Carl Miller pans for gold in the Carrabassett River in New Portland.
A few flakes of gold sparkle in a prospector's pan on the banks of the Carrabassett River in New Portland.
Carl Miller sifts larger rocks during the first stage of panning for gold in the Carrabassett River in New Portland.
Wayne Gelston pans for gold on a recent afternoon in the Carrabassett River in New Portland under the curious eyes of Doris Whitley, left and Ellen Darley. The two friends from Florida were sightseeing and came across several members of Central Maine Gold Prospectors who were more than happy to share their enthusiasm and explain the different processes and techniques they use.
Wayne Gelston pans for gold on a recent afternoon in the Carrabassett River in New Portland.
Liza Folk celebrates after heaving a giant rock into place while trying to build a rock barrier to funnel more water toward a sluice box while prospecting recently in the Carrabassett River in New Portland.
After realizing the current wasn't fast enough for their sluice box to work efficiently, Liza Folk, right, and other members of Central Maine Gold Prospectors began to build a rock barrier to increase the current in the Carrabassett River in New Portland while on a recent outing.
After realizing the current wasn't fast enough for their sluice box to work efficiently, Liza Folk and other members of Central Maine Gold Prospectors began to build a funnel to increase the current in the Carrabassett River in New Portland while on a recent outing.
Wayne Gelston empties his sluice box while prospecting recently in the Carrabassett River in New Portland.
Samples of Swift River gold, which is known to average a purity of 94% to 96%.
Rosey Susbury checks out the gold panned on May 31 by Mitch Mitchell, right, and Reggie Poirier. Susbury says part of the fun of running her shop, Coos Canyon Rock & Gift in Byron, is checking out the gold people find in the Swift River.
Rosey Susbury gives a demonstration on panning for gold at her store, Coos Canyon Rock & Gift. In addition to teaching visitors how to pan for gold, she sells small containers of "Paydirt," which contains a few cups of gravels and serval small pieces of gold.
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