Polar opposites- Rad to Rural

Over the last couple days I have managed a couple of hunts.

Friday over lunch I met up with PulltabMiner and we hunted in an area of Wichita that most detectorists are probably not willing to go. The location was several empty lots where the homes had been demolished for new highways. The result was a 1928 wheat penny and a neat little makeup compact that dates between 1906 and 1921. I was hoping that it had been resurrected as a coin tin but it wasn’t to be.

On Thursday morning I was approached by a gentleman who knew I was a detectorist. He said that I should hit his place. I was quite intrigued once I learned a little more. The home that currently stands on the land was built in 1935. I figured worst case scenario would be roosevelts, mercs, and wheats. After a little more research on the Kansas Memories website I realized that it was homesteaded previous to 1885. To further sweeten the deal he mentioned that the previous landowner held horse shows on this property that would draw 100’s of people in from around the midwest. Anyways Friday morning I started making plans for a few fellow mders to hunt it on Saturday morning. There were 4 of us that were able to make it. 1 silver coin, 3 wheat pennies, a very cool silver ring, and a silver button later we called it a day. I wish I could claim some decent finds from todays hunt but I can’t! All I dug was clad, bottlecaps, a hose nozzle, and other assorted rubbish. We all had a great time and the weather was good for swinging our things!

As a side note, one of the guys I hunted with on Saturday may have a way to get permission to hunt a site that I have wanted to hunt for a very long time. I am hoping that this works out because it is the kind of place that could produce seated coins… In the 1870’s and 1880’s many folks would travel to this destination resort for the “healing spring waters” that were in the area. I’m certain that these healing waters were not free to the public, meaning money switched hands!

Happy Hunting & Thanks for reading *\_

Best day yet

Well today I observed a motorcycle safety class as part of my Ridercoach duties at Motorcycle Training Specialists until right around noon. At about 5:00 I got out for some swing time with the Ace. I tried a new spot that I recently got permission for. I dug a ton of trash and one very cool bracelet/anklet. The pendant is marked .925! I then went driving around rural Butler county and found a homestead that looked original and true to the tun of the century. There happened to be a gentleman cleaning out his bass boat so I asked if he would mind me detecting. He granted me permission and I got to swinging! This place has a huge yard, tons of outbuildings, and trees that are well over 100 years old. I know this because once the homeowner finished tidying up his boat he joined me on the hunt and told the farm has been in the family for the last 80 years or so. The property is very cool and includes a wooden boxcar from a set of tracks that used to neighbor his property. I only hunted for about an hour and pulled a 43 merc, a 40 merc, and a 1920 wheat penny. The homeowner mentioned that he had seen people detecting before but never really knew how it worked. He seemed quite impressed with how well I dug my plugs and left the area clean. I took that as a huge compliment because that is something I strive to improve. He didn’t seem impressed that the Ace doesn’t tell you “exactly” what it is your digging. I told him that if there was such a detector it would take the fun out of the hobby! He saw me dig enough trash that I wonder if he would get into the hobby. All in all he was a very neat guy and it was a pleasure listening to his stories of the property! He invited me back anytime as long as I call first! Now I need to figure out where the indians, barbers, and seated coins are. I’m pretty certain they are in the Aces capabilities but would like to confirm it!

Happy Hunting!