A blessing, a penny, scary day and a story

[dignhistory]

Long story....Today I went to a creek to look around and do some metal detecting but I did not leave home until noon so it was nice and hot. I had to cook lunch for my husband. I had been at the creek for a little over an hour when I seen a pick-up drive by and then about 10 minutes later it drove back by. I only saw one other vehicle because this place is not hardly traveled. I did not notice that the people had stopped until this man walked by me and went under the bridge. I had my headphones on and was digging away so I did not hear him. He went under one side of the bridge and I did not think much about it and went about my business, that was when I glanced up he had went to the other side of the bridge and was looking into a hole between two rocks so I put my head down and tried to ignore the guy. Then the man came by me, stopped and asked me what I was looking for and I told him I was just seeing what I could find today but all I have found was gun shells and rusty nails. He asked me if that is what I was looking for, I told him no just looking for whatever. He made some small talk about metal detectors and how some could probably find gold. Then he told me about a place about a mile or so up the road and that there was something in the ground that was made of rock and that he could show it to me. He said he thought it was haunted and I told him I did not want to see anything that was haunted. We talked of other things also but it would just drag the story out longer if I went into every thing. The man looked dirty and his teeth where rotting out. Up the hill by my pick-up was his friend in their pick-up. Then the man started talking about some small fish in the water and he was looking under the rock for a catfish. The water hole under the bridge was not very big at all and was not deep either. I thought he might be talking about noodling and told him I had seen a show on TV about noodling, we talked noodling for a little bit he asked if I had ever been. He said he was just curious about what I was doing. Needless to say I thought to myself that I may not be leaving there. I just talked to him like I would anyone else and stayed calm on the outside but on the inside I was getting scared. So you see I was blessed today, everything turned out okay except that I did not find any treasure but the penny. So the total today is nothing of any value except me...the rest is gun shells, rusty nails and some rocks I picked up just because I like rocks plus my lucky penny, all pictured below. By the way 3 hours in the sun and in this heat not a good idea. Sorry this is long but just wanted to say, let someone know where you are going and if you are female be careful of where you go. Hope you had a nice day and a great hunt if you went today. HH

 

[bearbqd]

One thing I carry along is a rock hammer. I use it with a little hand shovel but the rock hammer in one hand generally makes strangers give me a wider birth. I pull the shovel out when I'm ready to dig.

That is a formidable weapon and I carry one quite often as well. Fits perfect between two belt loops and I don't even know it's there til I need it.

 

[stagger]

Handguns are your friends.

 

[Chocadog]

Sorry to hear about your ordeal, I think I would try to get a hunting buddy when you are in such a remote location. I would sure not wear headphones if I were hunting alone in such a place and a gun is NOT the answer. A can of pepper spray might be a good friend to have in a time of need.

 

[spitfire55]

Wow!.... you should have know better then that. Don't create an environment for some one to have an advantage over you under any circumstance. "THINK" please "THINK" about being safe at all cost when you are out or alone where ever you go.
You may not Know it but, there were Angles guarding you and that person you encountered that particular day knew that no harm could come to you. We're suppose to become more wiser as we gain the years in experience on the battle field of life so you earned that one. Be ALERT at all times from now on.

 

[Breezie]

Theda,
I totally understand how you felt that day because I have been in the same basic situation, and have encountered weirdos, homeless people, drunks, druggies, squatters, and the likes. Even though I have 2 Black Belts, one in TaeKwonDo and Tang Soo Do and have been an Instructor, I still take my 2 friends, Smith & Wesson, plus Pepper Spray. This blond head of mine is like a siren and in the cooler months, I wear a hoodie or toboggan. Whenever I am in a public place, like a park or swimming area, I wear one of those neon yellow safety vest and a name tag.(pic on my page) I also have one of those lightweight static electricity clinging signs I stick up in the rear window of the SUV. The sign says: NC Historical Club - - -Saving History One Dig At A Time, and it has a picture of 2 crossed metal detectors. I designed the sign and had the local print shop make it for me. This lets everyone know what I'm doing.

I know all of this might sound like over-kill, but the older, historical homes and places in my city are in not so desirable neighborhoods, plus we have gangs. The places I hunt are becoming less and less because of this. I don't think you can be too careful, especially if you're hunting alone. I'm glad you're safe. Breezie

Kiros32 & UnderARock, what's up with you two? Both of you are from PA, so maybe you're close enough to the Penn. Dutch Country that all is peaceful in your area, but not so in some of ours.

