Washington blues....is my new E-trac overkill?

[skyblast]

Long time watcher, first time poster. (E-trac w/sunray X-1 probe)

I live just south of Seattle in a city called Renton. Man-o-man is the Northwest a boring place to metal detect as far as silver goes. All I keep managing to find is memorial after stinkin memorial. Only two wheaties! About a month ago I started out with a cheapie Bounty Hunter and was having so much fun digging clad that I had to upgrade. I kept thinking at the time that a better machine would give up the good stuff.

Now that I have an e-trac I'm starting to wonder if I over bought? I know that eventually the e-trac will pay off but for now everything I'm finding is one to three inches down and ALL clad with an occasional key or cheapie ring.

I'm assuming my problem is two fold. The first being, I'm not anywhere close to knowing my e-trac yet. I've only had it for 4 days and I know that I've got a ton of learning in front of me. I am however digging tons of coins but as stated earlier they are ALL shallow clad.

Secondly, I live in a region with relatively little past. The Seattle area didn't really start to get populated on a large scale until the 1920's. On a couple of the forums I belong to it seems like everyone is located in places other than the Northwest. If you are from the Northwest what have you been finding lately??? For those of you living in the midwest/NE I am so jealous. This summer I plan to fly out somewhere east to see if I can muster some silver...or maybe I'm not skilled enough yet???

As far as youtube vids go it seems like people located in the NE or midwest find silver (mercs/rosies) on a very regular basis.

My main concern: Is the silver just below me and I'm simply not skilled enough to understand what my e-trac is telling me? Currently I am using the preset coins and high trash programs offered by minelab. Maybe I'm not paying attention closely enough the little squeaks I've heard so much about? 12-45, 12-46 where are you?! I've never seen it come up once on my e-trac. I've got about 20 hours in on it mostly at a 1910's school and in an old Seattle parks.

Would you all keep at it if you knew silver was almost never going to happen....a question for you coin shooters.

 

[silverman]

Location is 90% of it. Tell you the truth, I hardly look at the screen when I hunt. You need to hunt by sound. Use Multi Cond. tones. Also, look at the depth. Seldom will you find old coins on the surface, or shallower than 3-4".(At least I haven't.) When you hear a good high sounding target that is showing some depth with it, you know it's something good. You need more time with your machine. Also, even though there is not a lot of history in your area, there is some. Research, research, research. The silver will come.

 

[NebTrac]

I will say I hope your frustration doesn't get the best of you. I'll just bet you haven't passed your coil over any deeper silver or wheats. With your wheat to clad ratio I believe you are in a tough spot. I also think with the Northwest having a reputation for so much rainfall that saturated ground sinks those coins a little deeper and also that plays with the signals differently. Those 3 inch or less targets can be some of the hardest and most frustrating to listen to. Deeper coins usually sound better. I'll still dig shallow coins as I've found silver and wheats just under the surface...and in very sandy soil too.

If you haven't already, I'd for sure be looking into a coin garden and practice listening there. We'll be looking forward to your first silver coin find.

NebTrac

 

[Cladiator (OR)]

They're out there--do your research, take your time to learn your machine, go slow, and be patient. We probably don't have the quantity of silver in the ground that the east has, but there is still plenty of goodies to be had if you find the right spots. With the E-Trac, you've definately stacked the odds of finding them in your favor. Stick with it, they'll come.

 

[terrywl]

Just a suggestion as to a type of area: any sledding spots near by? They tend to be used year after year and coins that fall in the snow sink and then get mudded in. I am in San Diego, but have a 6000 foot mt near by and it has produced most of my silver. Just a thought.

 

[skyblast]

Great advice thus far everyone. Thanks for your support. Also there is noooo way I will ever give up this hobby. I am in this one for the long haul.

I just find some of your reactions to finding silver so interesting, especially the mercs. Some of you seem barely delighted which of course is a normal reaction to something that happens on a regular basis.

Now if I were to find silver let a lone a merc I would absolutely flip out and hug the first person I see. It would be insane. I about lost it when I found the clad IKE in my birth year no less. Anyway, you all are an inspiration. I hope some day to find 1% of what you midwest/east coasters have found.

