CAMPING & METAL DETECTORS - KIDS & ADULTS CAN STRIKE IT RICH!

If you've camped with children of any age, you've probably been faced with the dilemma of finding outdoor activities that are fun, easy, entertaining, and inexpensive.  What makes a family trip attractive, adventurous, or potentially memorable for one, doesn't hold true for the next; especially when you are battling age gaps.  Bikes are great if you have the packing space and a safe place to ride.  Board games and puzzles usually don't survive the great outdoors. Getting everyone to put down their phones is a chore in itself! Stop fighting the fight!  The solution has been found...and its called a metal detector. Who wants to sit around the campfire and tell their own real-life tale of discovering treasure? I DO!

Based on my own experience, you are probably thinking to yourself, "How much are those things anyways? Expensive right?"  Wrong! You can find plenty of detectors that work just fine for $40-$100. The first detectors my own children owned were about $15 each. They were so basic, emitting the same beep whether the treasure was a quarter or a soda can.  But they really worked, and my kids were ecstatic. Many hours were spent beach combing for coins and jewelry left behind in the easy to dig sand. They were compact enough to travel with and even accompanied us to the Dominican Republic. The locals watched in amazement as my then 7-year-old found more money in an hour, then many of them regularly earned for a day of manual labor. Whether it was a gesture of compassion, or the opportunity for financial gain, my son actually sold his "toy" detector to one very old gentleman on our last day of vacation. Valued by one, but invaluable to another. If I remember right, he used his profit on an upgraded detector.

1805 draped large cent found within 5 minutes in a corn field

Again, speaking from experience... never discount the appeal of treasure hunting to any age. In fact, do yourself the favor and acquire multiple affordable units from the get-go.  After a person experiences their "first find", sharing ceases to exist. Don't subject yourself to watching a 5-year-old and a 50-year-old throwing similar hissy fits after treasure is found when it was supposed to be their turn five minutes ago.

Searching independently, but within earshot of each other, promotes a sort of friendly competition.... and eliminates pushing/shoving.  I immediately want to retract this knowing that by the 20th time I've dropped everything and ran over to the area of someone wailing "GOT SOMETHING" only to discover they've unearthed another old bottle cap. Two people taking turns while one detects and the other digs also usually results in arguments over ownership of the treasure found, and if you only one thing...just saying. 

Rhode Island beach finds

Young children delight in finding absolutely anything, so whether you secretly pre-plant some pennies or a matchbox car, it's all as good to them. Preteens/teens know the value of money, so cold hard coin is always cool to find. Watches, sunglasses and jewelry can convince them quickly to continue the hobby. Before they know it, they are hooked... and then they get their friends hooked. And they are outside!! I do recommend finding a trusted pawn/jewelry shop that will provide fair trades/sales. Adults? I've found more jewelry that I could wear on ten hands, but I never can bring myself to get rid of it.  I have returned many items to owners and given a few as gifts once cleaned up, but usually I just spend the usable change and hoard the rest to show it off to interested parties.

The good news is that hobbyist metal detectors are now pretty affordable, built lightweight, with easy features and factory settings which target items like coins and jewelry. National Geographic has a very popular junior model and This Bounty Hunter model (and often on sale) is one of the most popular on Amazon. This Bounty Hunter model is a great choice and still under $90 on sale.(https://amzn.to/3iNNbZR)  Peek at the metal detector category on the B4B Amazon Storefront to see which detectors are affordable and highly reviewed. https://a.co/1B6dwtJ

After some experience, you may want to experiment with other features which discriminate against junk. Normally, detectors give off different tones for different metals like gold, iron, tin etc. and you learn what is what quickly.  I'm too paranoid, so I still dig 99% of tones up if it sounds even remotely like a good hit. What is worth noting is that I've compared finds that I've made with a $75 metal detector against a $500 detector, and they were very much the same. I don't really want to dig 5 feet down, or wear a scuba suit to detect. So, despite the fact I could at any time use my own treasures to invest in a bigger/better unit, there's no need.  I find plenty with what I have. Don't waste money on features you won't use.

