The New 49'ers :: Welcome Forum :: Warning Newbie on deck!

Hi to everyone, I am happy I have found this site. Being somewhat old...ok really old, with a need to get away from the computer, I have decided that we (mama & me)shall take up a hobby that we used to do when younger - prospecting day trips. During the Summer of 1978 we earned our living for 3 months with a little 4" dredge. We found moving the bottom of a river bed the hardest work ever, and we were young. So I opted for cerebral work and got fat and out of shape. I have studied geology in college, but years ago, and mostly boring stuff like plate tectonics, etc. It was enough to get me a job in the south Texas oil field as a well-site geologist or as they are called in the patch "mudloggers". Named for the testing and sampling of gases and drilling fluids (Mud), and constructing a downhole record of all the engineering data & lithology encountered to TD or Total Depth completion of the hole.
Anyway I look forward to picking your brains, and getting to know you all (Texas Talk). When I said newbie, I wasn't kidding. I am not even sure where its legal to recreationally pan for gold. Of course no private property or marked claim, but other than that its going to be a sharp up inclined learning curve.
By the way I mentioned Texas alot but I was born in Medford Oregon and presently live in Josephine County near Grants Pass Oregon.
Thanks in advance for your patience and help.
The Mudlogger