Hello from the Great White North!

[Harry_MD]

Let me start by stating what a delight it is to find such a group of knowledgeable, kindred spirits all in one place. Another example of the magic of the internet.

I live in Canada, just north of Fargo, N.D. and as I type these words I'm surveying a front yard covered in snow and an outdoor thermometer reading -5F. Definitely not the stuff of MD excursions.:snowman:

I'm retired, fly RC planes and build robots as a hobby. Last month, I'm still not sure why, my simmering interest in this hobby crested and I started doing some serious research. Within a short time I decided, rightly or wrongly, the machine for me was a Tesoro DeLeon and luckily found one locally.

Since then, and until frost and snow made digging difficult, I've searched a number of sites: parks, rest stops, farm fields, old home sites and the like. I found a lot of metal that included a few interesting items like a watch, some coins, an older dog tag, a few antique nails and a small metal toy. My best coin was a 1910 large Canadian penny which, incidentally, taught me that cleaning coins using electrolysis was not necessarily the best approach. In the whole I had a lot of fun and mostly good experiences. I'm really looking forward to the next season and have already started doing research to see what may be locally available. Although my area doesn't have a lengthy history of European settlement, it is one of the first settlements this far west.

Given my lingering interest, I may take my Tesoro to the Gulf Coast this winter, where my wife and I hope to spend a month or so. We're presently looking at the South Padre Island or Biloxi area for our vacation.

Is there any reason to choose either for metal detecting opportunities or for that matter any other area in the States that have sand, water and nice temperatures.

Are there any groups, stores or clubs in the area that I could contact for information?

Thanks for any help.

Regards, Harry

[PAPPY]

WELCOME to the TQ FAMILY HARRY ! It's GREAT to have you with us and we look forward to your post's and pic's.

[EPC Guy]

Welcome, Harry! It sounds like you're off to a great start - and I would definitely recommend South Padre Island for a month's MD'ing!

['E']

Hello & welcome to this great forum & hobby, I agree with EPC about South Padre, I live about 1 1/2 hrs east of Biloxi & I've heard the area is not good at all for md'ing, good luck & happy hunting.

[KellycoChick]

Welcome welcome! The only part of the Gulf I've seen has been off of Florida, about where "E" is - But welcome to TQ, goodluck, and I can't wait to see your finds! Let us know if you need anything, and hang around here while you're stuck inside - you'll be sure to make tons of friends!! :candycane:

[anne]

Hello and Welcome
:santa1::reindeer::santa1:

[The TINMAN]

Hi Harry :santa1: and WELCOME to TQ. Seeing as You'll have alot of time indoors than just pull up a chair have a little and hang out here. Tons of Info and The Best Folks around. Congrats on your New Tesoro. I'm sure you'll be making some nice finds with it. Read your manual over & over and when it Finally Thaws out there just Get out and Practice, Practice and Practice some more. Learn what Your detector is telling You. The best machine you can have is the one you Learn inside out no matter what the price tag is on it. Learn it's language and it will speak volumes and you will reap the Rewards. If you have any questions just ask away cuz thats what were here for. Glad to have ya aboard !! :presents3:

STAY WARM ! :christmastree1: :christmastree1: :christmastree1:
The TINMAN :merrychristmas:

[Harry_MD]

Wow, Thanks for the friendly welcome! And tips!

Well, from the replies so far, it's South Padre Island - 2, Biloxi - 0. I've actually been leaning toward South Padre anyway since Biloxi would encourage my penchant for treasure hunting at the Blackjack tables.

Does anyone know of any clubs or stores in the area? Or individuals who may want to share a beer or coffee between digs?

Harry

[JCWhite]

Welcome Harry. JC

[EBCIII]

Welcome to the site Harry! Glad to have you join us. You got yourself a nice unit in the DeLeon. I am sure you will do quite well with it. You may want to check this link out, Beale.

TXFederation of Metal Detector & Archaeological Clubs Inc.