By Sandra Holmes
If you are interested in learning anything about gold panning in British Columbia reading Jim Lewis’ book, Gold Panning in British Columbia is the next best thing to sitting down and talking with him. Jim is retired from various careers including being a mortician, a peace keeper, a champion boxer, a rancher and a geologist.
Gold Panning in British Columbia is a book he co-authored with his late wife, Susan Campany. It is a comprehensive review of information from his three previous books and an invaluable guide of where to go gold panning in British Columbia.
When asked how he got started with gold panning, Jim tells the story of the early 1960s when the mines were on strike. He did extensive research about gold mines in B.C., beginning with reading the BC Ministry of Mines Annual Reports which go back to 1874. These reports gave accurate statistical information about every mine in B.C.
Jim has panned for gold in every B.C. creek mentioned in the book as well as some rivers in the Yukon and Alaska.
Jim knows the tricks of looking for fish oil in the water, checking the high banks and which direction to begin the search.
There are other materials that can be found when panning for gold that are just as or more valuable than gold. Often people disregard those materials, questing only for the gold.
As well as using a gold pan, Jim has experience using a sluice box. Jim tells many interesting stories about his adventures in the wilds of B.C. Ask him about the bear bite he sports.
Jim will be talking about his book, Gold Panning in British Columbia at the Clearwater Public Library on June 17 from 2 to 4. His book will be available for purchase for $20.