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What Got You Started in Prospecting?

Posted by Tinpan Chuck Tobias on September 3, 2010 at 1:45pm in Prospecting stories

Saw this on  a friends Blog earlier, and thought it would be a good topic here.

 

Here's how I got my start;

 

My nephews Got me interested right after I moved to Deadwood, back in 91. I started out using a Tin tourists pan, (Yup, it's how I got the nickname "Tinpan") I've had the fever ever since. I didn't join the Association however, until I saw The Gold Fever, and Prospecting America shows on Outdoor Channel some years later. Then I became a Gold Life member, figured I'd rather do that, than renew my membership every year. I still use that ol' Tin pan every once in awhile.

Me, back in 2006

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Replies

  • Lanny February 28, 2019 at 7:01pm

    Great way to get started!

    Thanks for the story, and all the best,

    Lanny

  • Tinpan Chuck Tobias October 8, 2010 at 12:49am
    Awesome stories everybody!!
  • Debra Ball-Brummett October 7, 2010 at 10:29am
    My story goes way back- I have always loved rocks and remember always loading up the car as a child with them. And actually started a life long love affair with fossicking for gems. However growing up in Oklahoma not much call for gold panning - so back in the 1980's caught the GPA show on cable and it reignited the old fever.( Loved Rooster and his philosophies!) My brother lived in Colorado so on vacations up there drug him and the family into the creeks and rivers to pan- great pics of all of us with our noses facing the water and butts in the air! I actually got him hooked and gave him as a gift a GPA membership also. For most of the time until I moved fossicking was only on vacations. I have had the great joy of getting wet in New Zealand and Australia on the yellow hunt. Now back in USA and in Texas so again will probably be back panning on vacation only but where I go- goes my gold pans and as soon as I get one my detector! By the way Steel Pan from your pics you HAVE found a piece of Heaven!
    • Lanny > Debra Ball-Brummett February 28, 2019 at 7:07pm

      A great story with lots of fun details and fond memories.

      Lots of travels and adventures while chasing the gold to boot!

      All the best,

      Lanny

    • Steel Pan > Debra Ball-Brummett October 7, 2010 at 7:34pm
      Glad ya like the pics Debra.
      The Lord and I have some pretty good talks when I'm up there. ; )
  • Howard Hadsall September 23, 2010 at 5:07pm
    About a year ago on a day trip playing above Redding at Whiskey Creek state park baught a pan and a $1.00 permit. While "back roading" in the park came across a small creek with mine tailing piles.
    Lo and behold some one had been digging and as suspected GOLD !!! Two little tiny flakes ----Thats all it took I was hooked on the golden glitter now the equipment still fits in the back of the truck but just barely.
    Aplesant side note it turns out my Wife loves Gold ! ! !
    • Lanny > Howard Hadsall February 28, 2019 at 7:04pm

      Yes, once the fever gets going, the equipment starts rolling . . . into the house, the storage, the back of the truck . . .

      All the best,

      Lanny

  • Steve A Reno September 16, 2010 at 1:40pm
    I like snakes so I figured the gold was a bonus :)

    Actually, an old high school buddy invited me after I learned he was a weekend prospector. I had a vague awareness of the actual activity but gettin' in the creek gave me the fever. Wow, learning how to pan was sure awkward in the beginning.
    • Lanny > Steve A Reno February 28, 2019 at 7:03pm

      That's the truth!

      Thanks for sharing, and all the best,

      Lanny

  • Tinpan Chuck Tobias September 6, 2010 at 3:19pm
    And some nice pics there too Steel Pan.
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