Panning for gold is one great way to make some extra money and plenty of memories for you and your family.
Getting out and exercising in the great outdoors is a wonderful way to add some adventure to your life. The best part of the deal is that gold is current worth over $50 per gram.
That means that it doesn’t take finding much gold to make your outing worthwhile. Of course, it is not unusual, especially in upland areas, for a day of prospecting with a gold pan to bring in over an ounce of gold.
And that’s enough to brag about. You’ll love everything that panning for gold has to offer. There’s financial gain, fascinating people to meet along the way, and of course, plenty of time to spend outdoors with your family.
Many people think that in the United States, it is illegal to possess gold. This is actually totally untrue, and you may own as much gold as you would like in the country.
You see, there was a law prohibiting private ownership of gold throughout the nation from 1933 until 1974. That law was officially repealed in 1975.
Now, no government agency can prevent you from finding and owning gold. Bear in mind though, that certain state parks, reservations, and wildlife preserves either prohibit panning for gold, or require you to turn over the gold that you find on the premises before leaving.
Also keep in mind that when gold is found on private property, the owners of the land may hold the claim to even that which you find.
In the United States, gold has been found in states from Georgia to California and Alaska as well. While you might not happen upon a cache of gold of the magnitude of the 1849 gold rush in California, which by the way, actually stated in ’48. Still, there is plenty of gold and the geological record shows that gold is often found in cycles.
When one location runs out of gold to be panned for a period of time, it has a tendency to be productive again. This is because there is so much gold just waiting to be fleshed out of the Earth’s surface.
All you have to do is find your way to a flowing river, high in the hills, in or around a place when gold has been found, and you’re off. Of course, no gold panning excursion is really complete without friends, family, and new acquaintances to add to the fun.
You’ll find that many places with a rich history of gold panning successes will sometimes host community panning events. One such place is held in Coloma Valley, California every year.
During this time, locals re-enact the gold rush life, complete with panning excursions for the whole family.
At events such as this you’ll be able to enjoy time with family and friends, and you’ll get the chance to meet other likeminded people with an avid interest in gold.
Perhaps you’d like to organize your own “gold rush.” Church groups, scout troupes, and school parties are all great people to invite. Just remember, don’t get gold fever – even the 49ers often came home empty handed.
For the week gold panning experience for the family, it is all about having fun and meeting neighbors while learning an important aspect of history.
Panning for gold is fairly straightforward and simple.
The main objective is to collect pay dirt in a pan, and sift through it without letting any of the gold escape to the rolling river.
The best success if found in upland areas where others have already found gold in the past.
Don’t buy into the idea that all the gold has already be found, there’s really no cap on how much gold is really to be found. There are likely even some huge caches of gold that remain untapped, totally waiting to be discovered.
Perhaps it could be you and your family who make the discovery that leads to the next gold rush! All you have to do is get out of the house, into the great outdoors with your family and have fun. If there’s gold to be found at the river nearest you, then it will be found, with a little patience.
If you find yourself and your family stuck in the urban rut of movies, bowling, and not much else to pass the time, consider stocking up on gold panning supplies and packing lunch for a day out on the river, panning for gold.
You can even take you fishing gear to switch between casting for food, and panning for gold. Everyone will love the fresh air and break from the city life.
They won’t even mind if they only find a little gold. And if you or one of your family members lucky enough to find a big chunk of gold, you’ll all rejoice in celebration.
A day out panning for gold with your family is never a wasted day. The memories you make, and the experience you share with them will last a lifetime.
The only tool needed to pan for gold is the pan itself, which should be shallow enough to see what is in the bottom, but deep enough not to let heavy gold rocks pass out of it. There is a little finesse involved in panning for gold.
Notably, since the objective is to pick up sediment in the pan, then shake out the lighter loose dirt, leaving the gold in the bottom of the pan, you’ll want to practice your own unique approach for best results. No two people pan the same way.
Panning for gold can be profitable and fun for the whole family. Whether you strike it rich or not, on the day of your panning expedition, is purely up to chance. One thing is certain, though, you’re sure to make lasting memories when you pan for gold with the family.
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