Calay News
The torrential rains that have pounded the state of California this year have made gold prospector Albert Fausel’s job easier in the rivers of Placerville. Dressed in a wetsuit and snorkel, Fausel digs to the bottom of a river near the city in search of gold. In just ten minutes, he finds glittering particles mixed in with the clayey sand. According to Fausel, Mother Nature has moved new materials thanks to the floods. Although the amount of gold found is small, Fausel believes that in the center of the river there could be larger pieces. Using a tool similar to a suction pump, he continues to dig for his bounty.
The heavy rains that have hit California this winter have caused flooding and revitalized the region’s gold rush. Barron Brandon, geologist and foreman of the Cosumnes Ranch, explains that the heavy rainfall washes the riverbanks and deposits the gold in the rivers. Although the real richness lies in enjoying the natural landscape of greens and blues, where the sound of water is the highlight,
Placerville, located in El Dorado County, reflects its golden past in its name and in the numerous gold-related establishments. The city relies on tourism, attracted by the gold rush. Fausel encourages everyone to visit California and have the opportunity to find gold, as long as regulations are followed.
The interest in gold goes back to a childhood fascination with treasures, such as pirate treasures. Placerville’s Gold Bug museum, park, and mine attract school groups who want to learn about the real history of the Gold Rush and not the Hollywood version. Pat Layne, a volunteer guide with mining experience, explains that California was built on gold and that floods reveal the treasure Mother Nature has accumulated over millions of years in the streams. When the water moves, the gold moves too, Layne concludes.
