from the Great Black Swamp in NW Ohio! Glad to hear you've found a local club - that should be a good opportunity to get some "in-person" guidance on the hobby. I think you'll find this forum to be an outstanding source of information and camaraderie, as well!
If you're interested in finding other forum members in your area, check out our new Forum Member Map, and let me know if you'd like me to add a pin for you. I'm also including metal detecting clubs on the map, so certainly let me know if your club would like to be listed there, too: **Revived** Forum Member Map