Michael Stafford

Panther Mountain Michael Stafford

The greed to accumulate untold wealth has driven men in search of rare precious metals in all the mountain ranges of the world. They have scraped at the river beds and streams, dug shafts and caves into the lofty peaks and deep in the bellies of the rocky giants. They have lied, cheated, stole, killed and many died just for a glimpse of the sparkle that could lead to the treasure of the mother lode. The Hudson Valley and surrounding mountain ranges have not been immune to this lust for riches: the search for gold and silver. The Mountain Region of this valley has not been ravaged by any extensive search, but the drive to grasp instant wealth, power and fame from the ground and to get "something for nothing" has not left it untouched. In the beginning the Native Americans were in awe of these mountains. For it is in these mountains where Manitou, the Great Spirit, lived and perhaps still does. If these indigenous peoples did come across any precious metals, chances are they would have left them largely untouched, for everything in the mountains belonged to the Great Spirit! Stories of a Lost Gold Mine in the Hudson River Valley has dwindled into obscurity. While sitting around a campfire at Dylan Keenig's 13th birthday party, the stories have returned. The Sacandaga Treasure Hunters Club is formed. Local Indian Legend tells when Manitou calls upon the Spirits of the Bear and Panther to meet, the Mountain will give up its secrets one last time. Can Dylan Keenig and the rest of the Sacandaga Treasure Hunters find and piece together enough clues to find the Lost Gold Mine of the Hudson Valley before it is lost forever?