on the road coming our way, pulling a low boy with a heavy load.  I said that would be no problem if he would be willing to take photos and sign autographs while we wait.  Fred seemed as tickled as the guests at such a suggestion.

The Albertson’s from Utah with Fred Hurt A.K.A Dakota Fred

We pulled to the side of the road and piled out of the bus.  Everyone got a photo with Dakota Fred (Fred Hurt) and an autograph.  It was the perfect end to a Gold Rush to Porcupine tour.  I cant wait to see what this week will bring!
Happy Panning!

The Valdez family with Dakota Fred

A nice miners creed on his hat. If you can’t grow it, you GOTTA MINE IT! Metal, Oil, Coal.

The Martin’s from Arizona meeting Dakota Fred

All you miners may know what this equipment is… It came all the way from Texas

Getting hugs from my favorite miner, John Schnabel

For Gold Rush to Porcupine tours go to www.tourhaines.com

There were four big ships in Skagway today, so there were people everywhere. One thing I noticed is that they were all crammed along the eight blocks along Broadway. I got one or two blocks off of Broadway, and it was like being in different world. Its as if Skagway has two different worlds- the world along Broadway and then the world off-Broadway. And I preferred to be off-Broadway. Its residential. Small houses with nice lawns and gardens, interspersed with a random old building…..what was it? An old warehouse? Something to do with the gold rush? The railroad? Some buildings have interpretive signs from the National Park Service, others don’t. I enjoyed my walk.

When I got hungry, I headed back towards Broadway. I know the restaurants in Haines, and there are some good ones…..Mosey’s, Fireweed, the Lighthouse, the Klondike, to name a few. But I live in Haines and many of those restaurants are open just during the summer, so I felt like something different. I saw a sign….Bombay Curry, and headed inside. That’s something different, an Indian restaurant. I love Indian food, and was pleasantly surprised. Not only by the food, I had a nice curry and they weren’t afraid to spice it up, but also by the ethnic diversity in Skagway. The couple that ran the restaurant were definitely from India. I went in to use the internet and the guy running the shop was from Bulgaria. Haines just doesn’t have an international crowd like this. And since I’m Guatemalan/Italian and have been fortunate enough to have traveled extensively, I appreciate diversity.

I first came to Skagway in 1983, and first came to Haines n 1986, so I have friends in both towns. They are different, and I like that.

 

Port Chilkoot Dock Restrooms and parking lot under construction

 

Here is a quick update on what Gold Rush Alaska is up to.  The film crews are following local high schooler, Parker Schnabel, around Haines High School today.  They had all the students sign wavier agreements so they could be put on National Television (if it doesn’t get cut on the editing room floor first).  Parker Schnabel will be the Superintendent at Big Nugget Mine this summer (that is the mine next door to the Gold Rush Alaska mining operation).  Parker is the 16 yr old grandson of John Schnabel, who is retiring at age 91.  It is pretty unique for such a young man to run such a successful Gold Mine, and he is allowing Rainbow Glacier Adventures to bring tours out to his mine for some panning.  He has a big summer ahead of him.  I know he will do great!
On to Haines happenings….our new (and very controversial) $2 million dollar Cruise Ship Restrooms and Parking Lot is still under construction.  The crew is working like mad men to get it done because our first cruise ship to Haines will be here next Wednesday, May 25th.  I don’t think they are going to make it, but, they have picked up the pace so it may be done before the season is over.  hahaha just kidding….mid season at the latest.

Traveling with Drake

The tours have started for 2011 in Haines just the same.  We collect our guests from Skagway and bring them over to Haines on the Fast Ferry (a 45 minute ride passing sea lions, eagles and whales on the Lynn Canal – not too shabby).  I get to be the person for Rainbow Glacier Adventures who goes over to Skagway to pick them up.
On Tuesday I got the privilege of flying over to Skagway with Drake, in what we endearingly call “a puddle jumper”.  That is like going on a tour itself.  The views of Haines and the Lynn Canal are amazing from the air. It didn’t hurt to have some very knowledgeable guides on board who could point out the flow and pattern of the Glaciers in the area.
When we returned to Haines I went on our “Guide’s Choice” Photography Tour with Tom Ganner as the guide.

