AU_Solitude

Definitely inspirational, I've been following him for a while now.

If you are new to the hobby the 70 or the 705 are fantastic detectors. I found my first gold nugget with a 70 and they can still hold their own to this day against any of the other mid-frequency VLF's. You've been given a lot of advice here, if there's one thing I would add, it would be: Pick one detector and stick with it! The guy with an older model detector, who knows it well, will do just as good if not better than the guy that has a 'flock,' of metal detectors, none of which he has put enough hours on to truly learn there nuances. It takes a lot of time on a machine before you develop a connection to each and every quirk, sound, breach in threshold, etc. It's very easy in this hobby, as in any, to get caught up in having the latest-and-greatest equipment - try and resist the urge.

The SDC! Just kidding, I know some people find it cumbersome but I've gotten used to the weight and am very fond of the machine. A great story as always Lanny! I'd never thought of checking disgarded bedrock in the area you described, definitely something I'll have to keep in mind.

Very nice!

I finally got out yesterday for the first time since February I believe, rain and other obligations have kept me away. It's a very strenuous hike into a secluded spot - rope is necessary in a few spots - every time I go here, I always tell myself I won't touch it again unless I overnight it. However the draw of the yellow, even when I rarely break even with the cost of gas is too much to fight off.The weather was perfect. By the time I made it to my hydraulic pit I had maybe an hour and fifteen minutes to detect, fifteen of which I spent scoping out the terrain for what looked like good spots. I settled on what looked like a ground sluice blow out, or, possibly the end of a sluice run? Hard to tell. The area was probably 100 square feet of loose gravels that seemed to have spread out in a rather precarious position 3/4 of the way up the hydraulic pit. I spent about thirty minutes digging boot tack, iron scrap, and finally got this little bugger. The SDC nailed it on (2) at about 5 inches deep - weight is about half a gram. The rest of the short time I had there yielded nothing but iron. I hope to get back soon and really work this pit as it seems to be a relatively untapped spot.

Is this AZ gold? Incredible.

Personally, I wouldn't spend money on it. As much of a hassle as it looks to be, and as little as it seems it would offer you in the way of creature comforts, I'd think in most situations a plain ol' tent would be a better investment - that or the bed of the truck.

For the MSRP, you could buy a used Jeep that you CAN drive on the highway. Probably still a fun, nimble, little rig!

The incessant rain over the last week is getting a little old although I am sure it makes some people happy. I really enjoyed my winter detecting during those drought years. I had planned on going up into the hills on the weekend until they changed the forecast and snow levels.

Gerry, was this an Idaho find or elsewhere? I'd rather have that than most nuggets! (Most.)

Here is the flip-pac that I was talking about - really nice if you don't want to sacrifice everyday function for comfort. I know they make them for Tacoma's and some full size trucks (It looks and functions like a normal topper until unfolded.) **Not my rig pictured, only an example**

Recently picked up by MCAS on a AZ military base (SAR crew-member posing with, "Tweaker-Tool" GPX.)

If it's something you plan on eking a lot of mileage out of, I'd go for something by Toyota. Not that American motors are junk, but there's a reason why Japanese trucks and SUVs have insanely high resale value. I'd buy a 4wd Tacoma and throw a basic topper on the back or Flip-pac and make it work. Cots can be surprisingly comfortable, hammocks too weather permitting.

That's awesome! Nice gold. Would love to get down there someday.

Very interesting, crazy that the monster and GB2 both missed it? Might have to give this one a chance, just unloaded my monster and went back to my standby SDC and GB2.

Cool find

For nugget shooting? Your detector and a scoop.

I haven't but the ones that came with it seemed like junk and are still sitting in the box - I'm finding I rarely use headphones when running the monster, I use an adapter and detector-pro's when I do though. Rather than have them replaced with another set that is likely to fail, I'd spend my money on a good set of high impedance headphones that you can use for years to come.

With an average of (1) gram a day for your last trip, I would say you are doing better than many folks. Not knowing the recovery rates in the Sudan this seems fairly good. Too many people expect to get rich detecting for gold, I'd try and switch your priorities around and make adventure the first priority with finding a decent amount of gold the second. You may stumble across a few retirement nuggets along the way, however, you can't expect to! Best of luck and safe journeys!

Exactly my thought. My monster may hit the flea-bay.

The headphones don't appear waterproof - any thoughts on using it underwater? I'm guessing the factory speaker is your only option?

I was unsure as to which forum this would be appropriate to post under? Regardless, it's a good read if you have five minutes or so. http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/bay-area-settler-forgot-where-he-buried-gold-1850s-12488116.php#item-85307-tbla-20

Is there anyway to access historic mining claims info that used to be provided by the USGS? I always found this incredibly useful and am disheartened to see it disappear.

Incredible! That's the dream right there!

Hoping mine doesn't develop these issues...~30 hours on it, so essentially new and no issues yet. Fingers crossed.