Day 21 – Lookin’ For Gold


Northeast of Fairbanks there are quite a few rivers where gold was found at the turn of the century. There are still some active mining operations, but to find gold of any quantity you need to have commercial machinery. However, you can recreationally pan for gold on any public land, eg. campgrounds and rest areas.

So, with my gold panning gear, I happily spent several hours along a few rivers sifting, shaking, and swirling river gravel in search of my fortune. There was some black sand (which often indicates gold may be present) and a few tiny flakes.  Nope, I didn't find enough gold to pay for this trip. However, I had a great time looking at all the sparkly rocks that were to be found. Some agates I collected and will run them through our rock tumbler, once we get home.


The words of Robert Service’s poem, “The Spell of the Yukon”, kind of sum up the experience for me.

“… There’s gold, and it’s haunting and haunting:

It’s luring me on as of old:

Yet it isn’t the gold that I’m wanting

So much as just finding the gold.

It’s the great, big, broad land ‘way up yonder, 

It’s the forest where silence has lease;

It’s the beauty that thrills me with wonder,

It’s the stillness that fills me with peace.”



Sending my wishes that all of you find the “golden dreams” you are looking for. - Nancy


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