Rainbow Glacier Adventure Photographer Guide Tom Ganner at Chilkat Inlet (low tide)

That is how I get to train to become a tour guide.  I go along with all the tours till I become as knowledgeable and funny as they are.  Poor me, eh?  My “hard job” is to hang around super cool people while seeing and learning about Haines Alaska.  It will be pretty hard to become as good as Tom though.  He has a great gift for guiding people.  Maybe he learned it from all his years as a Science Teacher in middle school.  His easy going style helps the guests relax and breathe in the beauty of Haines. He has an intimate knowledge of Haines since he has lived here over 10 years.

Tom with guests admiring our -4.2 low tide in Chilkat Inlet

My shot after hearing Tom’s thoughts on composition Look at the low tide….very cool

Tom took us through Fort Seward, and then he drove us out to Chilkat Inlet, where I learned more about photography from him in ten minutes than my entire 3 years of High School Photography combined. He is an excellent photographer and teacher.  He has all the bells and whistles (tripods and lens) to lend the guests for optimal photo shooting.  Haines is a photographers paradise, it helps even an amateur photographer like me look good.  The guests kept saying how wonderful it was to get away from the busy crowds of the Cruise Ship and soak in the “real feeling” of Alaska, with all its wild wonder.

Haines Alaska from Picture Point

Next we drove to what the locals call “Picture Point”, and took the most common picture to take in Haines Alaska.  I call it the “Post Card” shot, because you can find this picture on many Haines Alaska post cards.  After that Tom took us toward Chilkoot Lake, where we had “less common” photo opportunities.  This is the coolest part about the company I work for.  The guides are all local and they know all the locals, so we get rare opportunities that are not afforded to the “Average Joe”.

Tom Ganner and Michael Stark

Tom introduced us to, Michael Stark, a local favorite. We were allowed to take photos from his property which proves to be an excellent advantage point of the Chilkoot River.  Michael is the Narrator for the Fast Ferry and a very personable guy.  I have lived here almost 3 years and have not had the opportunity to meet him before (but always wanted to).  I don’t know if the guests knew what an honor it was to be “hanging out”  with such talented people as Tom & Michael, but I did.  After we left that great spot Tom confided that Michael was the actor who played Joe Bradley on the daytime drama Guiding Light.  Aahhh…. no wonder it seemed like we were meeting a celebrity.

Australian Tourist, Debbie, enjoying the “Real Alaska” views

Tom also took us on the fish weir, which crosses over Chilkoot River, where the Salmon get counted during the summer runs.  I have never been on it before….it is always locked up, but good ole Tom took us right out in the middle.  Very cool – it is too bad the fish weren’t running, I would love that.  That is when the fish weir is covered in bears though …. probably another reason why they lock it up.

Tom pointing out a Bald Eagle on the Fish Weir at Chilkoot River

We ate lunch (included in the tour) from Chilkat Bakery on a bench overlooking the spectacular Chilkoot Lake.  It was an excellent day listening to Tom’s great stories and learning to take superb pictures!  Tom even has a bit of “Bird Whisperer” in him as he got a Stellar Jay to pose for photos.

Stellar Jay posing nicely for Tom

After accompanying Tom Ganner on the tour, I am seriously considering upgrading my camera so I can learn to get the “money shots”. You can see some of Tom’s work on
Rainbow Glacier Adventure’s Facebook Page
Check out the TOUR PICTURES Photo Album for some excellent wildlife shots; such as an eagle flying in front of a brown bear and her cub, and a brown bear and a raven.  It is easy to see why he has been contacted by National Geographic recently.  I’m gonna have to get his autograph now before he becomes known as the superstar photographer that he is.
Learn more about Tom Ganner at www.majorproduction.net
Learn more about Rainbow Glacier Adventures at www.tourhaines.com

Me on the Fish Weir – I was stoked!

