Earl, if you ever want tips on how to dive and detect or use one of your scoops and detect the surf, I will be more than happy to be the first to give you good sound advice.
If I ever need a tip on how to be a good arm chair detectorist, I will be asking you first.
MY safety in having a wet suit and in not wanting to be tossed back and forth while underwater in high surf is MY choice. I could care less if I find gold. I did not come here to do anything but get out of Michigan for a while, let Kevin have a vacation from his ailing mother and have a great time detecting.
I am able to find things. THAT is what detecting is all about. NOT who gets the most gold. It is a hobby to enjoy and relax with. NOT a race to try to find out who is best.
IF I find gold, that will be the icing on the cake. IF not, I have lost absolutely nothing. I am living MY dream.
My contest to give away two Garrett Propointers had nothing to do with me finding gold. I find enough every year to be content. Am I the best? HARDLY. I am consistent and I am dedicated to the hobby. I get lucky.
I was out last night from 11:30 - 3:30 this morning. Absolutely beautiful, warm, could see my coil by moonlight and nobody bothering me. Peaceful and totally enjoyable. THAT is MY vacation. NOT one where I have to find gold.
So I have a totally different outlook than you do about what retirement is, what being successful as a detectorist is and how I run my life. You want to show your scoops and detectors in a nice unused environment like a bed, that is your choice. I am out living my dream and being safe while doing it.
You have fun sitting at your computer complaining how far the beach is away from you. I will have fun exploring Michigan, Florida, Mexico, and the rest of the world searching for anything I want and enjoying what life I have left on this earth.