Intersting. I have been playing with metal detectors for about 35 years now. I even used to enter the professional hunts until I just couldn't keep up anymore. (Try 4 days of continous competetive hunts in Southern Indiana over the fourth of July and 95 degree heat). The only thing I do now is take the detector with me when I travel, especially to foreign countries. Love to hunt on the beaches - the digging is so easy. Last time was a little scary though. When in Tunisia I was hunting on the ocean beach by our hotel and was accosted by several different natives who all wanted to see (read that as TAKE) what I had found. The hotel "guards" were the worst. Not only did they want to take my finds they wanted to charge me to be there.

Playing around with a metal detector is a lot of fun and very relaxing. And my youngest was the only 10 year old in her school to have a real gold ring (that I found of course). One of the few hobbies (like collecting casino chips) that in the long run doesn't cost you anything since you get back as much or more than you spend. Sure beats golf!