tendonkeys

I started metal detecting when I was around 10 years old.  I built a detector using an AM radio from plans I found in a magazine - Popular Science, I think - my Dad subscribed to.  I don't recall the details other than the coil was wrapped with wire my Dad got somewhere around the lid of a Quaker Oats box my Mom donated and the shaft was part of a broken bamboo fishing pole I had found sometime earlier and brought home in case it could be useful.  Being in Florida and it's legends of pirate treasure, I was pumped!!!  My first find was a nail in the front yard!!!  I was so excited!!!  No one knew it was there - and I found it!!!  Pirate treasure was a cinch!!  Over the last 50 or so years I've found what seems like tens of thousands of nails and tab tops and other assorted junk folk casually discard like it's gone forever once it leaves their hands.  I've also found coins, some jewelry, and other interesting pieces of life gone by. Not once have I been discouraged simply because I recovered trash - however I am often disappointed in the clear disdain some folk have for earth.  Since my twenties, I've been in and out of detecting as work has permitted, but I am  very new to gold detecting.  I have only a year or so under my belt in that regard and wish to learn all I can.