I will be truthful here, that is what is it is exactly like for me, and i love it! Dont get me wrong i do not agree at all with her opinion of the hobby. But as far as how tough it gets to actually be able to find meaningful area to explore and the all the negatives that come along with it, like bugs, getting dirty , pesky people bothersome over the public easement(better to just move on then fight it past the public easement point). She does do this story justice in that area but she failed horribly in other areas.
A vacation, i guess typically 1-2 weeks for most people, is not near enough time for this hobby or any hobby at that to master and enjoy. Two i saw no enthusiasm at all for historical items, or the mystery that comes with finding some of even the simplest items. For example, who had it, what was life like at time, what made this item or that item get lost or buried. Nothing like that at all other then a mention of basic mention of history. No mention of numismatic interest or precious metal interest, no interest in historical caches of lost treasure, hidden treasures, pirate booty lost at seas or hidden. The enthusiasm that was shown was short lived by unreasonable expectations. her machine was entry level and no mention of better gear for better results was in the story that i recall.
Overall i came away from this story with the sense that the writter is a pessimist rather then optimist, fueled by aforementioned expectations and easily discouraged. I suspect most of her hobbies were short lived. As for her comment of not exercise, she obviously either dug in sand pits the whole time or didn't dig much at all, which leads me to believe not much effort was put into it. Here you gon' be working, sweating and getting nasty digging just about anywhere, and it will break all but the best dig gear and easily broken spirits trying too.
I just started this hobby in june again after doing it as a youngun with my grandfather on our beach trips in the 80's (to find free sinkers and fishing gear, i never found anything but that with him he may have dunno). I start in the middle of texas summer, with reasonable expectations and a enthusiasm and want to enjoy not only finding things, but exploring the history, the past of this area, spending time outdoors, and to get a lil exercise with the kids. It 100% has beaten sitting in the house with the kids doing nothing. Best thing i found so far? A 1944 war nickel. yet i look forward to upgrades of my machines, have a garrett pinpointer on the way now, and cant wait to get out and look again when i find a spot that catches my eye.
This story is partially inaccurate to anyone truly interested in all the things this hobby offers. Who cares what the negatives are, its the long term positives and enjoyments of those interested in it all that is what counts.
