Hi BeachHunter,
I'm another Californian. I never post here because I'm so dang busy at work. Will be in your shoes soon God willing. Don't apologize, the biggest gold rush ever was here! Gold price hit 1849 yesterday momentarily! Good year! Good luck on your detector hunt. Don't forget there are good discriminating detectors for old schoolyards and beaches too. I have an SDC2300 and have yet to find my first nugget. It's not the detector, it's my not getting out there enough. When I do, I pan, sluice and high-bank. If you have strong shoulders, check out the SDC2300 for gold or check out Steve's Detector advice if you have not done so already.