Purchase a set of headphones (especially for use at beach), an apron (for treasures AND garbage), and a digging apparatus or two (depending on soil type).  I prefer some DIY tools to store bought. When I first started, I used a small planting shovel and a colander both from the Dollar Store...and it worked fine. Later, I made a handheld sand scoop (pictured, or look here to purchase similar) by drilling holes into a grain scoop. Some people glue a magnet to the bottom inside as well.  Many people invest in a pinpoint locator, but I don't own one. If you enjoy the hobby, invest in what makes it easier for you to enjoy. Search tag sales and Facebook marketplace for your items. You can get some unbelievable deals.

There's really no limit to where you can detect. Respect private properties and prohibited lands.  It only takes a minute to ask permission if you are unsure. Start at your campsites and the areas around them (Unfortunately, you'll find trash irresponsible campers have left behind). State parks, recreation fields, forests, beaches, fields, ski areas, golf courses, farmland are all great spaces. Starting young children off in areas that is easier to detect/dig items (like a beach) will give you a far better chance that they will like/continue the hobby.  Trudging through the woods to an old, abandoned property should be left to adults. **TIP** When treasure hunting in the woods, move your detector along the base of stone walls and around the very large trees that surround the property.  Early settlers often hid valuables in these places.

I hope you find metal detecting as enjoyable as I have through the years.  It gets the family outdoors and you really never know what you may find.  It's the perfect complement to camping and honestly, I've spent much more money on items that I use far less.  I have been fortunate to find enough treasures that my machines have paid for themselves many times over.  Wouldn't you like to sit around a campfire showing each other the treasures you've each unearthed that day?  ...and actually have the proof of your adventure!

Share in the adventure, by sharing your adventures.
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Great metal detecting finds:

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I'M NOT CHEAP, I'M THRIFTY.

This post...some might call it a rant, is focused on the high prices most RV stores charge on their inventory. C’mon people (that means store/dealership owners), haven’t you heard that campers are a damn savvy group of people, with many of us borderline obsessed with frugal living (both on and off their campsite).  So, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but gone are the days that we are willing to pay the high prices listed on the inventory on your shelves, within your showrooms, and in your catalogs. Most campers and full time RVers have heard of, and are now utilizing something called the "internet". SSSHHH....not too loud, it might catch on! With free shipping and competitive pricing, it's doubtful I will be stopping in for a $50 camp chair any time soon.  And, kudos to Walmart, for stepping up to the plate and filling a local void by stocking reasonably priced camping/RV supplies.

We now have greater options on more than just parts and supplies too. Facebook Marketplace, and outlets such as Craigslist have become a haven for seasoned hobbyist to find terrific deals. Additionally, social media outlets like YouTube has made it easy to view a potential purchase without leaving your house. Watching thousands of actual camper's review videos and how-to maintenance videos are just a click away.

I’m not discounting that  RV dealerships have trained sales staff on their showroom floors or at local shows. It seems their job is to perform a robotic walk thru, convince you they can secure financing, and then provide you with all the shiny documentation you can haul home.... but when it comes to buying a gently used (or new) RV, I gotta doubt that any salesperson you deal with, has spent no more than 1/2 hour total (and no actual camp time) in the vehicle they are trying to sell you on. Honestly, if part of my money is going towards paying for anyone's knowledge of the vehicle, I’d rather deal directly with the previous owner who's been there, done that ( and is willing to tell you all about it).

I am also not saying that any dealership's mechanics don’t know how to do their job. I suspect 90+ percent of them do. However, for the price you get charged, it’s probably cheaper to pay the tuition to send yourself (or an offspring) to a two-year tech school and learn how to do it.  It seemed that the time frame for my rig to be ready (and fixed correctly) was about the same.


RVers, and campers in general, are crafty folk. Whether miles from nowhere, or just too stubborn (and thrifty) to pay RV superstore prices, we are the kings and queens of DIYs. Spend five minutes browsing camping boards on Pinterest (hint, hint : Bound4Burlingame's boards can be found here) and your eyes will be opened to a whole new world of tips and ideas on frugal camping.


Of course, these are just my views, and it is your choice to agree or disagree with some, or all of it.  Due to your own experiences, chances are you see enough truth in the words to nod your head once or twice. I’m all about campers helping campers....and I’m happy to save a dime, whether it be yours or mine. Sharing knowledge is just as important as sharing in the adventure.



