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My Contico footlockers arrived at Walmart pickup on Friday. I will use these for luggage as they are just at the airline maximum size limit, lockable and sturdy. Now I can see how much stuff I can pack in and still keep under the 50 pound limit. My main concern is keeping my detectors safe. Maybe I'll wrap them with clothes to pad them. I just worry about TSA going through everything and then not repacking properly.

I went and picked out a new pair of detecting boots yesterday. My old 5.11 boots just did not have the support necessary and I've been suffering at the end of a long day out in the field. So now I have a pair of Magnum Spider 8.1 Desert boots. They seem to be much more sturdy and detector friendly (no metal). The comparable Converse boots were just downright uncomfortable when I tried them on.

Tomorrow I get my visa application answer back from the Embassy of Ghana. Fedex will deliver and I will find out whether 'approved' or 'rejected'. They make you get your airline ticket first so that you can give them the flight info. This is a bit backwards in case of a rejection however.

In answer to a couple questions: Gold can be exported from Ghana with a proper export license. Otherwise it's smuggling and illegal. I will be declaring everything and playing by the book. As far as bringing it into the U.S., there is no duty or taxes on unrefined gold as it is of unknown purity/value. Basically just raw ore. Tax is due in the States upon sale of gold. Also, I will be taking many pictures and video. I want this trip to be well documented. It's not like just another day in the local hills, so I will post pictures and storyline as I can.

And yes, a CC690 power sluice will be getting a good workout in Ghana. I will demonstrate its capabilities and set up a dealer for this highbanker in Ghana. Probably do the same for Fisher detectors too once it is shown how reliably they can produce the goods.