Jewels in the Rough
Jewels in the Rough
Dominic Ricci – GPAA/LDMA Executive Director of Operations
Photos by Bella Mathis
It all started with a “WOW” factor experience back in November of 2018. Robert and Kathy Morris from Illinois had just upgraded to LDMA Lifetime membership and wanted to try out the winter in Arizona . . . LDMA Stanton Camp in the “pay-layer” of the Gold Bearing Desert (GBD).
“There's something about coming back to a place you know you'll love,” says Robert. “If certain members had a great time at a destination, they want to return because they're confident they'll have a good time. They've discovered certain activities, local allure and people and experiences they'll enjoy there. Gold is all over!”
The phrase is metaphorical and relates to the fact that naturally occurring gems are quite ordinary at first glance, and that their true beauty as jewels is only realized through the time and experience process.
“We have never been treated like equals any other place we’ve been to in the past,” Kathy tears up. “From day one we have felt like family and that people here truly care about each other. We feel wanted”
Their Stanton experience had a quick challenge, but all smoothed out in the end. The Morris’s simple life was their tent trailer that they lived in at camp. Then a significant windstorm blew through camp and destroyed their home on wheels. It was not livable and as disappointing as it was, they had to leave and return to Illinois.
More tumbling’s happened while they were back home. Robert had back surgery and Kathy had pain relief shots in her knee. During this time, what kept them going was trying to figure out how to afford a trailer to get back to their second home . . . LDMA Stanton Camp.
Nannette, Camp Host and Caretaker at Stanton camp, “They were calling, emailing and instant messaging the camp to ensure that their spot was still available! They were so upset they had to leave and worried that they wouldn't be back! After 2 months they were able to make it back to Stanton. They were so happy to be back they were crying!”
John, Nannette’s husband, “This is what it's all about, this I'm sure happens at all of our camps (LDMA), but this is special to me for the simple fact that I've personally help this couple learn how to prospect in the Stanton area. I took them over to Slaughter House Gulch and they have done very well in finding gold!”
Life at Stanton has so much to offer. They prospect for gold almost daily, it’s the “hunt” that keeps them digging and processing GBD! They are so proud to show what they find, but have a greater love for the people, the “family” they meet in camp.
Robert and Kathy Morris are true “Gems in the Rough!” Gold . . . it can draw you back! Sometimes it’s a mineral, sometimes it’s the people you meet, and sometimes it’s both . . . especially when you are at LDMA Stanton Camp!
Hope to see you out In-The-Dirt enjoying life, family laughing, getti’n some gold and sharing stories around the campfire!
Dominic Ricci is the Executive Director of Operations for GPAA/LDMA and can be reached at 800-551-9707 extension 163 or by email: dricci@goldprospectors.org.
