Walter Yates has lived a full life built on adventures, risk and unique projects. We recently had a chance to ask him to reflect on his life experiences at age 87. Note: Walter passed away on March 2, 2015 at age 90. Q. Tell us about the focus of your new book, "Breakaway". Focus: We are still the same people that started this country - for my own satisfaction, I set out in the harsh conditions of wilderness Alaska just to … [Read more...]
Boxtick America goes Gold Mining
Recently I was approached by BoxTick America for an interview. The guys, Ryan, Johnnie and Tom have been traveling across the USA for 7 months and have another 5 months in the country. They are filming weekly episodes based on requests coming mostly from the UK for activities they think American's are interested in. These requests come in and BoxTick America then tries to participate in these activities. One recent request from a viewer was gold … [Read more...]
Glimpses of a Golden Age
"Fight for a just cause. Love your fellow man. Live a good life." Taking the first two letters of each part of his motto, William Bourn named his lavish country estate Filoli. Bourn indeed lived a very good life in this 36,000 sq ft mansion with its 43 rooms and 17 fireplaces. The estate was built with his gold mining money in 1917, sold to shipping magnate, William Roth, in 1937 and is now maintained by The National Trust for Historic … [Read more...]
Chicken, Alaska – August 2008
Chicken Alaska is located between the small town of Tok and Dawson which is in the Yukon Territory. Chicken has a winter population of about 15-20 people and temperatures can get down to -60 F. There is one post office in town but no telephones. Cell phones will not work - but if you have a laptop there is often wireless access available. Chicken is only accessible in the winter by vehicle as once the snows start falling Chicken is "cut off" from … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Gold Mining
Gold Prospecting is easy to do on the South Island, mostly in part because a large number of gold mines are scattered throughout the island. New Zealand's gold rush, in the mid to late 1800's was after the big rush in California. So called Fossicking, IE, gold panning is allowed in many areas - with special "fossicking" sites available for visitor's to use free of charge. There are still quite a few active mines - those who visit some of the … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Arrowtown
Arrowtown is an old gold mining town rich in history, located near a small creek (Arrow River) which was known as the richest yet smallest gold bearing river for its size anywhere in the world. One can still pan for gold at this creek for free, but don't expect to get rich from doing so. Forgot your pan? The visitor center rents gold pans. Contemporary Arrowtown is a collection of extremely nice upscale tourist shops and galleries. The town … [Read more...]
New Zealand, South Island – Pukekura
Pukekura is the smallest town on the entire west coast of New Zealand's South Island - permanent population, drum roll... two! For about 30 years this was the home of the famous and historic Puke Pub (which allowed deer to wander in and out) and the Wild Game Restaurant across the street which serves a variety of Road Kill Grills, including possum, and their famous possum pie. NOTE: Unfortunately the owners, Pete & Justine have since closed … [Read more...]
Girdwood, Alaska – November 2002
Girdwood Alaska is a year round resort community located only 40 miles south of Anchorage. Girdwood has evolved from a gold mining town to a resort community offering fishing, hiking, rafting, skiing, and other outdoor adventures. Girdwood is located at the base of the spectacular Mt. Alyeska. A fairly easy drive from Anchorage. For more information about Girdwood, outdoor activities, and spectacular photos please visit the official travel … [Read more...]
Redding, CA – Nearby Lakes
KESWICK DAM Lake Shasta gets all the recognition, and rightly so, but less then 15 minutes from downtown Redding is another 1940's era dam and reservoir. Keswik Reservoir was named after Lord Keswick, the president of a mining company. This area is rich in mining history (and we have even discovered some small pieces of gold in the surrounding region). Located directly south of Shasta Dam, this reservoir stretches for miles and it's width is … [Read more...]
Redding, CA – Parks
Caldwell Park Named after a prominent Redding attorney, Claude Caldwell. Features 73 acres with many activities for all ages. During the hot summer months the aquatic park is highly popular - (especially the tall water slide). Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Also offers a skate park and a bike park for children. But perhaps one of the park's most appealing features is it's proximity to the Sacramento River and access to the Sacramento … [Read more...]