1.353 Grams    

“Mortimer's Misery”    

This nugget – at first – might appear beautifully benign and classically quaint,

but it’s named after its place of origin,

which means there’s more to it than you might think,

and somehow, this nugget speaks to that name! 

You see, way out in the wilderness to the north and west, there’s a dry creek canyon known by some old timers as “Mortimers Misery”.  The story behind that name, I do not know, but we can be confident that there’s good reason behind it due to the long, steep, rough and rocky, very sketchy trail to get up in there.  A torturous trip that can have you seriously questioning your sanity -  

Combine that with the fact that just being there is physically very difficult!

Way up that nightmare of a gulch in the head of this canyon there’s a weak and seldom-oozing part-time spring that’s been mostly stomped shut over time by range cattle and wild horses.  So don’t ever count on that water source for life sustaining hydration unless there’s been lots of wet weather. 

And then of course, you won’t need it anyway! 

Point is.... I had a reason to be there – up that gulch.  That reason – GOLD!

It’s there... if you’re able.  But you don’t go on a last-minute whim. 

No, you’ve got to do some planning, preparing and be ready to handle anything that might occur.... cause it’s a longways from any help.

There is no cell service, and things can and do occur. 

I know that for sure.

 I also believe that back then, just as it is now,

there’s only one reason that Mortimer or anyone else would possibly be there – GOLD!

 Scant traces of past activity can be seen, but not much.

It’s a hellish place

I’m sure it was and is beyond rough...

 to the point of misery! 

This nugget is representative of all the extreme difficulties

that Mortimer must have encountered.... 

And maybe didn’t even survive!

Now, about the gold I brought home. 

This piece is quite chunky, rounded and knobby, with naturally polished highlights, a tiny crevice that’s been pressure folded shut over time. This gold nugget is a real cutie and is surprisingly hefty for its size.

 It’s a classically exciting, small gold nugget. 

It certainly is... and  was....

the object of.....

“Mortimer's Misery!”