How can there be so many bent nails in the great outdoors? I have a good assortment from two inches all the way up to twelve. The answer may simply be that all floating debris ends up driven to the shoreline where the wood breaks down and the nail settles snugly into the mud to await my TDI Pro. Old cans too. Here’s a thought for all outdoor enthusiasts……. if you bring it to the forest, take it home when you go. That simple rule would allow future generations the same or better experiences in the forest.
A more unusual find in the forest involved a ceramic insulator and rusting wire from the 1960’s. I recognized the style similar to one used on our farm decades ago. Found along the old trail, I wondered about someone using an electric fence in the forest. Maybe it was easier than trying to build a solid fence however the older electric fences had some short comings.
I had hoped to lead off this Post with a statement about a successful conclusion to my quest. Not to be. Well not yet. Ever the optimist, my approach needs fine tuning. And how can I use winter to an advantage? (Without spending any more nights sleeping in a truck topper!) The sleeping bag and heavy blanket were warm enough; it was the marathon of dressing into cold clothes and the ensuing sprint to build a fire. Experienced like the old days, oatmeal and boiled coffee included. Early October held more great weather for a search along the shoreline of Conkle Lake. Wearing hip waders and carrying more optimism than ever, I strolled south along the western shore sweeping the detector as I went. But along the shore line or further inland an obstacle will always be found in BC’s rugged back woods that requires a detour.