My first beach hunt..................:detecting:

[tabdog]

I decided to go beach detecting yesterday.

I went to a Corp of Engineer's lake. I had to go to the Field Operations Department to get a free permit. It last for one year.

I had to drive for one hour to get there and it took one hour to get the permit.

The name is De Gray Lake. That's funny cause De Water Ain't Gray. Da should a called it Dis Gray Lake. Dat means Dis Lake Ain't Gray

Well, anyway.

The swimming beaches have sand that's been hauled in because the lake doesn't have natural sand beaches.

I started at a smaller beach with my Euro Sabre and the 5.75 concentric coil. The ground balance did not need to be changed form the previous setting.

I could see where other MDers have already been there but I found an ear ring and a junk ring and some coins. Then I got a deep signal. It was below the sand and in the natural ground which is clay and rocky. At about 7" I got a 1958 wheaty in good shape. The lake was built in about 1974, so that went back before the lake was here.

There was a fluttering sound that was loud enough I heard it with my headphones on. I looked up and a bunch of ducks were desperately trying to all huddle up together in the water. I looked up and saw the reason why.

A Bald Eagle was circling above them and trying to single one out.

The Eagle finally gave up and went and perched in a tree.

I wish I had my camera because I was able to get close enough to get a photo.

The Bald Eagles come through here in the winter to get to warmer climate.

It was spectacular.

Next I went to the largest beach on the lake. This beach was so cleaned out that the only signals left were iron. I didn't find anything there but bobby pins.

It was a wonderful day even if I didn't find much.

I found a lot of enjoyment.

HH,

 

[GregM]

Competition is fierce all over . Seems everyone has a metal detector now. You have to plan your trips so you are the first guy on the scene after a good depositing session. Still fun to be out even if you are skunked. HH GregM

 

[tabdog]

n/t

 

[Elton]

n/t

 

[tabdog]

n/t

 

[gotreasurehunting]

THing in a nice location can definitely make your trip more enjoyable. Who really wants to crawl around in muck all the time when you could hunt on a nice white sand beach?

 

[tabdog]

It's beautiful.

Next time I'll be sure to take my camera.

HH,

 

[lordmarcovan]

I was just about to say...

(Not really.)

But it would be nice to see the place. Sounds nice. Betcha there's a ring or two waiting for you.

 

[tabdog]

I have just about spent enough time trying to have much success at Lake De Gray. It's a beautiful place and I like it there a lot. But this is not the best time to metal detect there. I'll be back when the time is right. Now I know where to go and more about how to proceed.

This is a view looking NW from the south end of the dam.

This is at the North end of the same dam. Those specks in the water are ducks. This is a very popular lake for fishing and recreation. The dam was constructed about 45 years ago by the Corp of Engineers. This was one of the first lakes to have Stripper Bass in the state.

This is a small swimming area not far from the largest swimming area on the lake. This is a cove and is protected from waves and wind. This is where I found what little jewelry I got and most of the coins I recovered.
This is also where I saw a Bald Eagle on Wednesday. Those ducks fluttered together so fast I could hear it through my headphones. That's what caused me to look up and see the Eagle. He wouldn't show up when I got my camera.

This is the largest swimming beach on the lake. Both these beaches are close to the dam. There are about ten public beaches on the lake. I need to find where the college kids go at night. I knew when I was younger but I've forgotten.

After three days of driving all over this lake and trying to find a good spot, this is the best I could come up with. I forgot to put the 58 wheaty in the photo.

Here's a close up of the junk jewelry. I think that rock is was probably my best find. Looks neat anyway.

That's a shot tour of Lake De Gray. Not the biggest but a beautiful lake none the less.

Hope you enjoyed my little adventure,

 

[lordmarcovan]

Aaah, there... that's MUCH better!

That swimming beach looks great, both as a place to go swimming in warmer weather, AND as a place to detect!

 

[lordmarcovan]

PS- there's a gold ring or two (or more!) waiting for you there. I can practically SMELL 'em!

Gogettum!

 

[tabdog]

That may be one of my future hunting spots.

Nice place to hang out until the crowd leaves the beach. Then may be I'll have my chance.

I wanted to get a shot at a Bald Eagle. But the only time I saw one I didn't have a camera.

Happy Hunting