The Villages Daily Sun

THE VILLAGES — As Larry Miller, leader of The Villages Metal Detecting Club, dumped out several jars full of the treasures he has found onto a table at a recent meeting, he said, “I’ve got two more like these at home. That is only part of it.”

For 30 years, Miller has made a hobby of metal detecting, and last year he decided to start a club for other Villagers who enjoy the hobby, too.

“It’s amazing what’s out there,” Miller said, pointing toward the large pile of rings, coins and other objects he has found on his hunts. “You can find some really valuable stuff. You have to work for it, though.”

Every experienced metal detector hobbyist knows that for every treasure you find, there is always a lot of trash to go through first. Among Miller’s many valuable finds, he said his most valuable treasure was a 14-karat gold bracelet. But nine out of 10 times, his finds are usually metal trash like nails, wire or soda can tabs.

Club member Steve Edlis counts three gold rings and several silver rings as his best discoveries. The Village of Santo Domingo resident has been interested in metal detecting for about 25 years, and he said it is always an adventure.

“You never know what you’re going to find. That’s the fun part,” he said.

Edlis said he joined the club to swap stories, experiences and ideas with other people who love metal detecting. He said eventually they hope to organize group hunts and trips to sites that may yield some good finds. He said club members even would be willing to help people search for lost jewelry around The Villages.

Even though a good beginner’s metal detector can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the types of places a person wants to hunt, Edlis said if a person enjoys the hobby and keeps at it, the equipment can pay for itself.

“It’s the only hobby I know of that will pay back what equipment you buy,” he said.

For Dave Miller, of the Village of Del Mar, metal detecting is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby.

“You kind of zone out. You’re just so concentrated on what you’re doing,” he said. “It’s a fun thing. It doesn’t sound like much until you actually do it.”

Larry said anyone who is interested in metal detecting as a hobby is welcome to join the club meetings at Churchill Street Recreation Center, and even can try out some of the member’s extra metal detectors before buying one.

“It’s a good hobby because you can go up there and not worry about anything,” he said. “It’s the thrill of the hunt.”

Caroline Klapper is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9018, or caroline.klapper@thevillagesmedia.com.