Nebtrac your video on the Morgan Dollar is amazing. I've watched it at least five times already. Truly a priceless find. Actually, that video is what put me over the top to getting an e-trac.

 

[Dr.Bill]

Hang in there it gets better . Look for old churches and schools they are usually an easy score.

HH all

 

[NebTrac]

Great advice thus far everyone. Thanks for your support. Also there is noooo way I will ever give up this hobby. I am in this one for the long haul.

I just find some of your reactions to finding silver so interesting, especially the mercs. Some of you seem barely delighted which of course is a normal reaction to something that happens on a regular basis.

Now if I were to find silver let a lone a merc I would absolutely flip out and hug the first person I see. It would be insane. I about lost it when I found the clad IKE in my birth year no less. Anyway, you all are an inspiration. I hope some day to find 1% of what you midwest/east coasters have found.

Nebtrac your video on the Morgan Dollar is amazing. I've watched it at least five times already. Truly a priceless find. Actually, that video is what put me over the top to getting an e-trac.

Thanks man! I appreciate it! This is a good place for encouragement. I am by no means a "great" detectorist. It is true I've got about 3 great spots that I go to, but I've missed a bunch at these spots too. Its only that they are relatively close by and I can hunt them as I desire. It still amazes me how I can miss coins within "inches" of where I had found one 6 weeks earlier....and I think I have a good habit of working the area after retrieval of a good target. So, stick with it and at least "warn" someone before you hug them after finding your first Merc.

NebTrac

 

[Jason in Enid]

Skyblast, if you are only finding modern clad, you need to change where you are hunting. To do that you need to spend some time the libraries. You need to find the oldest maps of the area and town that you can. You need to read the oldest newspaper copies you can find. Look for mentions of parks, groves, swimming, socials, etc. The old coins are there, you just have to find where they were dropped.

 

[skyblast]

Skyblast, if you are only finding modern clad, you need to change where you are hunting. To do that you need to spend some time the libraries. You need to find the oldest maps of the area and town that you can. You need to read the oldest newspaper copies you can find. Look for mentions of parks, groves, swimming, socials, etc. The old coins are there, you just have to find where they were dropped.

Thank you! That is a great idea. Actually that has been a real goal of mine. To find an old historic place where I can be left alone. I've decided that I do not like hunting places where people can constantly watch you.

So when I get to the library where should I start? The history section obviously . I was thinking that smaller older towns would be fun. More a chance of being left alone.

 

[Nick A]

I've decided that I do not like hunting places where people can constantly watch you.

Why is that?

 

[NebTrac]

If you can, go over to the maps part of the forum. Chat with LabradorBob and see if he can't hook you up with some historic plat maps. I've got them for my county and they are a great tool. One has a laid out town about 10 miles from where I sit that is now a farmers field. Those type of things are a lot of fun to research and find.

NebTrac

 

[tippyhound]

You have one thing out west us mid-westerns seldom ever see and that is gold coins. Your area has a lot of history because of the Yukon and Alaska gold rushes. If you have a chance get your hands on a few small gold coins to see where they read on the E-Trac and try to pay attention to those signals when hunting.

Also two areas that was great gathering spots in sparsely populated areas is schools and church's. People would gather at the different functions offered at these places to catch up on the news and to see people as many would not see each other for month's at a time. So research where those were located and it should help with your finding silver and other older coins.

Also watch for Good For Tokens in your area especially those that was put out while Washington was still a territory, some are worth a lot of money

Good luck and keep working with that E-Trac. It definitely isn't over kill and with time you will be shocked with what you will find with it. Rick

 

[skyblast]

I've decided that I do not like hunting places where people can constantly watch you.

Why is that?

Some people just don't understand MD. Even though I may be carefully laying down dirt on a towel and doing my best to make it look as though the hole had never been dug, I have found that while I'm in the middle of things people sometimes assume I am making a huge mess and destroying the ground. I've also been startled to death when I'm wearing my headphones....in the zone. I much prefer to on my own focused on what I am doing. My wife actually considers what I do to be rude. "Diggin holes in a park or playfield!" What most people don't get is how much trash I take home and a bit of history. Also I consider mysellf to be somehwat of a loner.