At Bound4Burlingame, we are always looking for quality content to share on our social media pages and website. If you have created something, or know of a product that is worth it’s weight in gold, feel free to reach out.  Save the stamp money, and just email us at bound4burlingame@gmail.com.

WHITTLE A LITTLE

I'm not sure if my parents even actually knew that we girls had our own jackknifes; even I can't remember where we got them. My guess is that we inherited these "dangerous" weapons from our Vermont male cousins. The same cousin that once whittled an arrow so sleek and fast, that like lightning it shot clear across our town sandpit... and struck me smack in the corner of my eye. I inexplicably survived, but his prized homemade bow did not. He smashed it over his knee mere minutes after the misguided missile hit its unintended target. Inevitably, its fate would have been similar after us six scared cousins (one with a sharpened stick extending off their face) trekked our way back home already knowing that our grand (half-truth) explanation would most probably NOT be believed by my father. One of the few things we were right about as kids.

I never ever remember any of us whittling anything else besides arrows. No whistles, no animal shapes, not even one small carving worthy of sitting on the window sill. The satisfaction and gratification of taking a hand picked rough stick and transforming it a smooth piece of pure art was good enough for us. We probably could have outfitted every student at Hogwarts Scool of Witchcraft and Wizardry with our mystical sharp wands.

Reflecting now, I realize the true skill we were mastering during those whittling sessions, was the art of conversation.  Brilliant insights, teasing banter, heated debates, and boastful achievements flowed effortlessly between us.  Its almost as if those sticks actually were performing magic of their own.

When you whittle, you let your guard down. At first, your concentration is on that which is in front of you. Your hands quickly master the repetitive dance across the stick and then your mind relaxes. Then the words of wisdom start to spill forth from your mouth. OK, often not wisdom. And more often than not, you'll talk about stuff that you won't want to remember past the next day (especially if there's adult beverages around). Another great thing about whittling (especially with kids) is when you have a knife in one hand, and a stick in the other, there's no room for a cell phone. Unless your whittling yourself a selfie stick. We can definitely make an exception for that.

So, let's cover a few basic tips for beginners:

1. Get a pocket knife.  You aren't aiming to create a masterpiece yet, so a basic multi-blade pocket knife is all you need.  Keep the blades sharp and you'll be just fine. You can find a "How to sharpen a knife" video here. There's no need to spend a lot of money on this...Keep an eye out at local tag sales.

2. Find a branch/twig.  You want soft wood, like pine. Later, you can try Balsa or Basswood. Start simple, make an arrow or a drumstick. Once you've mastered that, select thicker branches and carve a utensil set, or at least a knife to impress your friends.

3. Whittle.  Start with the basic sweeping straight rough cut to give your piece a general shape. Keep with the grain. Then progress to the pull and push strokes to detail the piece.  These cuts give you the best control over the knife.  Other types of cuts may come into play and you can learn how to master four basic cuts in this video.


Its that simple. I wish I would've remembered this when my kids stopped being happy to see me volunteering at their school each day, and became secretive and moody prepubescent teens.  Instead of primordial groans with a few "none of your business" comments mixed in, I could have saved myself a whole lot of time and effort. I opted instead for more then a few gray hairs/sleepless nights whilst contemplating the meaning of motherhood.  My now adult kids are lucky I didn't have the thought of whittling up a big ol' paddle stick! I can chuckle at those memories present day.  Or is it that I suspect some day soon enough, they will have offspring of their own?  I'm torn between stockpiling jackknives/twigs or letting them learn parenting on their own... "cue evil laugh".

THE NOT-SO-IMPRACTICAL CAMP COOK

Call it a crime... 

This lifelong camper doesn't think a burnt hot dog (retrieved from the campfire embers) can compare to a decent meal.  Or even a half decent meal.  As a child, I developed a true distaste for hot dogs.  As an adult, I refuse to subject myself to this traditional "gourmet" camp meal.  Don't get me wrong, when a charred demon dog was presented to me by the angelic face of a three year old after finishing an hour long weenie roasting marathon; I wouldn't stammer before exclaiming "Its the best I've ever tasted." Truth is, with years of practice, I could fake a bite better than the rest of 'em.

