World Gold Panning Championships, Coloma, Ca. 1998
I received an invitation to compete in the 1998 World Gold Panning Championships. To be held in Coloma, Ca. the site where the 1849 Gold rush began with James Marshall at Sutters Mill.
Even though I had competed before in State and National Competitions, I felt for competing in World, my panning speed had room for improvement.
The competitions were scheduled to last 7 days, Monday through Sunday. I took vacation time off from work, drove to Placerville and got a hotel Sunday night. On Monday morning I drove to Coloma and registered for the event.
Thoughts and dreams of me bringing home a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal filled my head. That would be great but, who am I kidding? I'm going against the world. I would be thrilled and happy just to to make the semi-finals. I was scheduled to compete on Friday. Well I figured I have 5 days to see techniques from other countries, look for tips and practice a lot!
There were 220 entries from 20 different countries going for the best time and accuracy. I saw Gold pans that I've never seen before. Different shapes and sizes. I've got my ol' trusty Klondike special, It would have to do. I practiced for hours every day trying to improve in every way.
Even though I had competed before in State and National Competitions, I felt for competing in World, my panning speed had room for improvement.
The competitions were scheduled to last 7 days, Monday through Sunday. I took vacation time off from work, drove to Placerville and got a hotel Sunday night. On Monday morning I drove to Coloma and registered for the event.
Thoughts and dreams of me bringing home a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal filled my head. That would be great but, who am I kidding? I'm going against the world. I would be thrilled and happy just to to make the semi-finals. I was scheduled to compete on Friday. Well I figured I have 5 days to see techniques from other countries, look for tips and practice a lot!
There were 220 entries from 20 different countries going for the best time and accuracy. I saw Gold pans that I've never seen before. Different shapes and sizes. I've got my ol' trusty Klondike special, It would have to do. I practiced for hours every day trying to improve in every way.
When I wasn't slinging gravel on the banks of the American River, I was visiting and shopping at all the unique merchants set up in the park area. They had shops where you could buy pelts like the Mountain men used to trap and even get clothing to look like one too. Of course, all the Mining dealerships were set up showing off their equipment and supplies. The food was outstanding. Mostly cooked over a open fire, from hot dogs to a skewered rabbit being slowly rotating over a fire and big black pots of beans hanging on tripods. Just the way the 49ers cooked and ate way back when. There was even a restored authentic Stage Coach giving rides.
Friday finally came and I felt I was as ready as I was ever going to be. Again, I don't expect to win this, but the idea of me being invited and being a part of this yearly competition was a thrill to me. I wanted to beat my personal record time that I made in Grass Valley, Ca., of 4 minutes 55 seconds using the same amount, 3 gallons of material.
To focus on my confidence and get me in the mood I put my headphones on and rocked out listening to the Marshall Tucker Band and the Outlaws.
With my lucky hat on, gold pan cleaned and warmed up, I was directed to the staging area. I was given my competitors number where it was pinned to my shirt. This is it. I heard the announcement I wiill always remember.
" From the Gold Country Miners representing the United States of America, Reb Meacham"
That sounded so cool. I got into position and awaited the sound of the gun. With a shot I was off and on my way. I really felt quite comfortable. Not tryng anything new or different than I practiced. 2 1/2 pans later I picked out all my small flakes and placed them in the vile that was provided. Raised my pan over my head, which was the signal that I had finished, gave my traditional spin of my pan in the trough.
My referee logged in my time and count to the judges. Now, not knowing really how many pieces were in the bucket, I awaited the results. I started hearing rumors from the other competitors that there were 9 pieces in each bucket. When the results were announced I had found 8 pieces of gold in a time of 3 minutes 15.16 seconds. Wow! I beat my record by over a minute. My personal best. Unfortunately, I had missed one piece of gold which gave me a 5 minute penalty on my time.
Well, the dream of being the best in the world was over. Japan took the individual first place and USA took first place in team.
I went home later that day, not disappointed, not sad, but feeling very honored that I represented the USA and was a part of something that I truly love and enjoy... Shopping and eating rabbit!
To focus on my confidence and get me in the mood I put my headphones on and rocked out listening to the Marshall Tucker Band and the Outlaws.
With my lucky hat on, gold pan cleaned and warmed up, I was directed to the staging area. I was given my competitors number where it was pinned to my shirt. This is it. I heard the announcement I wiill always remember.
" From the Gold Country Miners representing the United States of America, Reb Meacham"
That sounded so cool. I got into position and awaited the sound of the gun. With a shot I was off and on my way. I really felt quite comfortable. Not tryng anything new or different than I practiced. 2 1/2 pans later I picked out all my small flakes and placed them in the vile that was provided. Raised my pan over my head, which was the signal that I had finished, gave my traditional spin of my pan in the trough.
My referee logged in my time and count to the judges. Now, not knowing really how many pieces were in the bucket, I awaited the results. I started hearing rumors from the other competitors that there were 9 pieces in each bucket. When the results were announced I had found 8 pieces of gold in a time of 3 minutes 15.16 seconds. Wow! I beat my record by over a minute. My personal best. Unfortunately, I had missed one piece of gold which gave me a 5 minute penalty on my time.
Well, the dream of being the best in the world was over. Japan took the individual first place and USA took first place in team.
I went home later that day, not disappointed, not sad, but feeling very honored that I represented the USA and was a part of something that I truly love and enjoy... Shopping and eating rabbit!