When I was at Knotts Berry Farm about ten years ago, they didn't offer panning that I knew of, but you could buy geodes and have them cut open. I still have a couple of them, bright with the amythest inside.
A little northwest of where I live there is an area of Virginia that had gold. I pass by it once in a while. Maybe I'll take Will one day and see if we can pan.
The song is one I can't find the lyrics for and it isn't playing out in my head...
Is summer gone, has it been that long,
I guess that's what season's will bring,
I'm caught again, in the Autumn wind,
But I remember Spring.
Oh, I've seen brighter days,
Seen lighter days,
And there, my memory fades.
AnnieLee