Getting Excited

[Reddackel]

Greetings Everyone,

Well, I did it. I bought a MD and cannot wait for it's arrival. I have been addicted to the forums for a week now. I even dragged the husband out on a land recon today (poor guy, made him walk ahead in front of me to clear to the spider webs between the tree branches).

I have a few questions and am hoping a seasoned MDer can offer some input. I purchased a Minelab Xterra-50 w/ both coils (standard and the 18.75). I did my best to do the research, but with not knowing what kinds of questions to ask, I was at a loss. Opinions on my choice

Second, I live in quite a historic (CW) area of TN. There is a bit of land that is behind my house, seems somewhat untouched , but it is within 30-50 feet of the interstate. There inside the woods is what appears to be an old trail of some sort. It could simply be 4 wheeler paths, but I don't know. Of course, I appreciate nobody can fully answer this question, but in your experience, would something so close to an interstate be worth my time?

Your thoughts? I am getting so excited!

Thanks much,
Red

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[Gypsy Heart]

Welcome Red.
Sounds like you are going to have a blast researching the old historic areas of your community. Your Minelab is a great machine....just read the manual and learn it well. Do some practice runs in your yard using different metals and depths....There are alot of great people in this forum who can answer your Minelab questions better than I.

As far as the area behind your house. Try to get old maps of the area....If the interstate is closer, that doesn't make a difference, as often new roads were built in close proximity to the old trails.
The Historical society can help out alot in getting you info on the areas you want to hunt.
Good Luck and we look forward to seeing some great pictures and your finds!

 

[Reddackel]

Gypsy,

Thanks very much for the advice. I'll take every bit of it I can get. At this point, I don't even know how to turn it on (it's being shipped to me today) so every thing helps.

Checking with the historical society is a great place to start some research.

Thanks again,
Red

 

[petersra]

People generally take the path of least resistance. The animals followed the river beds and other easy land contours. Then the Indians used the animal trails and the covered wagons followed the Indian trails and the paved roads followed the wagon train trails. By the time interstates were built the towns and cities were already there so the interstates had to be built where there was room, so they may not be related to any trail at all. This was all said to say that if the four wheelers are using a trail, they probably didn't create it themselves, unless it is a circular path, so chances are good that it would in fact be a good place to hunt.. Nice to see a woman excited about MD. If your husband isn't a MD yet, it will only take you one nice find to hook him. Welcome and Happy Hunting.

Ralph

 

[Reddackel]

Hi Ralph,

Good things to know in your post! I'll remember that.

Yep, the husband thinks he's going to be digging at this point. But, I know him, as soon as I find a coin, he'll be begging for his own.

Tomorrow can not come soon enough. UPS needs to give me a client award for site visits. I've been tracking my shipment every 15 minutes. Wish it arrived my location and I'd go pick it up tonight.

Can't wait!

Red

 

[rvbvetter]

There's really nothing I can add to the good advice given you already.
I just wanted to say congrats on the new detector, and yes, you made a very good choice of detector. Enjoy HH

 

[ringding]

Red, coins are literally everywhere. There have been lots of times where I have been out in the middle of nowhere and found a coin and wondered why in the world is it way out here? The thing to do is to master your machine. Use it and use it and become familiar all the signals.

 

[Reddackel]

Well, today is the day it arrives! My husband will be at home today and he'll call me when it arrives. I'm leaving work as soon as I get the message! Ha!
Can't wait!

Red

 

[petersra]

You go girl 8) I took my 13 year old grand daughter out last evening to go detecting. She saw all my loot and wanted in on some of it. she is petite and does not have strong arm muscles. It was difficult for her to swing the MD properly and although I tried to encourage her she only found $0.36 in clad and I found $0.32. She was noticeably disappointed. Don't have your hopes up too high for your first time out. You will still be learning your MD and the finer points of the hobby that help to make a successful hunt. Don't get discouraged or give up if you don't find a chest full of coins the first time out Wish you luck. Ralph