Cripple Creek

Friday afternoon and evening was so fun! I went with some friends out to the Gold Mining Camp at Cripple Creek. We took ATV's and a Ranger and drove out west beach to get there. It is approximately 12 miles there and takes about an hour if you keep moving. On the way, we took our time, stopping several times. To get to the camp, we had to drive through a creek. I wasn't paying too close attention on the way in and I looked down and my feet were completely under water! Luckily I had on waterproof hiking boots, so my feet stayed dry. Upon arrival at the camp, there were still a few people out mining for gold. We talked with them for awhile before heading to the buildings. We had dinner of salad, spaghetti, garlic bread, and cake with the different miners. The miners pay to come out there and pan for gold. Everything is provided for them and they get to keep what gold they find. Also, there is a machine there that pans for gold, whatever gold it gets during the week is put together and then there is a draw for the gold, one lucky miner will win it all! A lot of people come up from the lower 48 to try their luck. After dinner, everyone gathered for entertainment and singing. We stayed until about 10pm, then we started back to Nome. The creek was deeper to drive through on the way back out. On the way back, one of the 4-wheelers got sucked into some soft sand and water. Luckily it was able to be pulled out and then it started right up. A good time was had by all! There is a very good article and photos in last weeks Nome Nugget about Cripple Creek.