At some point in my camping career (I call it that because I consider myself a pro now), I vowed never to be subjected to even an inch of a fiery foot long. Flash forward twenty years, and in my own mind, I've perfected the artistry of camp cooking.  Of course, it helps that I no longer have little ones to tend.  It also helps that my other half is smart enough to not complain about camp cuisine;  For he who sits back chilling and relaxing while others bust their hump...well, that would just earn him a "stupid" label, wouldn't it.

After the heydays of my park model existence gave way to tenting it once again, I had no choice but to simplify, reduce, and reinvent the extravagances of camp meals gone by.  So, it became almost a quest to come up with new meal plans for camping out.  Like many campers, our days are filled with activities away from the actual campsite. Unfortunately, wanting to be on the fast track of activities often equals repetitive dining out to save time and effort.  This is simply not an option for large families or budget minded travelers. So start off small and expand your menus. The key to successful meals at camp is off-site preparation, reducing actual cooking time, and eliminating cleanup.  Less packing means less repacking.  Its usually when you are breaking down camp that you realize just how much went unused.  Not that a camp stove isn't convenient, its just that over time we have developed techniques that eliminate the need for it. We try to use the campfire whenever possible (sometimes we use a wire grill over it).

Breakfasts need to be decent, and lunches light. Dinners need to be quick, but filling. Normally, this is hard to accomplish before 9:00pm (when the last of the summer's rays set upon our campsite and everyone hasn't already settled fireside with a beer in hand and no ambition). Try this meal plan the next time you camp!

Its breakfast time!  Wake up and put some water on to boil.  If you don't have a wire grill, place some rocks in the fire pit and balance your pot over the coals. 1-1 1/2 gallons should do. Use to make your coffee with and reserve the rest for "Omelets-in-a-bag".  Our morning coffee consists of a pre-made mixture of instant coffee granules, sugar and powdered creamer.  We keep this in an airtight container with a scoop inside.  2 scoops go in a paper/foam cup.  Add hot water second so no need to stir.  If you prefer cappuccino, try this recipe .  

Drop your pre-made sealed omelet bags into the pot of hot water for about 10-15 minutes.  We use 2 eggs, ham, cheese, onions, peppers and mushrooms. Each person can create their own mixture at home and write their name in the space with permanent marker. Store in cooler until you need. It cooks very quickly once the egg starts to set. You can slide out on paper plate or eat directly out of bag.  Use the leftover hot water for washing up before starting your day.

Lunches usually consists of sandwiches/subs. Make these ahead and wrap in foil.  Add some pretzel sticks and fresh fruit together in a ziploc(w/name).  Store in cooler. Everyone can grab as they get hungry.  Or stock the cooler with pre-made chopped salad and fruit cups.  Need a heartier lunch; add chicken, or a layer of tuna salad.

Supper will be a cinch, if you just take a few minutes before your trip to create foil packet meals.  Spread a generous piece of tin foil out and then layer precooked meat, potatoes or rice, and then a vegetable.  Add a dollop of gravy or creamed soup and seal into a packet.  Try one of these combos:

• Sliced ham, rice and green beans
• Chopped chicken breast, mashed potatoes and corn
• sliced meatloaf, mashed & peas

Freeze ahead and store in cooler.  When ready for dinner, place on grill or towards the outside of fire pit (about 15 minutes).  Open and eat.  Scrunch and dispose. There is no limit to what you can cook in foil pouches.  Use your imagination.  More ideas for foil meals here.

Italian Chicken with marinara, onions and zuchini

Cubed ham, sweet potatoes, pineapple and peppers

Rosemary cubed steak, potatoes and peas

Why spend your supposed "down time" running around the campsite trying to get organized to cook?  Then scrubbing pots and dishes after dark! Do your prep before you go!  Nothing is worse then being on edge, and under pressure, trying to get a decent meal out to your troops. Just try this plan once....you'll never look back.  Who's really happy eating cold Pop Tarts, Lunchables and burnt hot dogs every camping trip?  Not me! ...and probably not you.  So do something about it. 

