Clad and Canadian

[johnj45586]

This morning I finally got the chance to try out a new beach I have driven by many times. The problem was that there didn't appear to be any public parking near it, only beach access (two little footprints on the sign).

When I transitioned to the Coast Highway at Dana Point it seemed odd because there was no opposing traffic. About halfway to San Clemente outskirts I saw why. There was an activity to clear a rockslide. When I got to the intersection for the beach there were barriers closing the road. But I could make my turn and park. All of the parking across the street was blocked off (part of the same rockslide problem).

The beach access was a little worrisome. There is a railroad track between the coast highway and the beach. So beach access has to be via a pedestrian bridge above or a tunnel below. This time it was a tunnel below. The walkway was plywood and only about 2 inches above the water.

When I got to the beach I found that much of the area I planned on searching (a major playground with sand) was off limits. It was part of a private "Shore Cliffs Beach Club". There was a clubhouse (closed) and no public restrooms.

The main beach was rather small. It was probably 100 feet long with about 25 feet of dry sand. I started at a fence on the south end and worked a grid moving north. Over the first 30 feet I only found a metal button and a zipper handle (not counting trash, pop tabs, foil and nails).

Then the ACE 250 started going crazy. I was scooping 1 to 20 coins in a scoop, mostly 1's though. Lots of pennies.

I kept searching and scooping, many times I had to hold the ACE 250 in the air while I scooped because I couldn't find a quiet place to sit it down.
I also worked beaches to either side of the main beach, looking for signs then searching. On the side searches I found mostly pennies with one nickel and one quarter.

I read signs and searched but could only find coins. It didn't look like anyone else has ever been to this beach with a MD. The coins included pennies that are eaten away with corrosion and barely recoginizable to coins that are bright and shiny. But no jewelry.

The count was 15 quarters, 40 dimes, 17 nickels, 183 pennies, 1 Canadian nickel and one parking token. That is a lot of scooping. Today for the first time my scoop arm/hand are far more sore and tired than my swing arm.

I may return to this beach because there is a lot of beach I haven't looked at on the sides. Lack of facilities is a serious flaw though. I only saw 3 people today walking dogs at the water's edge. I have never seen anyone at this beach, but I would imagine there must be a good population during the heat of the summer given the presence of the clubhouse.

I still can't believe the clad count (257 targets) and not finding any jewelry, junk or otherwise.

I have attached pictures of the token, nickel and the tie I am wearing in my avatar. I have received some comments on the tie (thanks!)and thought you might like to see the whole thing. I have a pretty big collection of Christmas ties (10 actually). When I was working I would wear a different tie for 10 working days before Christmas break.

Happy hunting to all!

[gordiesgirl]

Awsome finds. WTG

[EBCIII]

Sounds like a good hunt! That is a bunch of scooping, I can understand why you were sore.

I like your tie also. I have 2 Grinch christmas ties, Beale.

[julieburger]

Love the tie and the finds.

[JCWhite]

You did an admirable job today man. Way to go! JC

[leslie(nova scotia)]

From the land of the Bluenose......great story and thanks for saving one of our beavers me bouy! Happy hunting!

[KellycoChick]

awesome day, yet again! Great tie too!! Thanks for posting it in detail!!

['E']

Wow, that's a lot of change, better get a bigger piggy bank, congrats!!

[pris]

Awesome hunt, John!!! You're doing so well and are a master at reading the beaches. One day we will meet...oh yes... and when that day comes, I shall pick your brain.

[Buster]

Nice hunting John. That's a good spot. I would camp out there for sure.Your back must of been sceaming after all the scooping . Also like the tie. ......Buster......