Colorado's "Golden" Lining? Following Massive Flooding, a Mini Gold Rush is On

Aimee Herd : Oct 11, 2013
News Staff – CBS News

"I'm on social security, so this is going to supplement my retirement." -a Colorado prospector.

(Colorado)-The adage states that "every cloud has a silver lining," but in Colorado's case, that lining may be gold.

The heavy rains that triggered massive flooding just last month, have reportedly also washed traces of gold down the Colorado River and numerous creeks.

Panning for gold has become a fairly common sight in streams, even in the shadow of Denver skyscrapers.

However, it's likely not going to make anyone rich, as J.J. Long, the president of Gold Prospectors of Colorado says.

"You'll spend $100 to make $10," Long noted in a CBS News interview, "by the time you pay your gas, your food and your equipment."

So perhaps it's not the gold itself that's valuable, but more what it represents; a little bit of hope after very difficult times for the western state.