> We have places where you can pay to "pan for gold", i.e, get muddy and get maybe a flake of gold, so we have people paying to be 49ers.
Back when I lived in California gold country I used to know a guy who would go panning for gold for free and usually made enough money to pay for the beer he took out there — though I suspect the fresh air and beer were the important aspects to his gold bug.
—edit—
Should add his “secret spot” was somewhere right in the middle of Auburn and I believe within walking distance from his house.
There are a lot of places in California gold rush country where you can legally pan for free. There are some rules, but nothing oppressive that keeps you from having fun and findings some flakes. I don't live far away and a friend even has a little portable sluice he takes out sometimes. Hobby prospecting is a fun way to spend a day.
Back when I lived in California gold country I used to know a guy who would go panning for gold for free and usually made enough money to pay for the beer he took out there — though I suspect the fresh air and beer were the important aspects to his gold bug.
—edit—
Should add his “secret spot” was somewhere right in the middle of Auburn and I believe within walking distance from his house.