Just a few thoughts to share

[Coilcop]

I have only been doing this for a couple of months. My summer schedule is rather light, so it affords me the opportunity to go out often. I usually try to go out almost every day for an hour, or two, or three. I am posting this for those that may have not been as fortunate as me in their detecting. I remember coming in here, and looking at all the old stuff, the valuable rings, envious coins, etc. posted here on almost a daily basis. I looked at what I was finding, and wondered what I was doing wrong, questioning at times, if I would ever find anything good. My oldest coin was a 1919 wheatie, and it just seemed that perhaps I was missing something. Then, like magic, I stumbled luckily across a virtual mine field of musket balls. My entire perception of things changed in one day. Then yesterday finding a coin from 1723, although its value is limited, it really is such an old piece of history, and the fact I found one just overwhelms me. Never did I think I would ever land something like that. My whole point here is this. So many of you have found some things here that stiffles what I have found in terms of value, but each of us will eventually find something to hang our hat on so to speak. For those of you that have not found that particular item yet, keep the faith, because that will one day change in an instant. You never know when, or where that might occur, but rest assured it will. I am in my infancy here, only detecting for a couple months. I have found 700+ clad coins, countless interesting, but valueless items, and my share of junk. It takes the patience of Job to do this. If you have the patience, you will be rewarded. I hope I never lose the excitement of going out to detect, because what awaits me is unknown, and I believe that is what drives us all. The fact is, all those 700+ pieces of clad I picked up, aren't going to change my lifestyle, pay for my gas to my hunting site, pay for the batteries to my machine, but I can honestly say, I enjoy every experience associated with each dig. I am driven by the mystery of what lies in the soil, something that perhaps intrigues us all. Luck starts when you made a decision to buy a metal detector, it ends when you lose the passion for doing so. We all need a pick-me-up now and again. I think of my couple months enjoying this hobby, and the rewards of those that share their unique treasures, and excitement! It is in a sense, what drives us all to our next destination. I have no treasures from the ground per say, but I have my own personal treasures from the ground, if that makes sense. Nothing to make me retire, but everything to keep me digging. My biggest luck lies in the fact that I will never tire of doing this, because even the days of finding little, are enjoyable. The fact is the ground is full of treasures, some with great monetary value, others with great historic value, and yet others with personal value. Yours lies ahead, don't lose the passion, because if you do, this will become a cruel endeavor. Keep the passion, and one day, a gift will surprise you, when least expected. The beauty of that gift, is it comes in many forms, and one day you'll hold your own gift. I know I will find other things that make me get goose-bumps, I just don't know when or where, but what I do know, every time that machine sings, I'm a step closer to that day! Enjoy what you do, and keep digging with passion! Thanks to all that have found their way into my posts, you have been my driving force with your own unique stories to share!

[PAPPY]

WELL SAID !

[cntrydncr1]

Wow Coilcop, I am almost at the same point in my detecting career and almost could have written exactly what you just did. But you did it so eloquently! HH

[julieburger]

What a nice way of putting it.

[Red Raider]

Thanks...I really needed to hear that. I have been very discouraged. So much so that I have pretty much given up.
Also, my detector is too heavy for me, so that makes it even harder. When I can, I will buy one that doesn't wear me out.

[INDY]

Thanks for your post

[exnavyguy]

Coilcop, that was a very nice write up. Thanks much. Made me go out this morning looking for whatever I could find. I will post those later.

[pris]

What I think is neat is that I remember when you first started posting. I also remember when you started finding the musket balls and it was like they were telling you that you have much more to come. They ARE your good luck charm. All you had to do was dig them all before you found THE coin. I think you're well on your way to being a master digger. Just give yourself about 10 years. Actually, since you're getting out every day, sometimes 3 hours a day, you could be there in what...2 months? hehe

I'm happy you're part of TQ.

[gordiesgirl]

Your post will inspire many of us to get out there and enjoy the hobby. Sometimes I see what others find and say to myself ,why can't I find stuff like that? But every hunt I do find things that excite me so I guess I am doing well. Thanks for such a wonderful post.

[JCWhite]

Such encouraging words. I have been detecting for a little over two weeks and have been on TQ for over a day. Your well written post should be included in any tutorial because of it's motivating informative value. Thanks for taking the time.

JC White
MD Wannabe