I started this thread to bring attention to a intersting idea which is a hobby of some and a career for a "few others". GOLD Prospecting.

Now i know what you maybe thinking........this is a joke...........when i was XY years old , i went down to the river where others were prospecting.......threw some dirt/mud in the pan and after 3 hours all i found was a tiny speck LOL. Well i have done some research occasionally over the last few weeks and have come to believe there is a bit of skill and knowledge as well as luck required to make the most of this potential wealth creating venture.

Now the first thing is to go to a river (and a section of the river) where gold has been traditionally found (granted you can go adjacent to an old mine and start digging but good luck) getting far.

Next you will want to look for boil point along the river.........under these boil zones where the current slows there are more deposits.......especially when the boil zone is along the "gold line" which refers to the part of the river's width.......where the current and majority of deposits flow down stream........along this path is where alot of deposits of rock and mineral are found and especially near the boil zones.........it appears these areas are also prevelent right before the river makes a change in direction.....

lastly i would like to say that the timing of the prospecting appears to be VERY IMPORTANT........there are more prospectors in the country......than you may imagine and many of the areas have been worked over many times..........A key to getting lucky is to Look in the above mentioned spots In a river with a history of gold deposits after a VERY HEAVY volume of water has moved thru / BIG RAINSTORM/flood/ SNow melt. The reason for this appears to be that the river is forced to widen to accomodate a higher volume of water/flooding and that new chunks of rock/mineral (including gold, etc) are unearthed and then carried downstream.

The flooding in the NW pacific appears to provide a nice opportunity especially for those near the upper Similkameen River in central washington.

I started this thead just as an idea in these economically tought times that someone in an area where gold has been found , might want to take the time to learn more about this endavor.........as well as what some good tips may be to go looking , especially as far as when....as in right after major storms occur and flooding subsides to a safer level. (and not be discouraged because when they went down to the river side and sat next to the outher tourists they didn't find more than a speckle)

some minor equipment may be needed, definitely some high river boots and possibly a cold water suit for those serious about finding some nuggets

anyone have any luck or thoughts about this

[edit on 9-1-2009 by cpdaman]

[edit on 9-1-2009 by cpdaman]