I'd rather have snow than rain

[04man]

One of my interests that get me outdoors is prospecting for gold. When I was unemployed I did much more of it considering I had more time on my hands. My partner is a Postman with a day off during the week and that enabled us to miss the Weekenders. Heat,rain,snow,we moved dirt regardless.

After he and I visited a mine we realized that we were at the headwaters of our stream/river and a hike down to the bottom had to be done.http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/805/photooct28124036.jpg

However we've been getting a little snow/rain in the mountains and for Sundays hike in I'm hoping for dry snow. There's been plenty of conversation about the wisdom,or lack of, with going for the hike but its now or wait for June. Rain and snow melt make the terrain unpredictable. This may be the last chance before winter snows close it down.

I know that after reading this post the obvious answer is to just stay home and safe but the marginal decisions haven't been life threatening yet. Maybe a little uncomfortable. Isn't this why we practice basic skills?

After reading Woodswomans post about it being -1* I think a couple of inches of snow at 30+* shouldn't be all that bad.

I think I'll head down to the garage and start fiddl'n with my gear

[Bearhunter]

Good luck
The area I live in historically was a 'booming' gold and silver mining area. There are a couple of old ghost towns, dozens upon dozens of old mining shafts and old miners cabins scattered all thru these mountains. they're are still a couple of small commercial outfits around that operate until the snow flys.
Recreational mining is fairly popular around these parts in the summer as well.

[zammer]

Just prepare well and go for it, good luck.