When in Mineral Creek, we Dempsey's often comment on all the work we put into the gold operation. We like to whine and complain, sometimes in a joking manner, sometimes not, that all the planning and effort that we put forth better be payed off with some serious gold. And while we are half-serious, we also know that there is a very good chance that our hopes and dreams may not come to fruition. But I think that knowing that and continuing to dig in the dirt, is what makes someone a miner.... or totally off their rocker, either one.
It is a gamble really. There are definite geological signs that can give away gold's hiding place. Things like quartz veins in bedrock can signify that some nuggets and dust are inconspicuously laying inside it's cracks. But these signs don't always 'pan' out. There is probably more searching and not finding than there is searching and hitting the jackpot. There are a lot of ups and downs in mining. It is very bi-polar and can make you feel as though you are too.
This year was no exception. In fact, our outcome was exactly the same as last year (minus the flood drama)... right down to the decimal place... right down to the hundredth of an ounce. It was eerie really.
And so, as I left Valdez's backcountry this summer, I couldn't help but wonder if that was going to be the last time I sat in that valley and watched the sun rise above the mountains from that angle. Or the last time I drove through the trickling waters of Brevier Creek. I left in the middle of the season. I returned home with Dave so that he could go back to the slope and Dylan and I could nest and get ready for the new baby's arrival.
The rest of the Dempsey crew stayed and worked relentlessly for the remaining 36 days of the season. My brother-in-law, Kevin, made the 2400 mile trek from Eugene, Oregon to help with the operation. Dave returned for his final week in mid-August. And I collected text messages and quick phone calls from them as I stayed home in Anchorage. Their last few weeks at camp were pretty straight forward with only minor breakdowns and repairs, but nothing as alarming as last year's crazy rainfall. They operated a little bit differently this year and did clean up's every few days as opposed to once a week. Our fuel usage was down this year and the weather was so nice that it was almost off-putting.
When Dave left on his last unceremonious day, he said it was the same as every other time. Bittersweet. He was tired, burnt out and a little homesick. But he was still not sure if we would be returning to that particular claim next year or not, which made him nostalgic and sad. And every time he drives away from camp, he is always very uneasy about leaving his co-workers. He worries about their well-being and the unrelenting Valdez rain that can flash-flood that valley overnight. So he returned home with mixed feelings and told me about the crew's collective thoughts about Mineral Creek.
We all had been thinking the same thing... perhaps that Mineral Creek is mined out. Or, perhaps, it is simply too small for our operation. Or too far away. Or perhaps it wasn't the claim at all. Perhaps it was us. The Dempsey crew might need a change. We all hold a special place in our hearts for Mineral Creek and, boy, does it skip a beat when we think of all of it's hidden treasure. But with the recent realization that we had pulled out the exact same amount of gold as last year, we couldn't help but think that maybe it was mother nature's way of telling us to move on. We Dempsey's are very superstitious and looked at the numbers on the scale... being the exact same.... right down to the hundredth of the ounce... as a telltale sign that there was nothing beyond those numbers in that valley for us.
Needless to say, the discussion has moved on to other claims. And, although our second season just ended, we are all leaning towards the possibility that a different claim, in a different location, might very well be in our future. Dave and Doctor Dan are scouring the internet for available claims and are keeping their minds open as far as which direction we wish to go; north, south, east, west... the possibilities are endless.
We have all mentioned that we could use next summer as a "scouting" summer and take some time out for our families and for some good old Alaska summer fun... Like fishing. I haven't been fishing in two years. I like to point that little factoid out to Dave when he talks about how much he wishes there was less mining and more play. "I agree!" I eagerly say. "I mean I haven't been fishing in, like, two years! Or camping with my friends! Or to Seward for Fourth of July." Not that I'm bitter about it or anything. Poor Dave. Sometimes when I hear myself whine, I think, My God, he's patient. I married a good one.
For now, Dempsey Mining is on it's winter hiatus, and season 2014 is underworks. Some major changes are taking place. Doctor Dan is now retired and he and Rita will be wintering in Saint George, Utah. Dave and I will be welcoming our second baby into the world any day now. And Mineral Creek may very well be in our rearview. Oh, and we are selling the FreeSpirit this spring and upgrading to something a little nicer. So if you know anyone that wants a camper....
In all seriousness though, it does feel like the end of an era in a way. I am going to miss that majestic, coastal valley. And I will always cherish the precious family memories that we made on that beautiful piece of Alaskan soil. I want to shout to that valley. You were great! It's not you... it's me! There is still the chance that Mineral Creek may still lure us back in... it does have it's tantalizing ways. But, for now, we have grown apart. We are on a break, and Dempsey Mining is single and back on the market. I will try to keep you posted on our "relationship status."
Dear friends, thanks for reading and being patient with me in between my blog entries. I hope to post some videos and a slideshow soon.
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