Hey Hey!! Long time “visitor”, first time poster here 
Names Jim, and iv got a story for ya… not a very big one so dont worry about fetching a beer just yet. Not even a very interesting story compared to the yarns iv read thru these forums over the years but anyway here goes.
I was brought up in the Valley as a kid, my parents built a Freamos house called “bluberry cottage” halfway between pinedale camp and deep creek.
They owned the “on the spot” next to the Trout for years aswell.
I have many many fond memories of being a waka child… One of my fondest was panning and sniping gold with the old man on the river and up at a spot somewhere on mountain camp creek.
The old man was full of gold yarns about there and down on the Arrow where he migrated north from…pretty sure most were a load of shit but one story in particular has been backed up by many of his mates over the years…
Before i was born Greame (my old man) managed to gather up enough gold from one crevice on the waka to have made both his and my mothers wedding rings. 14grams from a crevice 3meters long the story goes.
Now, 30years on… Me, a full grown adult, kids and beautiful partner. my spades abit bigger and my boots looking like dads ones…
Im not sure if this is smart or not and please correct me with a swift slap if needed but im wanting to do the same. I want to ask my partner in hand.
But before this i need a ring!!! And i dream of having that ring made souly from Waka Au. Au that i have put the blood sweat and beers into gathering with my own 2 hands (and the hands of my 8 year old son).
So off we went, loaded the car up with the dogs and my son and headed to pinedale…only to realise after a 12hour drive from Alexandra that its BLOODY CLOSED!!! (What the actual phuck bro!!! When did this happen???). My parents were married there on the flat down by the river in 89 so it seemed only fitting that be the place to start gathering my needed shiney stuff.
And Now, 2months later, i have moved back to marlborough and want to put my plan in to full effect. But there is not a single permit for sale nor available to stake my claim on so to speak and im starting to wonder if its a sign from the gods to not have to ask her the question
But i get hungry come 6pm so i need to ignore those signs
So here i am, ultimately begging for your help…
Im looking for access to a claim on the waka, somewhere i can take my son, dogs, sluice and spade and attempt to over time gather enough gold to have a good friend of mine make a ring for me to finally make this lass my wife.
I am happy to pay a % in gold, beers, $$, and/or eternal friendship.
Help a hungry man out
Much love and happy digging!!!