This is one person’s point of view on the experience known as the Alaska Expedition that is put on every year by the Gold Prospectors Association of America:

My overall experience was great in Nome, Alaska. I had a very good time and met a lot of genuine folks. The overall value of the trip may differ from one person to another, but I feel the value of the experience far out-weighed what you bring back in gold. They say that if you work really hard you can take an ounce off the beach every week. Needless to say, I did not work that hard. Getting an ounce a week, would be weather permitting anyways, since the beaches were cleared because of bad weather and high tides for about 4 days out of my two week stay.

Typical Beach Box Setup on the beach in Nome, Alaska

My first day working the beach box, I hit a mean pay streak and took about two to three pennyweight. I was so excited I over-worked myself and limited myself the next day. In all, I brought back just under three quarters of an ounce which is not too bad considering (like I already mentioned) I did not work very hard. I found a small nugget metal detecting and if I had more time, I probably would have found another.

My first day on the beach. This was a typical pan after 15 minutes.

The staff involved are what make this trip worth it! People are mostly friendly, helpful and really go out of their way, if you need any help. I met a lot of really good people, and would like to think I made a few friends as well. This was the best part of the trip, in my opinion. There is nothing like being out on the tundra with good hearted folks sharing stories, joking around and finding some gold. Just be careful of the tundra sharks!

Some of the Cripple River staff with myself.

I only had two complaints about the trip. First, it was advertised that all equipment was supplied, so I did not ship any of my own stuff up. Some of the equipment was really old and some of it was broken, such as the sluice box I checked out. If I would have known beforehand I really would have liked to have my own equipment with me. Secondly, the meals, although decent, the portions tended to fade  toward the end of the week. Don’t get me wrong there is always stuff on the shelf that you can eat at anytime, but most people prefer to have a “real breakfast.”

There is a lot of scenery in Nome.

For somebody who is planning or thinking about taking this trip, go with no expectation and you will never be disappointed. This is not a trip to take if you are looking to double your money. I talked to one person who actually was expecting to double his money. Rent an ATV! It may seem like a lot of money, but you really need it to have the full experience. Just walking down to the beach from your hooch is a chore. Don’t stay in camp! Go out and explore or maybe stay in one of the outer camps for a few nights. Overall the trip is an experience I recommend if you have the right mind setting. It is worth it in my opinion.