Kokoda Homestay was set up by several villages around Kokoda with the help of Bruce, his wife Rosemary and her son Mark (who lives in Australia) as a way for travelers to experience the authentic lifestyle in the area and as a way for travelers to immerse themselves within the local culture. Rosemary taught school in the 1960's here and much later reconnected with some of her students. Bruce will help arrange your homestay and answer any … [Read more...]
Exploring Misima Village Papua New Guinea
We spent most of today exploring the hilly jungle covered countryside around Misima Village with Seli. Seli is about 60 years of age (when we ask people's ages here we get approximate answers) and has the stamina of someone half his age. Like most people living in the mountains in this area he walks everywhere barefoot - even on the rocky, steepest of trails. And he will climb much faster than most people in shape who are wearing shoes! Walking … [Read more...]
Gold Mining, An Introduction to Prospecting
The following Gold Mining Article first appeared in the August 2001 issue of Upbeat Times and has been heavily revised since then. Read on for info about Gold Mining, Prospecting, Metal Detecting, Gold Panning and how to find gold nuggets. Gold is valuable - why? It is the most non-reactive metal found meaning it does not rust or corrode like other metals. Place a nugget of gold and a piece of iron or aluminum in the sea for several weeks. … [Read more...]
Walter “Yukon” Yates: Adventurer & Entrepreneur
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...]