Ivan, sorry to hear about your attack, but I'm glad you're here to tell about it.

 

[Kiros32]

Theda,
I totally understand how you felt that day because I have been in the same basic situation, and have encountered weirdos, homeless people, drunks, druggies, squatters, and the likes. Even though I have 2 Black Belts, one in TaeKwonDo and Tang Soo Do and have been an Instructor, I still take my 2 friends, Smith & Wesson, plus Pepper Spray. This blond head of mine is like a siren and in the cooler months, I wear a hoodie or toboggan. Whenever I am in a public place, like a park or swimming area, I wear one of those neon yellow safety vest and a name tag.(pic on my page) I also have one of those lightweight static electricity clinging signs I stick up in the rear window of the SUV. The sign says: NC Historical Club - - -Saving History One Dig At A Time, and it has a picture of 2 crossed metal detectors. I designed the sign and had the local print shop make it for me. This lets everyone know what I'm doing.

I know all of this might sound like over-kill, but the older, historical homes and places in my city are in not so desirable neighborhoods, plus we have gangs. The places I hunt are becoming less and less because of this. I don't think you can be too careful, especially if you're hunting alone. I'm glad you're safe. Breezie

Kiros32 & UnderARock, what's up with you two? Both of you are from PA, so maybe you're close enough to the Penn. Dutch Country that all is peaceful in your area, but not so in some of ours.

Ivan, sorry to hear about your attack, but I'm glad you're here to tell about it.

I live in Pittsburgh, and no, things aren't all rainbows and unicorns here. Perhaps my comment was harsh, but it disgusts me that we are so quick to judge people... everyone is scared of everyone these days. A dark haired woman was hand cuffed, taken off a plane, and strip search because someone on the plane thought she "looked suspicious." That's disgusting...

I have had countless people, both men and women, some clearly in rough shape, others well-dressed, walk up to me while in the field and ask what I am doing. Though I never let my guard down, I am always happy to explain to them what I am doing and show them what I have found. Not once have I ever suspected any of them of wanting to do anything other than have a friendly conversation.

The wording that was used by the original poster was a bit strong, but I see her point. Perhaps if she had simply said that she was glad that the man didn't have any bad intentions, and not that she was blessed that he didn't hurt her (not the exact wording, but clearly what she meant), then I probably wouldn't have reacted the way that I did.

 

[NGE]

If the sun is shining and you are NOT hunting in the shadows, or if it is high noon then have the sun at your back at all times. That way you can see the shadow of a ner do well sneaking up on you. Glad you are safe.......NGE

 

[Breezie]

author=Kiros32
I live in Pittsburgh, and no, things aren't all rainbows and unicorns here. Perhaps my comment was harsh, but it disgusts me that we are so quick to judge people I make it a practice not to judge anyone. Theda was minding her own business, and the guy came into 'her' space, and continued to stay there until it made her uncomfortable. She was forced to make a judgment for her safety. ... everyone is scared of everyone these days. A dark haired woman was hand cuffed, taken off a plane, and strip search because someone on the plane thought she "looked suspicious." That's disgusting... According to the Associated Press, she was removed and searched because she was on Row 12 beside 2 men who made several trips to the restroom and stayed longer than necessary, thus raising suspicions. Authorities were being extra careful since this was the 10th anniversary of 9-11. I'm sure the family members and friends of the 2,985 people killed 10 years ago, would have welcomed a tighter security on that day. My opinion is, it is better to be safe, than sorry.

I have had countless people, both men and women, some clearly in rough shape, others well-dressed, walk up to me while in the field and ask what I am doing. The situation is different for a man than a woman. And to quote Harper Lee from To Kill A Mockingbird: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
Though I never let my guard down, I am always happy to explain to them what I am doing and show them what I have found. Not once have I ever suspected any of them of wanting to do anything other than have a friendly conversation. That certainly is a positive for you because I have not been that fortunate.

