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Most of my friends at work know I go out on trips to gold prospect in a recreational kind of way. This usually got me condescending looks, being female, like maybe I was dragged along with the spouse or perhaps I was just eccentric. They would have been more understanding if I told them " I collect ....antique teacups, doilies, etc" something like that.  Actually its cast iron cookware, antique bottles, and heritage plants.

WELL NOW....the shoe is on the other foot. All of the sudden my Plan B for retirement does not look so crazy nor do I appear quite as eccentric as before. My friends are all aware the price of gold has shot thru the roof and now its maybe she is on to something here. Now I have people ask on a weekly basis if I am going out to the creeks and dredge and possibly would I consider taking them along and showing them the ropes.  Could I possibly come to their house and bring a pan to check out the little creek in the back yard? Can I bring my metal detector out to see if there are any relics or old encampments on their place ?

I am quite used to , by now, the bizarre look on peoples faces when they saw a woman run a dredge or pan. I have had bystanders go so far as to nudge each other or run back and fetch someone in their group who would miss this odd spectacle. I smiled and ignored them and continued on my happy way. Being something of an oddity, I was happy to find other women who prospected and have made wonderful friends. I have found gold, lead, mercury, silver, old coins, I have a half ounce vial of garnets....and a few leeches. The leeches are long gone but the memory will live forever.

This summer I have the wonderful blessing of an opportunity to travel to Alaska for a couple of months and go prospect with the big boys. I am originally from Washington State near Mt. Rainier and St. Helens so the animals and the atmosphere don't scare me.  The chance to find more than the smidgens I end up with here in Virginia will be a great thing too. The leave of absence from work will be a fantastic change and not having phone or internet service will be nice too. A sabbattical in God's country. p.s. I hear there are quite a few ladies who seriously prospect in that state and am definitely interested in carving my name on the tree too. Not so wierd now , eh?