"Hi Don, I like your idea of a bunch of people working together just to keep sites open.

Actually, I wish I could get a coalition of rock clubs to buy the claim - but the way our rock club runs, we debate for an hour to spend $200 for a new bookcase so I can't imagine trying to get a bunch of different clubs to get together and spend real money for an active mine.

My dream would be to own a claim to keep it open for other ordinary hobbyists like me to have access. I have an email out to the realtor - but I don't know if you have to prove you have serious assets before they talk to you (if so, that leaves me out big time - unless I can try to fool them that the doctor for the Lakers earns big bucks (not)). I figured it was worth a try to see what ball park they are asking - even if I know that it probably falls under the saying "if you have to aks how much, it is too much."

I've never been to any of the Riverside claims but have literally dreamed of going out there someday just to see them. At least for tonight, I can have sweet tourmaline dreams ...... Ellen"

"Hi Paul, I can't get my sons to load the dishes much less count on them to work with me on rocks. I once offered to pay them to come to the Thursday Mine one weekend - just so they would see how beautiful the country is down there once you get off the freeway and away from the city. I couldn't offer enough to get any of the three to take up my offer. At least my 12-year-old daughter still likes rocking with me and appreciates the outdoors.

Try googling "Fano Mine for sale"and going to the realty site that way.

I couldn't get your link to work for me. I could get to a jewelry web site but I couldn't find anything about the Fano Mine. There must be gremlins

Maybe I can tell the realtor that I'm talking to a group of people in Washington who would like to invest in a mine and he'll take me to the mine so I can describe it to my "investor group". It is true - we would all like to invest in the mine.

I worked in the office 12 hours today and am brain-dead. Tomorrow is almost as bad. I should take in a piece of lepidolite with extra high lithium content to lick to keep me calm.

Pleasant raok dreams, all, Ellen"

"But to get back to what Don was saying about filing claims. I am looking into it seriously. The initial fee's are not too great and the clean up bonds I have heard of are not overly high. When these shoulders are done and settled I will be real seriouse about filing on a piece or two so any who love the hunt will be able to have a place like Don has and hopefully a few more to be able to go. If we don't fight to keep our countries lands open for others them we cant cry when "others take them away" can we.
Tom"

"I got a quick reply from the realtor. He said he had listed the property a few years back at 2.5 million but that now the mine owner is willing to accept less since he needs money for drilling in Texas. He actually offered to show me the property. But - sigh - I admitted to him that he would be wasting his time showing the property to me. Darn - honesty can be its own reward and punishment at the same time.

I hear you about the changes in generations. My Dad was a first generation American and a blue collar worker - he ran a printing press. He taught me and my 2 brothers how to work and how to work hard and long. Maybe that's why I like it out in the field digging all day now and mucking out pits. This sitting in an office all day isn't good for the soul. Ellen"

"As a licenced Washington state RE Broker I would be willing to broker the buyer's side and contribute my fee to the Co-Op as my share.What one wants & What one Gets in the RE game is quite often different > dependant on........subject to..........conditioned upon........and so on and so on. The Realty of the matter is Cash TALKS & BS Walks."

"Hey tom, where are you looking at for staking a claim? It is a very good idea. Pretty soon if we don't watch it, the only rockin' will be on private land and that cold get on the very expensive side for collectors. Also isn't there a yearly minimum work fee in there somewhere. Very nominal as I recall. Good idea man! Paul"

"Hey all
I was talking with Don about some claims down near his and I was looking at a couple of unrenewed claims up here. I sent for the information on the local claims and am waiting on them to come in the mail. Don said he would help me with the area he is in.. It would be great to lock up another twenty acres or so of T-Eggs for future generations. I travel too much to work it a lot but it would be a nice place to play and have one of my kids open during the spring and summer for people to come dig. I could put a little camp trailer on it and let them rotate staying there and helping people. With seven kids that covers a lot of summer,,,lol. And yes there is a minimum fee but Don talked to me about it too. So I am very serious about this and as soon as I get all medically done I am going to pursue it. Any and all are welcome to join and will post of any claims and info I find.
Tom"