March 31, 2013

Happy Easter, everyone. The Easter bunny found us in England and left a package of Cadbury mini-eggs at each of our places at the breakfast table. We headed out for the first field about 8 and hunted until 6 tonight.  The weather wasn't bad for most of the day and the sun actually came out for a while.  Mostly, it was overcast, windy, 34 F degrees and spitting snow.  We have been joined for a few days by a nice young couple visiting from Malta.  Needless to say, they are not used to this cold weather but are putting on  a brave face and staying out with us.  They made a couple of neat finds today and that helps keep the enthusiasm up. 

Our group did pretty well today, too. CA George found a complete crotal bell. Alaska George found, in his own words, some good old junque. CA Dan reported in with "just going slow and steady" and tomorrow will be his day. Bruce found some greenies today along with some buttons and bits and bobs. Clarence had a beauty today with a Portuguese hammered silver coin. Mindy showed me some of her \good finds but that was before dinnner and of course, now I can't remember what thay were. Let's just say they were outstanding she predicts we will all be finding gold tomorrow.  I found silver today,too.  This one was a William III milled slver coin, similar ot yesterday's find.

I am literally falling asleep at the key board so it is time to call it a nght. Clarence is sitting with me while I write this.  He fixed us each a glass of Bailey's Irish Creme which is REALLY GOOD STUFF. It help us relax and get some sleep at night.  Check back tomorrow!

March 30, 2013

We're back in England. looking for treasure.  This year's cast of characters is: Mary and Clarence, MN Mindy, OR Bruce (first Colchester, UK trip), CA Dan, CA George and Alaska George.. We flew into London yesterday and spent the night at Heathrow Cottage, a lovely B&B built in 1654. This morning, we picked up our rental van, drove up to Essex and got settled in our guest lodging at Rye Farm. We unpacked all our detecting gear and were in the field by 1pm.  We hunted until 6pm in a cold wind with spits of snow and sleet. 

Clarence had the find of the day today with a beautiful little Roman fibular brooch. I found a "slick willy" which is a William III silver coin, well worn so there are little or no markings. CA Gary found a cut half hammered silver coin.  Bruce, on his first trip to England, got an idea of how crazy we are but seemed to adapt just fine. How many people do you meet in an England farm field wearing an Oregon Duck hat? Alaska George was the smart one who chose to help Mindy with the grocery shopping and stay inside where it was warm and dry.  He will be out with the rest of us tomorrow.

There you have it.  We are so happy to be back and have this incredible opportunity to search for ancient coins and artifacts.  This is a trip that most people only dream about and we get to live it.  Tonight is the start of Daylight Savings time so we are changing our clocks yet again. Who needs sleep when there is treasure waiting just outside.  Check back tomorrow for the latest update.