The wording that was used by the original poster was a bit strong, but I see her point. Perhaps if she had simply said that she was glad that the man didn't have any bad intentions, and not that she was blessed that he didn't hurt her (not the exact wording, but clearly what she meant), then I probably wouldn't have reacted the way that I did. I think BLESSED is/was the perfect word. Since I am of the Christian faith, I do see it as a 'blessing,' and she was indeed blessed, but there again, that is my personal opinion. I don't know your age, but I'm old enough to have grandchildren, and at my age, I see a lot of 'blessings.' Hopefully you will read what I have written and understand I mean no disrespect to you. You stated she shouldn't be so quick to 'judge,' but were you not judging her? Have a great day, Breezie

 

[Kiros32]

author=Kiros32
I live in Pittsburgh, and no, things aren't all rainbows and unicorns here. Perhaps my comment was harsh, but it disgusts me that we are so quick to judge people I make it a practice not to judge anyone. Theda was minding her own business, and the guy came into 'her' space, and continued to stay there until it made her uncomfortable. She was forced to make a judgment for her safety. ... everyone is scared of everyone these days. A dark haired woman was hand cuffed, taken off a plane, and strip search because someone on the plane thought she "looked suspicious." That's disgusting... According to the Associated Press, she was removed and searched because she was on Row 12 beside 2 men who made several trips to the restroom and stayed longer than necessary, thus raising suspicions. Authorities were being extra careful since this was the 10th anniversary of 9-11. I'm sure the family members and friends of the 2,985 people killed 10 years ago, would have welcomed a tighter security on that day. My opinion is, it is better to be safe, than sorry.

I have had countless people, both men and women, some clearly in rough shape, others well-dressed, walk up to me while in the field and ask what I am doing. The situation is different for a man than a woman. And to quote Harper Lee from To Kill A Mockingbird: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
Though I never let my guard down, I am always happy to explain to them what I am doing and show them what I have found. Not once have I ever suspected any of them of wanting to do anything other than have a friendly conversation. That certainly is a positive for you because I have not been that fortunate.

The wording that was used by the original poster was a bit strong, but I see her point. Perhaps if she had simply said that she was glad that the man didn't have any bad intentions, and not that she was blessed that he didn't hurt her (not the exact wording, but clearly what she meant), then I probably wouldn't have reacted the way that I did. I think BLESSED is/was the perfect word. Since I am of the Christian faith, I do see it as a 'blessing,' and she was indeed blessed, but there again, that is my personal opinion. I don't know your age, but I'm old enough to have grandchildren, and at my age, I see a lot of 'blessings.' Hopefully you will read what I have written and understand I mean no disrespect to you. You stated she shouldn't be so quick to 'judge,' but were you not judging her? Have a great day, Breezie

Don't you dare reference 9-11 and the number of people that were killed as a defense to this nonsense. My father was in DC that day and we didn't hear from him for over 5 hours. He had left the Pentagon mere minutes before the plane struck. I don't care where the lady was sitting, she wasn't the one making trips to the bathroom... as she put it, "I was sleeping and playing with my cell phone." I would have sued if I was hand cuffed and strip searched because I was sitting in the same row as two people that "looked suspicious."

I wash my hands of this, it's not worth arguing over. Glad no one was hurt by the big scary guys with rotten teeth that were curious about what she was doing and talked about fish...

 

[olepossum]

two of those rocks look ike a prehistoric whales tooth and the other looks like it might be a part of a prehistoric lawbone and the one with a hole in it is called a friendship stone water made that hole over a very very long period of time

 

[olepossum]

sorry jaw bone

 

[Breezie]

author=Kiros32
I live in Pittsburgh, and no, things aren't all rainbows and unicorns here. Perhaps my comment was harsh, but it disgusts me that we are so quick to judge people I make it a practice not to judge anyone. Theda was minding her own business, and the guy came into 'her' space, and continued to stay there until it made her uncomfortable. She was forced to make a judgment for her safety. ... everyone is scared of everyone these days. A dark haired woman was hand cuffed, taken off a plane, and strip search because someone on the plane thought she "looked suspicious." That's disgusting... According to the Associated Press, she was removed and searched because she was on Row 12 beside 2 men who made several trips to the restroom and stayed longer than necessary, thus raising suspicions. Authorities were being extra careful since this was the 10th anniversary of 9-11. I'm sure the family members and friends of the 2,985 people killed 10 years ago, would have welcomed a tighter security on that day. My opinion is, it is better to be safe, than sorry.

I have had countless people, both men and women, some clearly in rough shape, others well-dressed, walk up to me while in the field and ask what I am doing. The situation is different for a man than a woman. And to quote Harper Lee from To Kill A Mockingbird: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
Though I never let my guard down, I am always happy to explain to them what I am doing and show them what I have found. Not once have I ever suspected any of them of wanting to do anything other than have a friendly conversation. That certainly is a positive for you because I have not been that fortunate.

