My name is Nicole and I’m a 40-something detectorist from Ohio, USA.
Growing up I was ALWAYS outside with my head down, searching. I started as a relic hunter when I was very young. I’d walk farm fields with my dad searching for things the past had left behind.
As time progressed I became obsessed with rocks and my rockhounding path began. I remember when I was eleven my dad saying we’d all be safe, because I carry a bag of rocks everywhere. Normal girls carried purses with girl stuff inside, but my purses were strictly for rocks and random findings. I was never the girly type.
The first time I saw a metal detector I was around ten. My parents had gotten divorced and I remember asking my mom if I could get a detector. Single mom’s couldn’t afford those things and my mom made that very clear. So, I went on about life and hoped I’d someday be able to afford one.
I had always planned to become an archaeologist or geologist when I “grew up” (still working on growing up). I knew I was happiest in the dirt.
Life happened and I met my husband and we raised two awesome sons. I kept busy pursuing a degree in biochemistry, homeschooling my sons, and helping my husband run his small lawn business. Then, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in my early 30’s.
When I was diagnosed I learned that fighting this monster was going to take some work. I had to keep my body moving and my mind sharp. I am an introvert with extrovert moments who spends way too much time in her head. It scared me trying to figure out what I could do to help me live more and let this disease beat me. I tried a lot of activities. Crafts, exercising, and other things that didn’t fit my adventurous nature. Then, while at an auction one day, an old White’s Coinmaster was being auctioned off. Nobody was bidding so I threw my hand up. I won it for $1 USD. A few of the older guys around me chuckled and sort off made fun that I had bought it. I did not care. I had just purchased my first detector. Best day ever.
I learned a lot on that machine. I didn’t find anything outstanding except for my love of the hobby. I soon realized it was exactly what I needed in my arsenal to fight against my MS. That was six years ago when I got my first machine.
I’m by no means financially well off. We live very simply and do not splurge on excess. We purchase most of our clothing and such used and if it’s broken we fix it. I saw the prices on more advanced machines like Garrett’s and I knew they weren’t in my reach. I saved my money up and purchased a cheap Sunpow detector on Amazon a few years ago. I found neater stuff with that and just kept going. When I wasn’t outside I was using my free time educating myself about everything metal detecting.
My MS progresses slowly each year. It has made me stronger and weaker at the same time. Funny how that works. My husband knows that my love of metal detecting is more than something to do. It helps me. In 2021 he sold some of his excess lawn equipment from his business and surprised me with a Garrett Ace 400. I call her Wanda and I love her. I’ve never loved an inanimate object before, but here I am saying I do now.
Through metal detecting I’ve found a sense of belonging and a peace like no other. It has kept me moving on days when I try to resist. It’s amazing. The only regret I have is not being able to pursue this love sooner in life.
I think I’ve rambled on for too long. So, there it is. My intro to you fellow Garrett Girls. I wish you all luck in your hunts and love in your heart.
Take care,
Nicole Bauer
Twitter: @OhioMetalMaven