DEALING WITH UN-HAPPY CAMPERS

"One always looking for flaws leaves too little time for construction."

Try as I might, sometimes it is pretty hard not to take other people's negativity personally.  Why is that you might ask?  Well, its simply because it pisses me off that after taking the time and effort (by that I mean hours, weeks, months... even years) to develop an idea, create a concept, motivate and invest myself, and then finally put my ideas to paper (keyboard)...that there are always those people that will take the same time and energy to crap on a person's lively hood and take all the fun out of it.  


I'm not talking about the usual "Debbie Downer" or "Negative Neil" who might be defined in one of the following ways:

• Someone who throws in a negative comment, says something terribly depressing, typically only tangentially related to the present circumstance or topic of conversation.

• A person with an incessant need to bring down the collective mood of a group chill or forum.

• A busy-body pessimist, one who looks on the downside of things, criticizes relentlessly, sees the glass as half empty...you get the picture.

In keeping with today's technology, I'm leaning more towards the following definition:

• Someone that finds it necessary to use social media to post negative remarks and/or make comments to create unnecessary conflict/controversy to fulfill their own boredom;  or to satisfy the personal belief that somewhere along the line, they have obtained a level of intelligence far more superior to that of the general public....and they feel the need to add their two-cents in on any, and every thing, from breast feeding to the molecular structure of gasoline.

It is the latter nuisance that tends to ruffle my feathers. Toxic people that can't help but attach their unprovoked commentary onto your posts and photos, hoping to egg a response out of another fan/follower...or you.  Up to now (hence this blog post), I've attempted to grin and bear it.  Ya know, be professional.  Then I thought, wait a second!  Let's define "professional".

A professional is a person who is engaged in a certain activity, or occupation, for gain or compensation as means of livelihood; such as a permanent career, not as an amateur or pastime.

So, let's break this down. (a) I'm not getting paid to endure anyone's wrath. My time and efforts are strictly on a volunteer basis. It has actually cost me to pursue this endeavor. (b) My education/career is not web design, photography, writing, survival tactics or publishing. (c) I'm no expert at anything. (Maybe complaining, but only because I've been told that... I don't see it.  Really.)  (d) Although most of the time, I find myself engaging in creative and intellectually challenging "work" with Bound4Burlingame.com, B4B Facebook Page, Camping Concepts 101, B4B You Tube Channel, Twitter, or our Blah...Blah...Blog, NOWHERE do I imply the quality of my workmanship is impeccable, or professional grade... or even of decent quality.

Many people hold a "pro" to a higher standard, thus finding it a necessity to place a great deal of trust  in them.  Honestly, I am an admitted amateur web designer and hobbyist camper, so due to my voluntary lack of professionalism...I suggest ....no, implore you, to NOT hold me to any strict code of conduct enshrining rigorous ethical and/or moral obligations.  I plant myself beside you, not above you. We are equal.  I know only what myself, family, friends, and acquaintances have experienced and willingly shared.  I've always felt that any one person knows no more, or no less, then another.  They only possess different knowledge.

When you do visit my site, or social pages, I ask you to have an open mind.  Everyone has the ability to listen, absorb, learn, familiarize, observe, recognize, accomplish, enlighten, and educate others.  Don't be jealous, or vindictive, when you come across someone making an attempt to share their passions with fellow enthusiasts.  Embrace it, be part of it.  Bestow your knowledge.  Participate on a fun, yet respectable level. Share in the adventure, by sharing your adventures.

If your goal when you frequent my social network pages is to criticize, reprimand, chastise, judge, nit-pick, bash, or give bad press to my ideas/performance/aspirations/attempts at humor ...  PLEASE...do a friggin reverse, and try focusing on yourself.  How about if you go to YOUR own wall, or blog, or Twitter account etc., and post a stupid, smart ass, sad, holier-than-thou, woeful, or depressing status/photo/comment which conveys your spitefulness regarding life in general. Then sit back and watch the morale of all that see it, plummet to the ground.  Get the hint?  Good.

Pass this on...or share these thoughts with a Debbie Downer you know ;-)  Maybe they'll get the hint too.

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