Thank you, Gerry! And no, I didn't pay him to say those kind words, lol!!! I met Gerry a little more than a year ago at an old spot where we've both done very well at, over the years. We both had our regular hunting buddies at the time, but we promised to hook up one day for a hunt. Well, things soon took a turn for the worse, as scheduling conflicts and other horse hay prevented me from detecting with my buddies, then, out of the blue, Gerry's best friend Les was rushed into the hospital one day, where they found out he was terminally ill. He passed shortly after. I had the privilege of meeting him a few times, and aside from being a superior hunter, he was also a gentleman of the highest order. So...
Gerry & I started detecting together, and haven't looked back since. It's truly a symbiotic relationship. Like Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid. Gerry is one of the nicest guys you'd ever hope to meet, and he's also an old school, his-word-is-his-bond kinda guy...just like me.
I've said it before, and I'll say it 1,000 times more...
One of the great benefits of this hobby is the friends we meet. I even think it's more important than the finds themselves, at the end of the day. Whether it be a hunting buddy, our community family on here, the relationships we develop with our vendors, etc., that's something that can never fade away. Finds will come & go, we'll have bad days & good days in the field, but, our friends stay with us forever. I am blessed to be able to call Gerry a friend, and I am privileged that I get to hang out with all of my forum buddies on here everyday.
I can't name everyone individually, however, guys like Ed (Ohio Dirt Fisher), Ron (Ron CA), Ray (Deathray), Bones, Leo Aranza, Pittsburg Will, just to name a few, have been SUPER instrumental in keeping this community afloat, and for that, I am forever grateful
I love ALL of you guys!!!
Joe