A deluxe tent camp will be provided along with cooking by a camp cook. The tents are eight person tents with floors, and screened windows and door. Two people will be housed per tent. An oversized cot with foam mattress is provided but you must bring your own sleeping bag. Full cot mosquito netting is provided to cover you at night if you choose. A propane-fired full shower room is provided. There is a washing machine and clothesline for cleaning dirty clothes. We have a satellite phone for emergencies. Three Keene 4" suction dredges and three Keene highbankers are provided, along with fuel and oil to run them. Several metal detectors are provided, as well as plenty of detecting picks and scoops. There is battery charging capability at the camp, both 110V and 12V.
New! - How to protect yourself from mosquitoes
Here is a list of suggestions for items to bring to Moore Creek. You do not have to bring all this stuff but it gives you some items to think about.
1. Good Sleeping Bag & Towel for Showers - Must haves! In early June temps can drop to freezing at night.
2. High Top Boots - The terrain is uneven and ankle support/protection is a good idea. Most water is shallow enough for regular boots. Brand new boots is a good way to get blisters so break them in before coming to Moore Creek.
3. Tennis Shoes - For kicking around camp.
4. Work Pants - A couple pairs for the week plus a clean pair to go home in.
5. Long Sleeve Shirts – Mosquito Resistant (not too thin). A couple pairs for the week plus a clean one to go home in.
6. Socks - A pair a day.
7. Gloves - A couple pairs to protect your hands from digging and mosquitoes/flies.
8. Bug Dope - A couple spray cans of high DEET for your clothing.
9. Warm Jacket - Can be quite cool for those not used to it.
10. Windbreaker - Can get very hot also!
11. Rain Gear - Assume it will rain. A $1 plastic poncho to put in your pocket can save you getting caught in a shower.
12. Hat - Sun, rain, and bug protection.
13. Mosquito Head Net – and maybe a mosquito jacket for hot weather. Make sure the headnet has a drawstring around the base to properly seal to your neck or chest.
14. Ruck Sack - Something to carry snacks, camera, etc.
15. Accessory Belt - with trash bag and pick loop for you detectorists.
16. Spare Parts for your detector
17. Spare Batteries – One Set for Every Couple Days - Or Rechargeables (We have charging capability at Moore Creek). Bring both a 110V and 12V charger if you have them and one or more spare rechargeable batteries
18. Camera - You'll regret it if you do not take lots of pictures.
19. Small Binoculars - If you like checking out the wildlife and terrain.
20. Water Bottle - Or the new camel packs seem to be popular these days.
21. Favorite Snack - We have lots of candy bars and snack foods but if you have something you can't live without bring it.
22. Favorite Beverage - We do not prohibit alcohol but do expect responsible behavior and courtesy. We have water and mixed drinks (Tang, etc.) but if you want anything else bring it.
23. Personal Effects - Toiletries and medicines.
24. Alarm Clock
25. Knee Pads
26. Rain cover for detector
27. Hip boots of better yet chest waders if you plan on dredging a lot
Steve's Detecting Outfit
We do in general have spare headphones, picks, and general tools and fix-it stuff like duct tape and electrical tape. But these should not be relied on by everyone and so we encourage you to be prepared for minor detector repairs.
About the clothing quantities… we do have a washing machine but no dryer beyond a clothes line. In general bring all the clothes you need for a week but if you are staying multiple weeks there is no need for extra clothing as you will be able to get it washed.
The mosquitoes can be thick beyond belief, especially in the evening. Decide on a pair of blue jeans and heavier thickness (the bugs can easily drill through light shirts) long-sleeve shirt to wear while working. Hang up and spray liberally with bug dope (high % DEET). If possible, avoid washing these work clothes and spray liberally each morning. This is your armor! Leather gloves keep the bugs off your hands. Apply bug dope around wrists. Hat will protect your head. Spray the hat! Apply rub on bug dope to face. Be careful around eyes and lips! If using mosquito net you do not need to worry about your head as much. Bug dope tends to melt plastics, so be careful spraying on your headphones, etc. One last note – mosquitoes love a freshly showered body. Use extra care applying bug dope after a shower to get re-protected.
The mosquitoes can get thick but if you are properly prepared you will take little notice of them. Be unprepared and you will soon be driven back to the tents! But if you are lucky the bugs will not be bad at all. It just all depends on the weather.
Bears – There are bears at Moore Creek, as there are in most places in Alaska. How you deal with that depends on your comfort level. The best advice is to always be with a partner or two while you explore the area. Guns are allowed but discharge of weapons is strictly prohibited unless it is a true emergency. If you bring a gun, make sure you are proficient in its use prior to your arrival. No target practice! Bear spray is another alternative for those wanting something but not wishing to carry a gun. Visit the link at Alaska Bear Facts, Traveling in Bear Country for more information on bears in Alaska. Caution is wise, but there is no reason to be overly fearful of bears. Dogs actually injure or kill more people in Alaska than bears!
Final Note - Force yourself to take as many photos as possible. You will not regret it in later years!
If you have any questions email us at info@moorecreek.com
Steve Herschbach
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