On Tue, 19 May 2009 02:34:09 -0400, "Eisboch"
wrote:


"Vic Smith" wrote in message
.. .


Almost did something like that long ago, but with a gold prospector.
Didn't pan out.

--Vic

Groan.......

Hey, can I help it when the truth ends with a pun?
It just worked out that way.
Guy's name was Bob Fagin.
He was a cabinmate of mine on a merchant ship.
Degreed geologist and bonafide gold prospector.
WWII vet, disbursing officer in the Pacific.
The guy already had an ATV, first time I heard the term. 1971.
Wanted me for the muscle work on some desert areas he thought had good
potential. He wasn't too strong and had lingering ailments he picked
up in the Solomons. Beri-beri I think. Can't remember, but he took
meds.
Taught me a bit about alluvial deposits and how to recognize ancient
riverbeds. I've forgotten most of the geology.
He had pulled about $36,000 of gold out of a national park in 3 weeks.
Was so gold stricken at his find he wasn't repairing his diggings and
the park rangers threw him out and banned him. Was still kicking
himself in the ass for that one.
I suspect Yellowstone, but he wouldn't tell me.
Kept his finds close to the vest.
Said nobody even knew he pulled the gold out.
At the time we were on the gold standard, but he sold his gold in
Detroit to a mob-connected buyer and got 60 or 70 bucks an ounce
instead of the regulation 35 bucks.
He had quite a few interesting stories, and since he was a WWII Navy
officer and a fine gentleman far as I could tell, I believed every one
of them.
Including a deal he had worked out in decommissioning PT boats after
the war. Apparently those Packard engines were worth a chunk of
change.
But he required I stake myself, and I had zilch in the bank.
So it didn't pan out. I went on to other things.
Called to the Seafarers union hall to touch bases with him 6 or 7
years later. He had been shacking up with the hall secretary.
Found out he had died just a few months before my call.
I've always regretted not having that stake and spending more time
with him. Interesting guy.

--Vic