 

[banditicey]

Funny
I started MDing with my husband who had done it on and off since childhood
When people know we detect together they assume it is a "couple hobby" and we stay together through out ..Not
We end up getting there together and leaving together and if we have great finds along the way we used
to share immediately because of the excitement but not any more, we now usually wait until we leave together
This also happens because we are now detecting in large fields and can be as much as a mile apart
When I need to escape, I go detecting and focus on the hunt and the hopeful finds
I have also been known to go on my own when I am able since I work for myself
but being a short female can be a safety issue so I stay in open public areas when detecting alone
We have gone on group hunts with one to twenty others and they can be lots of fun
But the actual act of detecting is solitary and gives us the opportunity to "deflate".
As for bad perceptions of others towards MDing, the public needs to be educated if they are able to listen and if you choose to explain
The solution is to detect in legal locations and have the law behind you when you get confronted by negative comments
As for the wife, if you cant get her interested then let her know that her negativity hurts your feelings or educate her and show her the passion and history that are so much part of MDing for you

Best Regards and Happy Hunting

 

[Bell-Two]

Skyblast, if you are only finding modern clad, you need to change where you are hunting. To do that you need to spend some time the libraries. You need to find the oldest maps of the area and town that you can. You need to read the oldest newspaper copies you can find. Look for mentions of parks, groves, swimming, socials, etc. The old coins are there, you just have to find where they were dropped.

Jason is right location is so important but until you find the right place think of finding and identifying the clad before your digging it as sort of like batting practice, it can sharpen your ear and help you understand the numbers a bit more. Going from one machine to another always has a learning curve but in my opinion the learning curve on the E-Trac is not that steep. Granted I do have much to learn and I don't think you really start to begin to understand until you have at least 6 months of usuage. And then you are just starting to begin the beginning if that makes sense to you. Keep at it and it will come to you.

 

[Jason in Enid]

Skyblast, if you are only finding modern clad, you need to change where you are hunting. To do that you need to spend some time the libraries. You need to find the oldest maps of the area and town that you can. You need to read the oldest newspaper copies you can find. Look for mentions of parks, groves, swimming, socials, etc. The old coins are there, you just have to find where they were dropped.

Thank you! That is a great idea. Actually that has been a real goal of mine. To find an old historic place where I can be left alone. I've decided that I do not like hunting places where people can constantly watch you.

So when I get to the library where should I start? The history section obviously . I was thinking that smaller older towns would be fun. More a chance of being left alone.

Ask the nice people who work in the library, they know whats there so let them help you.
Next... forget anything about metal detecting, treasure hunting, coin hunting, etc. Don't ever mention these things when doing research.
Pretend you are a student and have to write a paper on early-day travel and social gatherings. Go in asking questions that would help you do this.

 

[skyblast]

Seward Park. This place is absolutely huge. Picnic areas, beaches, and a ton of forrest. Of course the first thing I'll do is check with the park staff to see if it is o.k. Actually, I think today I'll place a call to Seattle Parks and Rec. This place is only 20 minutes from where I live. My thought is that I would focus in the forrested areas first...

Wiki says,

The purchase of the park was suggested as early as 1892, but was sidelined due to its distance from what was then the city. However, the Olmsted Brothers assimilated it into its plan for Seattle parks, and the city of Seattle bought Bailey Peninsula in 1911 for $322,000, and named the park after William H. Seward, former United States Secretary of State, of Alaska Purchase fame.

At the entrance to the park, in a wooded island filled with flowers between the circular entrance and exit road, there is a little-known monument: a taiko-gata stone lantern, a gift of friendship from the City of Yokohama, Japan, to the City of Seattle, given in 1930 in gratitude to Seattle's assistance to Yokohama after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.

 

[skyblast]

Hi,

Unfortunately, a section of the Municipal Code prohibits the removal of objects from Seattle parks. I will call you to talk about this.

Dewey

Dewey Potter
Communications Manager
Seattle Parks and Recreation


Is this typical for most major cities around the US?

 

[skyblast]

..just got a call back. Ok to detect but not to dig in all Seattle Parks?? Very interesting....