Gold prospecting?

[Scubaroo]

Okay, so I figure some of us divers have to have a life outside of diving... is anyone here into recreational gold prospecting?

My fiancee and I are into gold panning, and I'm looking at buying a hand sluice soon.

 

[Drewpy]

Scubaroo- I personally have not done any prospecting but have spent a lot of time in Gold Country riding my Mt Bike. Most of the river( Yuba,American and many of the creeks) have been staked and was told by locals that many of them take it very seriously so be careful were you pan or sliuce....?
Most people I see up there are using a dredge either on scuba or surface supplied air. There is a gas station in Downieville that has some photos of some of the nuggets found near there-very impressive some in the 2-3lb range!
BTW- the largest nugget found was over 100lbs and found just out of town! There really is a lot of gold in them thar hills!
Downieville is a really cool little town-lots of history and really beautiful scenery.
Good luck !

 

[Scubaroo]

Yeah, so far we've restricted ourselves to around Auburn - there is a public prospecting area there where anyone can go. River is a bit fast and full (and cold! 48F) at the moment to go any further than thigh deep at the moment.

 

[PaulB]

I've done some when I was in NC camping. There was a trout stream that ran through my campsite. There was some gems and little pieces of gold in it. Nothing serious.

 

[boomx5]

I'm only 20 min. from Auburn. I should take my kids up there and give it a shot. Let me know next time you guy's are up here and we'll hook up.

 

[jiveturkey]

I've never tried panning, in fact I didn't even realize that it was a hobby for some people. It sounds kind of cool. I like the romantic appeal of it. I'm a bit of a history buff and like the idea of doing things the old ways.

 

[clive francis]

I'm a bit of a history buff and like the idea of doing things the old ways. [/B]

he says on a computer

 

[herman]

Anyone know where the FIRST US gold rush was to?

 

[Mo2vation]

Some maintain it was in the south - in AL or GA.

Am I close?

curious.

K

 

[Bob3]

Dang, didn't know there were so many folks here interested in panning. I always have a couple in the back of the truck, never know when they will come in handy.
Maybe we should have a little get-together sometime up in them thar hills.

Anyone know where the FIRST US gold rush was to?

Lemmie guess, SC, right?