paradiceau

Great job getting that lad involved with a wonderful activity!!

Johnno,

Interesting idea, create a sacrificial bit to protect the valuable bit......  

Kinda like hard facing the wear surfaces on a digging machine.

Stay well and Happy Hunting!

Jeff

Mitchell,

Any of those will be great, you may choose.  Thanks for asking.

Jeff

Allen,

Beauty!  Perseverance pays off, good job.

Jeff 

Norm,

Thank you for starting this thread, I am moved by all of comments from the guys Fred had shared a camp, a hunt, or an online communication with.  People from Australia, Canada, all over the US and others as well. 

I know you and Fred were close and the adventure in Cibola last fall is a great memory, Heather and Joni were there as well and it made for a great camp.  

My son is attending UCSD and last year when I was him visiting him I gave Fred a call and said, "I am in San Diego and would like to visit with you."  When he gave me his address I realized his home was about a quarter of a mile up the hill from my son's apartment.  So up the hill I went and was warmly welcomed by Fred and Joni.  Their home is beautiful and is full of the lovely handcrafted quilts she makes.  We had a good visit and the next day I took my son to meet them.  

Another warm memory I savor is that of a beautiful evening on the same trip to Cibola, I was sitting by a small fire relaxing and enjoying the sound of the birds just to the west on the Colorado River, (There is a waterfowl reserve there.), after a bit Fred came over from his trailer with a bottle of good Tequila and two glasses, "Would you care for a drink?" he asked.  Yes indeed, I said and I am happy to recall that evening, we did have a shot or two, Fred took his leave and returned to his wife and wheeled abode.  I hit the sack in the back of my truck and all was right with the world.  

 I do miss Fred and my prayers go out to his family.  I was fortunate to have known him.

Jeff

Wow Clark,

Between the Cholla, Yucca, Sneaky Snakes, Alien Jerky and now tiny Scorpions you are living a charmed life.....

Please continue to exercise vigilance and caution, and if I may, I also suggest carrying a bottle of Habanero Mango Salsa with you at all times....  It is the perfect compliment to scorpion burgers.

Jeff

Gerry provides thorough training and his staff are experienced detectorists.  He is an effective communicator and makes understanding your detectors settings much easier than trying to learn it on your own.  The knowledge of your detector and confidence you will gain during the three day training will give you a real advantage going forward.  I took the training in Rye Patch and went to Ganes Creek with Gerry and both were worth the money.  Good luck!

Scoot,

Don't pay attention to nay sayers, you are doing a lot right!  Nice job on research and determination.  Well done and wishing you much success going forward>

Jeff

Great shots Norm, Heather.....