A little about me, Im disabled due to mental issues that started 15 years ago and im now 41 and as long as my stress stays down and i keep a hobby i tend to do very well.
I just moved from Ohio to the borders of The Great Smokey Mountains, And mines for gems and gold seem abundant. Gold Hill for example isnt far from me. This area of NC has done wonders for my mental state also.
Im just looking to do my research and studying before going out, But ill be panning only. I dont know the local laws inside the NFS or outside them. But id guess public land outside the NFS say along roads and bridges i shouldn't have no issues. I do believe i have a stream i could pan on the land from the owner i rent from, And of course get his ok first of all.
Im thinking a 5 gallon bucket and a hand spade and my pan will be all i need to get started, I have no desire to go any further than this simple method as its about stress relief like fishing is for many people.
Ive read some tips and will continue reading, But so far i plan on starting South and South East of Canton,NC and maybe later if i enjoy it move more south towards Franklin,NC.
Do these areas seem to be a good place for a noob to start and learn?
Any laws i should be aware of besides no trespassing on private land?
Ive seen muddy creeks and streams and dead clear ones running out of the mountains, Which would you start with?
Is getting a steam that on bedrock better than a mud floor?
BTW, Nice forums and a WEALTH of info just in the few minutes ive read. I only asked questions so fast as it could take days to research each one.
Thanks,
Das
I just moved from Ohio to the borders of The Great Smokey Mountains, And mines for gems and gold seem abundant. Gold Hill for example isnt far from me. This area of NC has done wonders for my mental state also.
Im just looking to do my research and studying before going out, But ill be panning only. I dont know the local laws inside the NFS or outside them. But id guess public land outside the NFS say along roads and bridges i shouldn't have no issues. I do believe i have a stream i could pan on the land from the owner i rent from, And of course get his ok first of all.
Im thinking a 5 gallon bucket and a hand spade and my pan will be all i need to get started, I have no desire to go any further than this simple method as its about stress relief like fishing is for many people.
Ive read some tips and will continue reading, But so far i plan on starting South and South East of Canton,NC and maybe later if i enjoy it move more south towards Franklin,NC.
Do these areas seem to be a good place for a noob to start and learn?
Any laws i should be aware of besides no trespassing on private land?
Ive seen muddy creeks and streams and dead clear ones running out of the mountains, Which would you start with?
Is getting a steam that on bedrock better than a mud floor?
BTW, Nice forums and a WEALTH of info just in the few minutes ive read. I only asked questions so fast as it could take days to research each one.
Thanks,
Das
