Why do I do this? To get rich? Its been over 50 years - still not rich! For me, its because I love the the adventure, the hills, and the freedom. But another big reason is, because most people won't do it! I don't want to become them. Life is what you make of it, the best things won't come to you, you have to go get them.
We live in a time where we're not allowed to take any chances. We are told we must wear seat belts, helmets, what we can and cannot eat. We drink a water from bottles, when was the last time you had a drink from a garden hose? Most people would never even entertain the thought of letting their kids ride in the back of a truck. My fondest memories are of the many fishing trips to the hills , riding in the back of the truck.
There are two old saying that I pretty much lived by; what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger and pain is weakness leaving the body. I prospect because it keeps me young, the danger of the back country feeds my pride. It keeps alive that feeling of invincibility I had when I was 20. The hunt for treasure is a thrill most people will never experience, I pity them, they are missing out on such a fantastic part of a life.
Don't get me wrong, I don't leave the gold there, it's a very nice extra! But it's not why I do it.
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