Jungle Gold Premieres

The dramatic series Jungle Gold premieres last night on the Discovery Channel. The show stars two men who mine for gold in an attempt to pay off their serious debts.The friends were in real estate before the housing market crash. They could have bought properties before the unpredictable market turned. They said they have mortgages to pay off.

George Wright and Scott Lomu travel to Ghana, Africa to search gold rich areas. They battle major obstacles to try and send money home. We learn one wife can't afford a couple hundred dollars for the families' health insurance payments. On their way to the mine they look to cross a bridge. Ironically, the locals demand a couple hundred bucks. Their guide talks the locals down to $20.

Wright and Lomu's van gets stuck in the mud on the way to their claim. They finally arrive to find their claim overrun with illegal Chinese miners. They're the kind you don't want to reason with. There's a history of gun play and deaths from illegal Chinese miners on Ghana gold mines. Wright and Lomu said they aren't armed!

The American miners fear for their lives. They are forced to buy a new claim.

They work to recover their $70,000 excavator left on the side of the road. Machinery left behind in Ghana is commonly stripped of parts. To their surprise, the machine runs.

Near their new land they find a huge lake in their path. They have to get the excavator across to arrive at the new claim. They plow the excavator through the deep water. The liquid is dangerously close to the cab. Any water in the cab would ruin the machine. Wright and Lomu make it through.

The friends find their new claim surrounded by Chinese miners. When they venture too close to the border they hear gunshots.

Desperate to provide for their families the buddies make a back alley gold deal. These deals can lead to death or robbery. They buy gold and make $900.

The episode draws to a close when the investor meets with the men over live internet video. He threatens to pull the plug when he learns news about little progress. The investor threatens the miners. They'll be stuck in Ghana without money to get home.

I like the show. I am captivated. Exaggerated plot lines and made-up drama are trademarks of Reality T.V. Realistic Jungle Gold keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Gold Rush  premiered last night too. They now have some serious competition.