Standing Out From The Crowd

[bdahunter]

Have you ever been asked the question 'Don't you feel a little selfconscious metal detecting in front of all those people at the beach'? "No, I never do, why would you ask that" is always my reply. In fact I always think it's a little funny when I'm out there swinging my Excal and finding gold that the rest of the people at the beach are lying there on their blankets like bumps on a log. I suppose it comes easy to me because I've always stood out for one reason or another but it makes me realize that it just isn't so for most people. Most people seem to want to blend in with the rest of the crowd doing their level best to not attract any undo attention to themselves. A pity really that social convention keeps so many people inside their shell instead of going out and doing something Fun.
A new friend of the Princess has a habit of going down to the beach with his wife in the evening and sitting on a blanket with his wife and watching the tide roll in. While sitting there he would often see me in the water with my detector having fun and he would turn to his wife and say "That is so kewl, I wish I could do that". His wife would say "Well go down there and talk to him and find out what it's all about". "Oh, I couldn't do that, he's busy" was always the same reply. For almost two years Chris has wanted to get into underwater metaldetecting but he never got up the nerve to come down to the water and talk to me.
As luck would have it, Chris rides the ferry to work with my wife and it came up in conversation that my hobby is underwater metaldetecting. "Not the guy at Horseshoe in the water?" blurted out Chris. "That's Him" said my Princess proudly and proceed to show Chris the $4,700 sapphire and diamond ring I had found for her that never leaves her finger.
Arrangements for drinks were made and I explained a bit about our great hobby to Chris, he's thrilled, especially since I offered to take him out detecting this weekend and show him the ropes. That was last weekend and now all he talks about on the ferry is our hunt this weekend, he's like a kid in a candy store but it might never have happened except for a chance word on the ferry ride to work.
This hobby is not for everyone, especially those who feel an overwhelming need to blend into the crowd but for those lucky few who follow their dreams and aren't afraid to stand out by being themselves, it is full of rewards. The loot, the knowledge of history, the comaraderie of a great group of people and the sheer pleasure of the hunt.
Three Cheers for All Those Who aren't Afraid to Stand Out from the Crowd!

Cheers,

BDA

[SandSkimmer]

Thanks bda... for promoting this hobby.... as you say.. to may people are afraid to do anything fun.....

Its my hobby, I dont expect to get rich, I dont expect to pay the bills with it.. I do expect to have fun...

jT

[gordiesgirl]

I really love this post, So nice to introduce folks to the hobby and make friends doing so. Your an asset to the hobby and to TQ. thanks

[EPC Guy]

Well said, BDA! I've always marched to the beat of my own drum...and, as you, feel somewhat sorry for all of those who feel they must be trapped in conventional thinking and actions...I'm proud to know ya, my pirate friend!

[NVRick]

I feel the same way, its about getting out having some fun and ya never know whats in the next hole.

Great news to, a friend of a friend just moved up heere from So Cali and he was into MD'in as a kid and I might have some MD'in company here real soon.

Rick

[ERnurse]

HERE HERE BDA, HERE HERE!!!!


Rob

[Joker]

Thats a great story bda. Im glad you were able to share the passion and it looks like you guys will be sharing some great hunts. I look at MD'ing and Life in general as You can watch from the sidelines or Get into the Game! I chose the later

[Buster]

BDA, that was a good post for sure. Glad you got to talk to Chris and explain to him this hobby. I'm sure once he gets into it he will be hooked. It's always good to have some one to hunt with. It's like they say...it's not what you find but what you get out of the hunt that is the real treasure...You are a true ambassador for the treasure hunting hobby...Again..Good Post...Buster...

[PAPPY]

FANTASTIC POST BDA...When can we expect to see him joining TQ?

[rip]

Good post BDA,every great pirate needs at least one cronie ! Somebodys gotta guard the buried loot ! Best of luck to y'all this weekend.