He Made His Living With a Gold Pan–Do You Know Him?

[Pocketman 4]

Years ago, when I was young and living the life of a full-time sniper, I ran into a character camped in California's Plumas National Forest. His name was Clair (he said). For many seasons he had been living in his van and making his living sniping for gold with a gold pan. In ways, he was an odd dude—highly independent, fiercely opinionated, and disdainful of frills, opulence and the entanglements of society. Yet, never a steamroller, he was quiet and reserved by nature and kept his passions contained.

I only visited his camp a few times that season. He'd be an old-timer by now (like me). I wonder whatever happened to him. How's he doing? Is he still sniping? Is he even still alive? If anyone here knows, I'd appreciate hearing from you. I published a post  about him and how he lived–on my new blog—here.

 

The purpose of life is to find plenty of gold and live forever–or die trying! 

 

Edited January 9 by Pocketman

[fredmason 1,103]

Not my brother, but he could have been...even your drawing resembles him.

He camped in a purple van on the Quincy/la Porte rd.

oddly his first name was Clair. Everyone not related called him Mace...short for our last name. A brilliant mind and a wasted life...I hope your friend fared better.

fred