MD Journal

Since 1970, I have kept a journal but not for every hunt. Only for significant ones. The reason is simple. I may want to return to places where finds were plentiful but as my skills improve, I also like to return to the places that were not so good and if I journalize them, I may be biased against returning. Thus, when my brain tells me, "You've been here before," I can ignore it and work the ground again. In probably 50% of those cases, my opinion of a place changes.

Over the years, I found a few thiings that might help anyone just starting out. I used to be very concerned about how much area I could cover in an outing. I'd whip across the area from place to place believing that I was just a few steps away from the next best spot. With more experience, I now slow down and focus on smaller areas. I have never been disappointed. I can stand shoulder to shoulder with other friends out detecting and find silver, gold and modern coins all day long while they complain about how sparse the finds are. Focus and slow down. Be thorough. When you arrive at a location, don't just see it as it is today, imagine how it was 40, 50 or 60 years ago. Where you see a small depression might be where a mighty oak once stood. Overgrown areas today might have been the open meadows of yesterday that hosted stickball game and football matches.

Keep your mind open, use a journal. The best use of the journal is to tell you which types of areas are best. Personally, I find that areas which are used for carnivals, a circus or agricultural fair to be the absolute best by far. That's according to my journals. Old parks come in second place and sports fields third. Especially high school sports fields. Your mileage may vary.

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http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,46791.msg256542.html#msg256542

Ah, yes. I don't use a journal for potential sites. I use 3x5 cards with notes for that. After I visit a site and see if it is suitable, I then get permission if needed and make journal entries afterwards if the site merits that. My 3x5 card system can be organized by location quite easily or rearranged by any other means I choose. Soon, I will probably make a database instead but my cards can go with me in a small box. My database will probably be an app for my phone or tablet but that's still a good way off.

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		Quote:			Posted by GoldDigger1950
	My database will probably be an app for my phone or tablet but that's still a good way off.

If you ever make an App for the tablet do think of me old friend.

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http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,46791.msg256587.html#msg256587

Xavier

Holy crow GD. I am gonna guess you are in the computer or networking business. Best of luck building that software. If you ever need test dummies, keep me in mind. 

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http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,46791.msg256645.html#msg256645

GD can you tell me what app I must install on my tablet to be able to read these documents and e books as I just tried to open one from our download area and cant open it.


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Xavier