If you have problems with gold there are a couple of resources you can consider...
If you're near an ocean look around for a Quark Pirate Ship. Usually at least a stack of gold in one, counting both ingots and nuggets. There are usually 9 or 10 chests inside with other things like charcoal and fire charges. Also, there are dispensers on both broadsides that shoot fire charges and are loaded, if you collect that sort of thing.
If you are near a Mesa biome, there are now lots of mineshafts (Vanilla feature) that seem to specialize in gold at all levels. There are entrances in the sides of Mesas so you don't have to dig down to find one.
[Edit] I re-read @Cptqrk's post and realized he didn't specifically say he was playing Direwold20 1.10.2... If your pack has Quark the first option holds true and if you are playing MC 1.10.2 the second is true. I don't recall specifically what MC version Mesa Mineshafts were introduced.
You were correct in guessing I'm playing DW20 1.10 pack (with a couple mods added). I've gotten most of my gold from those pirate ships.. (super fun addition!) but world gen wise? meh....
I have yet to come across a Mesa Biome Mineshaft. More exploring I guess!
Okay, question here... Am I missing something, or is there an item like the Baubles Case from Botania that can hold lenses? I want to use my Mana Blaster for more than long distance torch throwing, but don't want to carry all the lenses around in my inventory. I know I could make a bag and use that, but I was wondering if there was something that would allow some functionality like the wand cap selector from Thaumcraft in 1.7?
Maybe the mod author will see this? Who knows