There's Gold in Them There Waters

Here's yet another reason to live in Jupiter, Florida: there might be treasure in your backyard. Recently, a group of fortune-seekers came across over 50 gold coins from a 17th century Spanish ship just off Jupiter Inlet, near West Palm Beach. It's no surprise that treasure hunting is a common pastime among Florida natives. Who wouldn't enjoy spending a day strolling on the beach, with the added perk of maybe finding a precious trinket? You don't have to own a submarine to take part in the simple pleasures of this hobby.

Depending on what riches are being sought, most treasure-seeking hobbyists invest in a metal-detector. Most come with headphones included, so your fellow beach-goers don't have to listen to the squeak of your detector. Higher-end models are even rated for underwater use, so slap on your mask and snorkel. Another thing to remember is hand and foot protection. If you're seeking treasure in water, it's sometimes difficult to see what you're doing when sand gets stirred up.Water hunters are seldom found without a pair of puncture-proof water shoes and diving-style neoprene gloves- an encounter with a sea urchin can definitely put a put a damper on your productivity.

Once you're at the beach, observing patterns is very important. Of course, it's best to start your hunt as the tide is going out, about two hours before low tide, to maximize your searching time and area. Tide charts are very handy for this. A successful treasure-hunter looks at how and where waves and tides create channels in the sand. Areas with accumulations of heavier sand and pebbles indicate sand movement. Beginners will have the most success during times of the year when beaches are busiest: more people losing things means more things to find. Early morning or evening is usually the best time to go because the water tends to be calmer and there are less people to get in the way of your search.

So, hit the beach! It's not about what you find; it's about the fun you have looking for it. If you live in Jupiter, your local beach could be home to a Spanish shipwreck, too.

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