Fish counting station on the Fish Weir at Chilkoot River

Fishermen & their dog on Chilkoot Lake

We were traveling in comfort on Rainbow Glacier’s tour

Local Rock Artist, Jim’s place along the Chilkoot Inlet

This is a cool stop…..Jim (the home owner) sets these rocks up in crazy formations and as cars pass the wind will sometimes knock them down.  So each day he goes out to his “Zen Garden” and places them in a new formation.  How about that?  All these years I thought they were secured together. I had not noticed that they changed daily.  Geez, I’m clueless at times.

Jim’s daughter came out to say “Hi” – Tom knows everyone.

Tom Ganner showing us how to “Zen Out” Haines Alaska style

Rock Artist Jim’s Zen Garden

Chilkoot Inlets floating house

This little house will have water all the way under it when the tide is high.  It has no plumbing, but that doesn’t stop travelers from staying there when they come to Haines looking for a cheap place to stay, with great views.

Best views of Chilkoot River Salmon runs are right here. It is private property though so come on a tour with Rainbow Glacier Adventure to hang out and watch bears this summer.

Haines Tourism Director, Tanya Carlson

The Party has started!  Haines tour season has hit the ground running. We had our first ever “Night of Tourism” this evening.  It was a full house with Tanya Carlson, Haines’ excellent Tourism Director, hosting the event.  Local restaurants catered the party with delicious finger foods to munch on and drinks available for purchase.  The venue was held at the (very cool) Bald Eagle Foundation Museum.  Live Owls and a Hawk greeted us while we snacked and mingled before entering the Natural History Room for the “Night of Tourism”.
Tanya greeted everyone and talked about Haines being a little piece of heaven on earth and how one business’s success is success for all of Haines. How we need to be united in our efforts and learn to work together for the greater good of Haines.

Karen Hess – Chilkat River Adventures Jet Boat Tours

Stan Jones – Valley of the Eagles Golf Course

John Svenson – Extreme Dreams Fine Art

Annette Smith – Fort Seward Vacation Rentals

There was an excited energy in the air because each tour company/business got to stand in front of the crowd and give a 1 minute spiel about their product….. or that excitement could have been because the “Gold Rush Alaska” crew was in the house! It was like having celebrities attend.  Of course, Haines is a great place to be a celebrity because people here are pretty private and they play it cool around big wigs, they give them their space, that is…..everyone gave them their space but me.

Fred, Chris, Jim, ?, Me, Todd, New Guy, Parker Schnabel, Jack

Dakota Fred

I was the obnoxious “Gold Rush Alaska Fan” who wouldn’t quit taking photos and video of them.  They were all very kind, maybe even a little shy at the attention, but they let me take their picture and they even signed a Gold Rush Alaska photo for me, upon request.  (See first picture on this blog)

Todd Hoffman

Todd Hoffman spoke next.  Todd introduced his Dad, Jack, and then told us how “Gold Rush” came to be.  He is the actual creator of “Gold Rush Alaska”. The idea came when they were trying to figure out a way to pay for the fuel.  He said he doesn’t always get along with Fred but he agreed with what he said about mining, “if you don’t like miners then you should quit using cars and computers”.

Todd, Joe O. – Rainbow Glacier Adventures Owner (my boss), & Jack

“Send them to Rainbow Glacier Adventures instead, we will take them out to Porcupine”, Joe Ordonez chimed in  (everyone laughed).

Money Shot – Dakota Fred & Todd Hoffman duking it out

Me & Jack Hoffman

Parker Schnabel with the Gold Rush Guys; New Guy, Jim and Chris

Todd, Joe O., Me, Jack

Buckshot & Bobby Pins Owner, Kristine Harder & Fred

Hudson Hoffman (Todds son) & I Is it me or does he seem extremely out of control excited?

Joe Ordonez with the Gold Rush Alaska Miners

Me with the Hoffmans

Dakota Fred & me (he is a sweetheart)

Todd & me (our eyes were red so I had to black them out. Now we look like vampires….Gold Rush Twilight)

Hudson goofing off with Fred’s glasses Todd & Dave Olerud chatting behind Jim chowing down

Dakota Fred with Dave Olerud – Founder of the Bald Eagle Foundation

Me & Chris

Kristine surrounded by men….whats new?