Gold panning on the Dodder (all that glisters is not gold)

On April 16th 2000 the OUGS visited the Dodder at Fort Bridge, Bohernabreena, for a spot of gold panning. The trip was led by Gerry Stanley of the Geological Survey of Ireland who was ably assisted by EibhlÌn Doyle.

We were told at the outset by Gerry that we would not be able to retire from the day's takings and he was right!, but gold was found.

The techniques were demonstrated and then it was our turn. A variety of equipment was used, some of it homemade but nevertheless ingenious. The technique consisted of digging away the large stones and boulders from the stream bed and shovelling the finer pebbles and sand onto a sieve under which was placed a pan. A homemade pump which included in its construction some Wavin pipe and a tennis ball (patent pending!!!) was then used to suck up the finer material from the hole. When enough material was collected the finer sand was sieved into the pan and the fun began. The technique of panning was the tricky part! This consisted of using two different movements at the same time. Gerry pumping sand and gravel into a sieve with special pump.

After the first panning "paydirt" was struck and goldfever then ensued. When most of the lighter sediment was removed by the panning action a different technique was used to create a "tail" at the end of which was found the specks of gold. The remaining heavier grains were inspected with a hand lens and these included garnets. The gold was removed from the pan using a piece of sticky tape. All told it was a good day and most of us managed to return triumphant with our very own specimens of gold. Many thanks to Gerry and EibhlÌn for all the trouble they took on our behalf. John Deykin John Deykin inspecting his pan for specks.