A major business restructuring is under way.
By that I mean that I will be forming a LLC
(Limited Liability Company), versus the
sole proprietorship that I currently have.
I’m also changing the IRS “category” of
my business from photography to mining.

That does not mean that I am going to
stop doing photography and video.
Under the umbrella of a LLC, anything
business-wise that I do will be covered.
That includes prospecting, mining, photography,
videography, Amazon sales… ANY venture
in which I choose to be involved with.
So prints, photo books, calendars,
and video productions will still
play a major part in my business plan.

I’ve been preparing for this switch for some time.
As you may know, I’ve been gathering a vast
amount of knowledge, software, equipment, and gear.
This includes acquiring a 2010 travel trailer
which I can use for prospecting/mining ventures
and creating photography/video productions.
This includes what I call an “Operations Room”,
where I can produce, edit, print, and record on
photo and video mediums, and also plan, prepare,
and process concentrates of minerals and gems.
I have been outfitting and modifying
the trailer just for these purposes.

Although the travel trailer’s maximum weight is
only 7550 pounds, the camper van would not pull
it very well, as I found out during a field trial.
So I ended up purchasing a GMC diesel pickup.
It’s a 2004 Sierra 3500 SLT with a 6.6 Duramax
engine and a 5 speed Allison transmission,
although it sure seems to be a 6 speed!
I haven’t tried pulling the travel trailer
with this yet… soon I hope… but I’m
confident that it will do ok.

So, with that said, what are the goals this year?
There are a few options on the table, and at
least ONE of these will become a reality….

Option One — The Canadian Yukon (Klondike) and Alaska:

There are many obstacles with this option.
But no risk, no gain. Right??
Exploring and documenting Canada up to Dawson City
would be an awesome experience to share with you.
Visiting historical locations and placer
prospecting and mining would be on the agenda.
Gold is still mined in the Sixty Mile District of
the Yukon near Dawson City, and also around Carmacks.
While in the area, why not visit the Arctic Circle?
And why not visit the Arctic Ocean as well?!
Alaska would also be on the itinerary, and there’s an
area called the Forty Mile District that has some fabulous
history and still has some great gold recovery potential.

Option Two — Just Alaska:

This option would be to visit Alaska by Air.
Some gear would have to be shipped up ahead
of time, a vehicle would have to be rented,
lodging and food costs would be high though.
There’s less freedom to explore with this option.

Option Three — The Wyoming and Colorado Rocky Mountains:

Documenting past and present-day prospecting and
mining would be the main feature here, and the many
beautiful scenic images would be icing on the cake.
This option is actually more appealing than option two.

There are a few needed items which I believe will
be necessary and detrimental to our success.
A remote controlled aerial copter for aerial footage is one.
I refuse to call them “drones”, for to me drones are
unmanned aircraft used for intelligence and warfare.
The US is very strict on these model crafts, although
I see footage on the Discovery Channel all the time
which looks to be done by a model craft and I’m
curious if they have FAA approval to do so.
Canada has around a 20 day waiting period to get a
permit to use such craft, but it is usually doable.

Another item is an ATV. Also a small tractor
with a backhoe and blade would be very helpful.
As would an 8 foot sluice with a small trammel
(which I’ll be building), and then there’s the
need for a highbanker and a finishing table.
Of course there are still miscellaneous items on my
list such as another can of bear spray, a high-powered
rifle and/or a shotgun, a security system, tire pressure
monitors, and a multitude of other items on my list.

So there you have it.
It’s a never-ending job of researching,
learning, figuring, planning, and preparing.
I’ll post our progress and decisions as they unfold.
Feel free to post any comments :).