I was in metal detecting heaven!

Patrol · Dec 5, 2007

I found these two coins at a local park that straddles the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. I decided to walk into the woods on the park’s nature trail and found assorted clad dropped by hikers. I then ventured deep into the woods into an area that looked “interesting”. The area had an old and used feel about it. It’s small trails and hidden alcoves peaked my interest. Sure enough my intuition was right I found what I thought was “Large Coppa” only a couple of inches deep! I jumped around thinking I have finally hit the “old stuff”. But, on closer inspection what I had found was a 1976 Honduran 10 Centavos coin and a Mexican 1 Peso dated 1981. The gentleman that dropped these must have come from Honduras through Mexico to the United States.

The next day I covered the park proper. I used my ACE 250 on “Jewelry Mode”. I only dug coins though. My God! Every few steps I was digging coins. I dug and dug and dug. At one spot under the monkey bars I found 10 quarters with one swipe! Everywhere I swept my coil I would find another coin. I covered less than 10% of the field and I wore myself out digging and had to quit for another day.

The following day I decided to dig everything and I was happy I did. I found a metal arrow, lots of kid rings (no value) and more coins. I thought I was in “metal detector heaven”. I knew that ‘the gold ring’ was just a few steps away. Then it happened! A lone figure strode across the field directly towards me with the sun behind her back. I squinted and could see her waving her hands and motioning toward me. I stopped and my heart fell, as I knew what was about to happen. “You can’t do that here”, she said, “it’s not allowed.” Standing in front of me she said, “You will make holes and people will trip.” I was devastated as I realized that my little bit of metal detector heaven was about to be taken away by a low level county bureaucrat saving the world from metal detecting maniacs.

Driving home I reflected on the day and what I had experienced in that park. I found evidence of homeless illegal aliens living there, somebody was shooting metal tipped arrows there, I found a shell casing, a foil cover for a condom, numerous beer bottles and cans and finally a small baggy used for drugs. But she saved the world from metal detecting maniacs.

tymcmurray · Dec 5, 2007

Sounds like a great hunt.
Way to go.

stryker-one · Dec 5, 2007

That really is an interesting story--too bad ole fuddy duddy had to spoil it. Like I always say "if it is fun then there is some rule against it". But you got some good finds that can't be taken away.

Stryker

Patrol · Dec 5, 2007

Hey Stryker-one,

Thanks for the encouragement. It was good while it lasted. I keep thinking of what is still there. The park has been heavily used for years and nobody has MD'd it. Oh well. Perhaps down the road there will be a policy change.

TE

TheTreasureAddict · Dec 5, 2007

Hey Brother,
Did the mean lady identify herself? What kind of park was this. I find that many people try to save the world without even knowing the rules. Bottom line is theyre super bored and cant find anything better to do with their time! Were any signs posted saying you couldnt metal detect. Was it a public park. I know many of us has had similiar experiences only to find out the person has not authority whatsoever to be messing with us. I would simply go back for some NIGHT OPS! Im not telling you to get into trouble! Im just saying that if anyone is there during the night theyre personally not going to be caring about u, theyll be more scared of u, then u of them! Illegal aliens, drunks and young love!

Good luck bro!

Crackbadger

Ray in CA · Dec 5, 2007

Next time tell her to go look behind you and tell you if she sees any holes left by you for anyone to trip in. Then continue on doing what you're doing, unless of course there is a city ordinance or park rule written against it. If that's the case, and I doubt it is, then go ahead and move on to a different location. But if not, stand your ground!

I hope for all your efforts you eventually come away with some good stuff!

Ray

Patrol · Dec 6, 2007

Hey Ray and Crackbadger,

I tried to explain that I don't leave holes but she would hear none of it. As I was being escorted off the field, I showed her my equipment (probe, small knifelike trowel, etc.) to no avail.

There was no sign indicating no MD'ing. I will look into this further though and see if she is acting on her own or if there is really an ordinance against it.

Night ops is out because the park is closed at sunset and the Daytona Beach Beach Patrol really does patrol it and they are not fun loving people.

Crackbadger, think what you did with your ACE 250 in the orient was awesome. Spent many years there myself. Never thought of metal detecting. You really cleaned up!

TE

PBK · Dec 6, 2007

Daydream said:
Driving home I reflected on the day and what I had experienced in that park. I found evidence of homeless illegal aliens living there, somebody was shooting metal tipped arrows there, I found a shell casing, a foil cover for a condom, numerous beer bottles and cans and finally a small baggy used for drugs. But she saved the world from metal detecting maniacs.

Put that in a letter to park authorities, and another to your local newspaper(s).

Great post!

olegator01 · Dec 6, 2007

Hey Daydream, Ray, and crackbagger,

I've had that happen to me too Daydream, the gatelady asked me to tell her where and if I found anything please let her know, seems her husband was an MD'er too. I said OK. And when I finished, going back thru the gate, I told her not much $1.56, and none on the beach. The $1.56 in the picnic area. Boy, talk about getting spaced out she went bananas, said I can't MD in the picnic area. I asked why not. It's the law she said. I said show me the law. She said I don't have it, but I was told that. I said again, show it to me or call someone who can tell where to find the law or I'll come back again and want to see a copy of the law or don't hastle me again. She said well they just told me it was the law. I said show it to me or I will go to the States attorneys
office and find out. I still haven't heard from the States Att. as of yet. Hey Daydream, I'm from East Central Fla. too. What gets me the little kids can take a little shovel and a pail and dig ' BIG' holes around and leave them yet we can't MD there even when I cover all my (shallow) holes. Irks the hell out of me when this happens. olegator

ridge_runner · Dec 6, 2007

Great hunt nonetheless. Too bad you were shunned away from there. Maybe another chance at speaking to someone and getting written permission (someone above her echelon) might work. Great finds and good luck getting back there!!!!

RR

Patrol · Dec 6, 2007

Thanks PBK that means a lot coming from you. You amaze me with your research skills. You must be in academia, or at least, should be.

I just joined a local MD'ing club and will broach the subject of the county parks at the next meeting. If no satisfactory answer comes I will become Don Quixote and waste my retiring years fighting city hall.

TE