Rocket scientist, fireworks designer, gemologist, gold miner, pilot, and world-traveling Sufi. Native son of the Golden West (born in California). Known as “the original Big Sur Hobbit.”
Education: New Mexico State University Career: Director Emeritus, Rocket Science Institute (1999-present)
In July 1967, he and his wife Lynda staked the Hobbit placer gold mining claim in the Los Burros Mining District and moved into Willow Creek canyon, claiming an old cabin beside the Willow campground. He chronicled the complete history of the Hobbit Mine from 1967-1977.
Created extensive documentation of the region through journals, diaries, sketches, oral histories, and mining claim records. His research forms the basis of the “Lost Treasures of the Los Burros” map revealing secret trails, lost cabins, gold and jade mines of the historic Los Burros Mining District.
Associated with the Big Sur Jade Company with a workshop in the Santa Lucia Mountains. Currently completing his autobiography “Playing With Fire: Memoir of a California Rocket Science Pioneer.”
Parents: Louis T Jones