The wording that was used by the original poster was a bit strong, but I see her point. Perhaps if she had simply said that she was glad that the man didn't have any bad intentions, and not that she was blessed that he didn't hurt her (not the exact wording, but clearly what she meant), then I probably wouldn't have reacted the way that I did. I think BLESSED is/was the perfect word. Since I am of the Christian faith, I do see it as a 'blessing,' and she was indeed blessed, but there again, that is my personal opinion. I don't know your age, but I'm old enough to have grandchildren, and at my age, I see a lot of 'blessings.' Hopefully you will read what I have written and understand I mean no disrespect to you. You stated she shouldn't be so quick to 'judge,' but were you not judging her? Have a great day, Breezie

#1 Obviously you missed my sentence that said: 'Hopefully you will read what I have written and understand I mean no disrespect to you.'
Don't you dare #2 Don't talk to me that way or tell me what I 'dare' do or not do. reference 9-11 and the number of people that were killed as a defense to this nonsense. #3 Theda's fear was not nonsense; it was real, and she wished to share it with her friends on TNet. My father was in DC that day and we didn't hear from him for over 5 hours. He had left the Pentagon mere minutes before the plane struck. I don't care where the lady was sitting, she wasn't the one making trips to the bathroom... as she put it, "I was sleeping and playing with my cell phone." I would have sued if I was hand cuffed and strip searched because I was sitting in the same row as two people that "looked suspicious."

I wash my hands of this, it's not worth arguing over. #4 I was not arguing; I was stating my opinion, and did so with respect and without sarcasm. Glad no one was hurt by the big scary guys with rotten teeth that were curious about what she was doing and talked about fish... #5 You, sir or son are on ignore.

 

[Kiros32]

author=Kiros32
I live in Pittsburgh, and no, things aren't all rainbows and unicorns here. Perhaps my comment was harsh, but it disgusts me that we are so quick to judge people I make it a practice not to judge anyone. Theda was minding her own business, and the guy came into 'her' space, and continued to stay there until it made her uncomfortable. She was forced to make a judgment for her safety. ... everyone is scared of everyone these days. A dark haired woman was hand cuffed, taken off a plane, and strip search because someone on the plane thought she "looked suspicious." That's disgusting... According to the Associated Press, she was removed and searched because she was on Row 12 beside 2 men who made several trips to the restroom and stayed longer than necessary, thus raising suspicions. Authorities were being extra careful since this was the 10th anniversary of 9-11. I'm sure the family members and friends of the 2,985 people killed 10 years ago, would have welcomed a tighter security on that day. My opinion is, it is better to be safe, than sorry.

I have had countless people, both men and women, some clearly in rough shape, others well-dressed, walk up to me while in the field and ask what I am doing. The situation is different for a man than a woman. And to quote Harper Lee from To Kill A Mockingbird: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
Though I never let my guard down, I am always happy to explain to them what I am doing and show them what I have found. Not once have I ever suspected any of them of wanting to do anything other than have a friendly conversation. That certainly is a positive for you because I have not been that fortunate.

The wording that was used by the original poster was a bit strong, but I see her point. Perhaps if she had simply said that she was glad that the man didn't have any bad intentions, and not that she was blessed that he didn't hurt her (not the exact wording, but clearly what she meant), then I probably wouldn't have reacted the way that I did. I think BLESSED is/was the perfect word. Since I am of the Christian faith, I do see it as a 'blessing,' and she was indeed blessed, but there again, that is my personal opinion. I don't know your age, but I'm old enough to have grandchildren, and at my age, I see a lot of 'blessings.' Hopefully you will read what I have written and understand I mean no disrespect to you. You stated she shouldn't be so quick to 'judge,' but were you not judging her? Have a great day, Breezie

#1 Obviously you missed my sentence that said: 'Hopefully you will read what I have written and understand I mean no disrespect to you.'
Don't you dare #2 Don't talk to me that way or tell me what I 'dare' do or not do. reference 9-11 and the number of people that were killed as a defense to this nonsense. #3 Theda's fear was not nonsense; it was real, and she wished to share it with her friends on TNet. My father was in DC that day and we didn't hear from him for over 5 hours. He had left the Pentagon mere minutes before the plane struck. I don't care where the lady was sitting, she wasn't the one making trips to the bathroom... as she put it, "I was sleeping and playing with my cell phone." I would have sued if I was hand cuffed and strip searched because I was sitting in the same row as two people that "looked suspicious."

