Ever since my first metal detecting outing, almost six years ago, I've traveled to AZ once or twice a year searching for AZ nugget numero uno.

Well, last week, I FINALLY DID IT! It's small...REALLY small, but it's gold and it's my FIRST Arizona gold! I've found a few at Steve Herschbach's Moore Creek but for years, I've been dreaming about curing my AZ virginity. I found it 8" deep with my six year old NF 16" round mono and that was a cherry popper for that coil too.

By the way, I was in the area for the AMDA's Laughlin coinshoot with Mugsy and our Wives. It was the 2nd Laughlin coinshoot for my Wife and I and we had a great time. She found her first token and the team I was a part of won a prize during the team challenge. And the Laughlin casino was kind to me too.

A very memorable vacation...

Kamikaze,

ALLRIGHT!!! Your first AZ nugget is a good reason to celebrate - way to go! Going from the photo, it is a rough one. The surrounding slopes and hillsides would be worth checking out, as the piece doesn't look like it has traveled too far. Congrats again on your gold & casino score!

Gaine. It had to happen sooner or later. There will be more.----Bob

Wellcome to Arizona, I'm glad you found a piece of it to take back home with you. Next quest is an Arizona meteorite !!!!!! Hapy Huntn.

Congrats Gaine ... my first nugget was pretty special too. I still have it and probably always will. I bet you will do the same with yours. They come a little easier now. and I would second that suggestion of chasing around that same area. That piece is still so rough that I would consider griding the section you found it in. good luck ... I waiting for the pics of the additional nuggets!

Mike F.

CONGRATULATIONS kamikaze! If you thought you had gold fever before - well, take your temperature now baby! Doin' a little happy dance with you! - Terry

WOW
Nugget, prize, and winning at the one arm bandits
Great vacation
Roger

Thanks everyone! Yes it is a special piece and will keep it forever. I actually would never part with any of my nuggets...unless I was desperate. I have so few so they are all special but my first (found at Moore Creek, AK) and this first AZ nugget has extra special meaning.

As for the area, I've gone over that area a few times previously and tried different coils just about every time, but since I live so far away, that equates to a one day outing once or twice a year... I actually don't know of any where else to try and having only a day makes exploring a difficult option to try. The usual plan is half a day there and the afternoon at some other random spot nearby.

Maybe one of those new fangle quiet coils might be a good next step?

Thanks again for taking a look!

Hi Kamikaze
Congrats on a great find. Hope to see more pictures in the future.
BTW Chris G is the man his advise is golden! Next time your going to be
AZ make a post, There are more people here ready to help than
you can imagine.

Best Regards
Herb

Hi Gaine -

Congratulations on that nugget. Sounds like the quest has been a lot of fun.

Chris

Hi Chris,

Yup a long and fun journey... How's everything in Reno? Bummer about your CA claim and the dredging ban. What are they thinking?!?!

Take care and good hunting!

Hi Gaine,

Great find! That is a beatiful nugget. I really like those rough nuggets with lots of character.
Continued good luck in the future!

Dean

HOORAY!!!

WTG Kamikaze!

- Lunk -

A picture of the lucky finder---congratulations Gaine

Well done Gaine Might see you over Thanksgiving......Geo

hey Reno have you seen my buddy Andy "Burk" up there lately?

Hi George! I hope to see you then too...those round nuggets waiting for you to come dig them up.

Gaine, Shep here. Nice nugget! You're only problem, you've got to appease the gold gods and bring more coffee! Hope to see you next time out at RH.
Shep

Hi Shep, LOL you can count on that! I still remember my first trip to Stanton...over five years ago. WOW! Five years ago?!?! I met you, Gary and his pooch during a rainstorm. The road was like chocolate pudding...pouring rain in the Mohave dessert!

I was thinking about a trip to Rich Hill this winter but the closing of the 24k club changed my mind. I was hoping to join the club so that I could finally getting to hunt on Rich Hill. Someday, I shall be back...with coffee.