After acquiring my new metal detector, my partner and I embarked on a trip to Gananoque, a public beach located just east of Kingston, Ontario. However, I must admit that initially, I felt a bit uneasy about the idea of searching for lost items while being observed by a crowd of beachgoers. The thought of combing through their spots as soon as they vacated them left me slightly self-conscious. To ease into the experience, we decided to set up in the grassy park adjacent to the beach, allowing me to acquaint myself with our new gadget while spending quality time with our son.

As we settled into the grassy area, I received an immediate hit on my metal detector. The reading displayed “18,” sparking a surge of excitement within me. With high hopes of unearthing a golden ring, I eagerly began to dig a hole. However, to my dismay, what emerged from the soil were not precious metals but rather two ordinary coins. The first was a 1980 Canadian Penny, followed closely by a 1983 penny. I was unaware at the time but Canadian Pennies in the 80’s were easily identifiable due to how the edges of the coins were formed, I would not learn this technique for identifying 80’s coins for months if not a year in the future.

Although not the golden treasure I had envisioned, the discovery of these coins brought a sense of reassurance. They served as a reminder that even though my findings might not be valuable in a monetary sense, they still held significance. While my partner took our son into the water to splash around, I continued my search, fueled by the thrill of the hunt and the prospect of unearthing hidden treasures lurking beneath the sand.

 

I picked up the metal detector once again, eagerly swinging the coil around the area with a sense of anticipation. My imagination ran wild, envisioning the possibility of stumbling upon a grand treasure trove. However, I couldn’t help but reflect on the lessons I had learned from watching countless episodes of “The Curse of Oak Island.” Those dedicated individuals had spent years tirelessly searching without finding what they were seeking. With that in mind, I reminded myself to appreciate the significance of any discovery, regardless of its value, & to just enjoy the time spent learning this new to me hobby.

Soon enough, reality set in as I began unearthing an abundance of trash. It seemed as though the beach had accumulated a surprising amount of discarded items. Recognizing the potential danger these objects posed to beachgoers, “especially children”, I shifted my focus to meticulously combing through the sand, determined to clear away any hazardous materials. Over the next hour or so, I discovered rusted hair barrettes, nails, bolts, bottle caps, pull tabs, and various other debris, & wort of all a syringe. I carefully removed the potentially deadly item and disposed of it in a sharps container in a nearby public restroom.

At that moment, a realization struck me: metal detecting was going to be far different from the idyllic picture I had painted in my mind. The hunt for valuable treasures would involve sifting through an array of discarded objects, diligently separating the trash from the potential gems hidden within the sand. It was a humbling realization, but one that wouldn’t deter my determination.

With a newfound perspective, I acknowledged that the journey of a metal detectorist would be filled with unexpected twists and turns. It was clear that finding a few gold rings would require more patience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the process rather than solely focusing on the end result.

activities like swimming, picnicking, and hiking. However, this time I had a new purpose in mind: metal detecting.

The next day., we arrived at Dry Lake with our metal detector in hand, ready to embark on another treasure-hunting adventure. The lake itself was surrounded by beautiful scenery, with sandy shores and clear, calm waters. It was a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts, making it an ideal location for our expedition.

With my partner Erin and our son Caspian by my side, we started scanning the area with the metal detector. I had done some research the previous day, learning about the best techniques and areas to search for hidden treasures. I focused on the shoreline, as it was a common spot for people to gather and potentially lose valuable items.

As I swept the metal detector back and forth, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Every beep or signal from the detector sent a rush of adrenaline through my veins, making me eager to uncover something remarkable.

Unfortunately, the first few hours proved to be rather uneventful. We found a few old nails, bottle caps, and some other random pieces of metal, but nothing worth keeping or trading. It was a bit disheartening, but I reminded myself that treasure hunting was a patience game, and persistence was key.

We took a break to have a picnic lunch, enjoying the picturesque view of the lake and surrounding nature. It was a peaceful moment, and it gave us a chance to recharge and refuel for the rest of the day.

 

After our break, we resumed our metal detecting efforts, this time exploring different areas of the beach. We moved closer to where people had set up umbrellas and towels, hoping to increase our chances of finding something of value.

Suddenly, as I swung the metal detector over a patch of sand, I heard a distinct beep followed by a strong signal. My heart skipped a beat as I knelt down and started digging. With each scoop of sand, my excitement grew. Finally, I unearthed a small metal object.

It turned out to be an old silver coin, worn and tarnished by time. It wasn’t a valuable treasure by any means, but it was a small victory that fueled my determination to keep me searching for more.

As the day came to a close, we packed up our equipment and headed back home. Although we hadn’t struck gold or stumbled upon any rare artifacts, my spirits remained high. We were now part of a community of treasure hunters, and we had a story to share with anyone who would be willing to listen.

Back at home, I logged into my new Instagram account, Swingingcoils, and posted a photo of the silver coin we had found. I couldn’t wait to connect with fellow enthusiasts, share our experiences, and learn from others who had been on similar quests.

On the second day of my detecting adventure at Dry Lake, amidst the usual assortment of modern coins and metal objects, I stumbled upon a remarkable discovery. As I swept the metal detector over a patch of sand near the water’s edge, a distinct beep filled the air, signaling the presence of something intriguing buried beneath the surface.

With eager anticipation, I knelt down and began carefully excavating the find. As I brushed away the sand, a glimmer of copper caught my eye. It was a penny, but there was something different about it. I turned it over and gasped in astonishment. The penny bore the image of King George VI, the monarch who reigned over the United Kingdom from 1936 to 1952.

Being an avid collector of coins, ok fine I’m just starting out, but at least I’m learning and it interests me, it was a moment of sheer excitement for me. I had never come across a penny without Queen Elizabeth’s image on it, let alone one featuring King George VI. The year imprinted on the coin was 1950, making it a remarkable 72 years old at the time.

As I held the coin in my hands, I couldn’t help but wonder about its journey through time. How many hands had it passed through? What stories did it carry? It was a tangible piece of history, a relic from an era pre- my existence.

The discovery of this unique penny was a thrilling addition to my new, yet growing collection. Its age and uncommon depiction made it a prized find, not only for its potential value but also for the sense of wonder and historical connection it evoked.

With the King George VI penny safely stored in a protective case, I returned to my detecting activities, energized by the possibility of unearthing more hidden treasures. The thrill of the hunt and the allure of uncovering fragments of the past had firmly taken hold of me.

Little did I know that this remarkable find was just the beginning of a series of adventures that would lead me to uncover even more intriguing, valuable, and fascinating items in the days and weeks and even years to come.

Join me as I continue to navigate through the unpredictable world of metal detecting, discovering not only artifacts but also the lessons and discoveries that come with each step. Together, let’s unravel the mysteries of the past, one beep at a time.