Depressing day detecting-- didn't dig diddley!
kiyote
Posts: 5,573 ✭✭✭✭✭
I set my alarm for 5:30 am to go digging at the 1920s era sanitarium and promptly reset it for 7:00 am, in need of some more serious snooze time. I did end up going this morning, arriving bright and early at 8:00am. Any concerns I had about getting embarassed being seen with a metal detector were moot-- everyone was so wrapped up in their own lives they didn't even look at me twice.
I decided to head to some grassy areas away from the actual sanitarium first, as they would be less trashy. My CZ-3D went quiet. Dead quiet. I swept the area and didn't hear a single beep for a good five minutes. When I did finally hear something, I pounced on it, even though I was being warned that it was trash. It was. It was some long, bent metal bar. After that, I dug a bottlecap, some chunks of unidentifiable iron and a rusted metal can. I should point out that the whole time I was digging these, the detector was screaming: "TRASH! TRASH!" at me.
Some good things did come out of today--
1. I was there for over three hours before I left because of the threat of rain. I have the patience for this hobby.
2. Bringing along some newspaper to scoop dirt into made my job much, much faster.
3. I need a stronger digger-- something that can cut through roots!
4. If my detector tells me it's trash, it probably is.
I didn't find a single coin.
I'm not too down, though, this was the first real day I had with my detector for any amount of time. I'm still getting to know her.
I decided to head to some grassy areas away from the actual sanitarium first, as they would be less trashy. My CZ-3D went quiet. Dead quiet. I swept the area and didn't hear a single beep for a good five minutes. When I did finally hear something, I pounced on it, even though I was being warned that it was trash. It was. It was some long, bent metal bar. After that, I dug a bottlecap, some chunks of unidentifiable iron and a rusted metal can. I should point out that the whole time I was digging these, the detector was screaming: "TRASH! TRASH!" at me.
Some good things did come out of today--
1. I was there for over three hours before I left because of the threat of rain. I have the patience for this hobby.
2. Bringing along some newspaper to scoop dirt into made my job much, much faster.
3. I need a stronger digger-- something that can cut through roots!
4. If my detector tells me it's trash, it probably is.
I didn't find a single coin.
I'm not too down, though, this was the first real day I had with my detector for any amount of time. I'm still getting to know her. "I'll split the atom! I am the fifth dimension! I am the eighth wonder of the world!" -Gef the talking mongoose.
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Comments
<< <i>I think a more serious digger will help a lot-- right now my hand is killing me! My older brother who also detects recommended a Lesche Digging Tool. >>
Look: CARBON STEEL HORI HORI KNIFE = $19.95 + Ship.
or: STAINLESS STEEL HORI HORI KNIFE = $24.95 + Ship.
Ask around...They work!
Jerry
Insane asylum?
I wouldn't think the patients would be carrying around any money.
My Aunt died at the State Hospital in Traverse City, Mi, after being comitted about 40 years earlier. Whenever my dad visited his sister, it was inside in a secure area.
Doubt you'd find much at a place like that. Maybe a nurse lost something sometime, though. Never know. They got to go outside.
If it were a TB sanitarium, it's about the same thing. The patients wouldn't be carrying around anything of value, and it's doubtful they went outside much.
Ray
http://www.fiskars.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10101&categoryId=10273&productId=10539
Jerry
<< <i>The Lesche tool is excellent.. after a while, your tool kit will flesh out and you will have what you need for various terrain types. HH.. Cheers, RickO >>
The Lesche is what I use at all soil sites (at the beach I use a scoop)... when the Lesche is sharp, it breezes through roots with a quick sawing motion. I have 2... one is sort of dull (been used a lot) and that one goes to the non-turf sites. The other one is saved for all the turf sites since it provides quick, clean digging.
<< <i>
2. Bringing along some newspaper to scoop dirt into made my job much, much faster.
>>
Here are a couple ideas for something a little more durable than the newspaper...
I think Jerry (CoC) uses a frisbee, or...
I use a small, 1'x1' rubber mat that rolls up and fits right in my pouch.
You are correct though... using something like that should increase your speed (providing more targets at the end of the day), and cleanliness (leaving no "footprints").
just work thru the plug.
If its not in the plug, I dig another shovel full and out it to the side, sweep it and repeat. After I find whatever it is, I fill the hole back and it's nice and clean !
Keep after it!
I think Jerry (CoC) uses a frisbee, or...
I use a small, 1'x1' rubber mat that rolls up and fits right in my pouch.<<
What Rick said! Also I have a small hand towel about 18" square. I clip it on the detector sling to wipe my hands. I can put it on the ground to place the plug and dirt on it. Makes it easy to pour dirt back in the hole.
Good Luck
Jerry
EZ-Dig-R
They're a bit pricey to just buy on a whim but based on a few of the "feedback" comments, it might be worth checking out.