CRYSTAL PEAK COLLECTING AND MINING DIRECTORY
Most of our efforts have been mining in the Crystal Peak District. The following pages are articles and photographs from our experiences.
I first began collecting in Colorado in 1973 when still a cadet at the Air Force Academy. When I became stationed at the Air Force Academy in 1982, I resumed collecting in Colorado. In approximately 1990 I met Jack Buckner with whom I became good friends. Jack owned several mining claims at that time, including the famous Two Point claim. I began helping him operate his claims and later, became his sole operator. In 1991 I acquired three claims from Jack and shortly thereafter began filing and purchasing additional claims.
Jack was using a bulldozer on the Two Point when I first met him. Later I helped him operate mechanized equipment on his other claims and when I received Forest Service and Colorado State approval, in 1993, I began operating mechanized equipment on my own claims. We hit our first truly great pocket in 1999 and promptly dubbed it the "Thank You God" pocket.
My two sons, Scott and Tim, both join me in operating the mining claims and essentially grew up with them. As Tim once told his English teacher, "I don't know who we would be without our mining claims." They have truly become our way of life.
Please enjoy the following pages. Remember if you should wish to use any of the material for non-commercial use, you are welcome to do so. Please credit Joseph L. Dorris. If you wish to use any material in commercial endeavors, you must have my specific written permission.