Part Rottweiler, part Labrador, Gordy was rescued by David Smith from mistreatment in an environment where he was kept outside – rain or shine. Smith would often drive by Gordy’s home, witnessing firsthand his neglect and abuse. He eventually befriended Gordy (and his owners) and convinced them to turn Gordy over to him to serve…
Retired missile scientist Robert Kesselring’s search for treasure began when his aunt gave him Barry Storm’s Thunder Gods Gold. It was a book that comforted him throughout his life, would help him weather his time in Vietnam, and would become a foundation for his research. After serving in Vietnam, Kesselring graduated from SMU with a…
Bill Blackwell grew up in the desert of Palm Springs. He graduated from the University of Colorado and Western State University, College of Law. Blackwell spent the majority of his legal career practicing entertainment law in Los Angeles and moved to Nevada near Lake Tahoe. Blackwell learned about the Superstition Mountains and the Legend of…
James Sybesma was born and raised in Michigan but later moved to Lake Tahoe where he started his career as a blackjack dealer at a local casino. When Bill Blackwell moved to Lake Tahoe, he settled right next to Sybesma. As neighbors, they shared their love of adventure and treasure hunting. Upon retirement, Sybesma joined…
Jason Kesselring was 39 two years prior to filming, when he received his GED – a proud moment, especially given that his mother was a schoolteacher and his father a missile scientist. Jason had been estranged from his father, Robert Kesselring, for 32 years, and is eager to make up for lost time. When Kesselring…
David Smith comes from a long line of “rock-hounds” and spent years combing the desert surrounding Palm Springs for geological treasures with his family. He became friends with Bill Blackwell during high school, and the two have since kept in touch. Smith’s had a varied career including work as a veterinary assistant, rancher, and electrical…