I wash my hands of this, it's not worth arguing over. #4 I was not arguing; I was stating my opinion, and did so with respect and without sarcasm. Glad no one was hurt by the big scary guys with rotten teeth that were curious about what she was doing and talked about fish... #5 You, sir or son are on ignore.

Aw shucks... and this conversation was just getting good.

I apologize if I have offended anyone. I guess I am the only one out of the thousands of people on TNet that feels this way...

Perhaps I need to reevaluate the way I view society.

 

[lookindown]

Saying she was blessed that an old toothless guy checking his catfish hole and flirting, didnt hurt her, was a little dramatic. But she can post anything she wants and should continue to do so. People should also continue to disagree and give their opinions. You are not going to get a pat on the back from everyone, everytime. Anytime someone disagrees on here they get jumped on. Its like they are not allowed to voice their opinion.

 

[Bev]

I've been approached more than once and if some people used the commonsense God gave them, they might ask themselves, will I make her uncomfortable going up to her?
When I'm approached by "weird" people I try the small talk route but try verbal cues like, well I only have a few minutes left or my husband loves to hunt with me, he should be here any minute, something that wraps up the conversation politely.Most times I have to just give up and leave.
You dont know what people will do. I watched from the woods today as a guy drove up to my parked car, got out and tried my door handles (it was locked). If he was willing to rob my car what if he saw me alone in the woods?
It's easy to say hey I'll carry a gun but it's not so easy to say I'll carry a gun and I wont hesitate one second to shoot to kill. To be honest, I'd hesitate and they would get me killed so I don't carry one. I hope that makes sense.

 

[thrillathahunt]

Kiros32, didn't your mama teach you any manners? Before you criticize and belittle someone, walk a mile in their shoes. She is a woman, was alone in the wild and understandably felt threatened by that situation and felt fortunate that she was able to walk away and tell her story. There have been those who were not so fortunate.

 

[lookindown]

Kiros32, didn't your mama teach you any manners? Before you criticize and belittle someone, walk a mile in their shoes. She is a woman, was alone in the wild and understandably felt threatened by that situation and felt fortunate that she was able to walk away and tell her story. There have been those who were not so fortunate.

Read your post.....you just belittled and critcized someone.....geezz.

 

[lookindown]

I've been approached more than once and if some people used the commonsense God gave them, they might ask themselves, will I make her uncomfortable going up to her?
When I'm approached by "weird" people I try the small talk route but try verbal cues like, well I only have a few minutes left or my husband loves to hunt with me, he should be here any minute, something that wraps up the conversation politely.Most times I have to just give up and leave.
You dont know what people will do. I watched from the woods today as a guy drove up to my parked car, got out and tried my door handles (it was locked). If he was willing to rob my car what if he saw me alone in the woods?
It's easy to say hey I'll carry a gun but it's not so easy to say I'll carry a gun and I wont hesitate one second to shoot to kill. To be honest, I'd hesitate and they would get me killed so I don't carry one. I hope that makes sense.

I do the same thing when someone makes me uncomfortable, I say "Ive got a friend on the way and he should have already been here."

 

[thrillathahunt]

Kiros32, didn't your mama teach you any manners? Before you criticize and belittle someone, walk a mile in their shoes. She is a woman, was alone in the wild and understandably felt threatened by that situation and felt fortunate that she was able to walk away and tell her story. There have been those who were not so fortunate.

Read your post.....you just belittled and critcized someone.....geezz.

Call 'em as I see 'em. Chivalry is not dead.

 

[magjm]

My 2 cents-I am a over 60 female who mainly hunts alone. Having other people around does not always make it safe either. There are enough daily stories of single females and even couples disappearing in the news not far from where I live for me to not think the worse until proven wrong and I don't care how old they are, how they dress, or how many teeth. I once rebuked a male teenager on the beach for scaring the crap out of me by coming up behind me and touching my shoulder. I cautioned him to not do that again to a detectorist. We carry heavy scoops and sharp diggers. Do not startle someone with a weapon. He wasn't real swift so I hope he heard me.

As for appearances, I look like a bum most days. This is a rural area and I fit right in. As a RN in the ER I see my share of rough looking characters who are the nicest folks and nice looking folks who are high or drug seeking and would not hesitate to level me if I was in the way. The word is Caution and Be Aware. I keep an eye on my car, exits, and the locations of others and my digger is in my hand. Better to be safe and laugh about it later than a statistic on the nightly news.

Maggie