Holloway Bar Placer Mine - Picture of the Week

Christina and Scott make sure that none of the resources available on Holloway Bar go to waste. One example is the source of the firewood. Every year, many trees fall or are knocked down because of heavy snowfall or windstorms (or a combination of the two). The wood we loaded into the ATV's trailer this day came from a bench just above camp and was growing out of one of the suspected gold channels that Scott had prospected the previous year. This load is destined for the wood-fired hot water tank that supplies all of the hot water for the bathtubs in the cleanup house. After a long day working out in the elements mining for gold, there's nothing like running a hot bath and having a long soak to wash away the day's dirt , grime and and sweat. Nothing of value is thrown away here - this was last year's deadfall that had naturally dried and is ready to burn, but if not removed, creates a natural wildfire hazard.

Did you ever wonder why Trumpeter Swans have long necks? I spent a few hours at Lakelse Lake a week ago just days before the lake froze over with a thin sheet of ice and saw for myself. Although their long, slender necks aren't visible in this photo, it does clearly show one of the main uses for this unique design of nature. This pair of swans was feeding near the edge of the shore ice in the ice cold water by tipping upside down, pointing their tail feathers straight up at the sky, and stretching out their necks so that they can reach the lake's muddy bottom to pick weeds and other vegetation for a quick meal. While swans are well adapted to cold temperatures with their 5 cm of down, they do need open water to feed and survive the winter, so once the lake's creeks skim over taking away the last open water of the season, the swans will fly closer to the coast to find an ice-free lake to use as a winter home.

The holiday season is a time to put away the shovels and goldpans and throw another log onto the fire to celebrate with family and friends. All of us at Holloway Bar are wishing everyone the best of the season and are hoping that you find warmth and happiness with your family this year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!