Newport Meter Strips 2nd Day

[johnj45586]

Yesterday when I had such good luck on a meter strip in Newport Beach I checked out the area on the way out planning on coming back today. I was mighty sore from all the digging but determined to see what else I could find.
It turned out there are two more strips to the south identical to the one I first hunted. And there is a third strip at the far south that is a "double" with 10 meters on the Coast Highway side and 10 meters on the side street side.
The northern most strip I hunted yesterday really got me excited. I found 2 rings with the clad. I hunted the first parking strip south of the "good one" as the first order of business. It took almost 2 hours. The dirt was covered with daisies and bushes. This meant I would be limited in most cases to the surface to 1 inch or so deep. In the few cases where a deeper coin showed as a quarter, nickel or dime I would probe with my knife.
I noticed within the first couple of meter poles that the take would be much less today. The strip was exactly the same number of poles as yesterday, but the coins were about half - and no rings.
When I completed the first strip it was time for lunch. I went across the Coast Highway to a burger stand that has been operating since at least 1930. Really great pictures of the local area and '30's actors (autographed) are on display on the walls. It is really one of the wonderful historic sites in the area. It was neat to see that the store fronts across from the Newport Pier in 1930 are almost identical today.
I started in on the second strip after lunch and found about 1/4 or less the coins I found on the first strip.
On the third strip with 20 parking meter poles I found a quarter, dime and nickel in one pile and very little else.
I am not sure of the reason for decreasing returns as you head south. It probably has something to do with the number of people parking in the pay sites. The double parking area has a really nice restroom and is just as near the beach.
I was done hunting a lot earlier than I had planned. I could have gone out onto the sand, but I was really sore from two days of intensive digging.
The finds for the day included 5 quarters, 20 dimes, 14 nickels and 136 pennies. No silver or wheaties again. I also found 3 keys, one with plastic head that says, "BELL" and a brass shell that says "9 mm Lugar".
I had wondered about what coins in dirt with fresh water would look like (compared to those exposed to salt water). Coins in dirt are in just as bad of shape (if there is a constant supply of water like daily watering). The coins are requiring a full 24 hours of tumbling to get them in good enough shape to roll and turn in to the bank. There is a high percentage of zinc pennies that are not fit for circulation.
At least now I have a second hunting strategy to add to the beach hunting. I definitely like hunting on the beach the most. But when the conditions include high wind, especially cold wind, it will be nice to find and hunt some meter strips. There are bound to be more in Southern California.
Happy hunting, when you are able. It looks like the jet stream is bringing a lot of cold temps to the central US. My sister in Indiana is looking at -2 degrees this weekend. Hunt where you can.

[JCWhite]

I love beach hunting ..... just no beaches round here. JC

[Buster]

John, another good day of hunting for you both..136 pennies...yes you must have been sore and tired out for sure....Buster....

[EBCIII]

Hey john sounds like another good hunt. It is nice that you have found an alternative for those bad days, Beale.

[Lt1stone]

Sounds like another good hunt! Its 13 degrees here with windchill at
1 degree

[HaveFaith]

Hey John nice couple of hunts you've had. I hear you on being sore. My shoulder acts up badly, but it is worse when I can't get out constantly. We are getting that cold front on the way here. Temps are supposed to be only in the 20's daytime, teens at night. I swear I would move to warmer climes if I didn't have family here, and some duties also. Someday maybe! Anyway, keep up the great job!! Nice clad count too!!

~HaveFaith~

[Dixieldy]

Sounds like you had a wonderful day hunting, even if you didn't find as much, just getting out for the exercise is worth it all. Sorry you are so sore. I get like that as well too. Looking forward to your next strategy.

[gordiesgirl]

Another great hunt, WTG