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Nail in the Foot 

Sometimes the best treasures are the ones you weren't looking for...travel with Russ, an American metal detectorist as he visits gold fields in Africa. 

An American detectorist visits the African gold fields and finds and unexpected treasure

A quick demonstration of the Bounty Hunter metal detector. An easy-to-use, quality detector for treasure hunting fun!

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV metal detector review & demonstration

Along the I-10 in West Texas between Van Horn and Fort Stockton, travelers have been used to seeing the old Kent school just off the freeway, with many stopping for photographs throughout the years. Recently, those same travelers will now discover the old school has been demolished.

Founded around 1892, providing support to the Long X Cattle Company, Kent was known initially as Antelope due to the many Antelope found there.

By 1914 the town had four cattle breeders, a general store, and an estimated population of twenty-five. For four decades beginning in 1924, the estimated population was fifty.

Peak population topped off at 65, and by 1961, both the school and the post office closed their doors for good.

By the mid-1970s, the estimated population had fallen to sixty, where it remained through 2000. Today, a few buildings remain in the area. The demolished school was by far the most intriguing.

Kent landmark demolished

Alabama State

A few references to the name Robinson's Switch have been attributed to the place just west of Montgomery, but nothing more than passing comments on a few blogs. It is thought that it was once a rail stop for supplies, which the buildings that we found seem to support that theory. 

Alabama's back roads and its hidden history

Testing out a new location to magnet fish and a visit from border patrol. Just another day in the life of magnet fishing!

Border patrol visit while magnet fishing

Chappells, SC is a small town that was established before the Revolutionary War. While portions of the town have survived over the years, the old Main Street can barely be discerned after suffering a tornado(1884), fires (several in the early 1900's) and a flood(1926). 

The abandoned Main Street of Chappells 

Russ took his CZ-21 metal detector out for a quick hunt at a local beach after the crowds left. Take a look at what he found in a few hours of metal detecting! 

Metal detecting the beach at night yields gold!

Montana State

Driving along ID-200 near Clark Fork, Idaho, we saw a junkyard with an impressive array of antique automobiles and had to stop to investigate. Old firetrucks, buses, trucks and a variety of cars through the years is a treat for  car enthusiasts. 

Antique car junkyard is a transportation time capsule 

Trying out a fun and easy-to-do hobby that is good for all ages, Russ tries his hand at magnet fishing with some surprising results! 

When magnet fishing, the early bird gets the worm...or the iPad?

Travel 50 miles west of San Antonio to the small town of D'Hanis, Texas. Jump off Route 90 and turn onto Old Church Rd where you will find the St Dominic Church and Cemetery. After your exploration, continue west to the town of Sabinal and enjoy some great food at R Bar B Que! 

1853 church and cemetery deserves a stop in D'Hanis

Looking for some good fun with the chance to find your own treasure? Visit the the Red Rock Mine and Garnet Gallery in Montana. Located just a bit west of the popular tourist spot Virginia City and open 7 days a week. Address: 2045 MT-287, Sheridan, MT  

Treasure hunt travel: Find garnets at the Red Rock Mine in Montana

California State

Abilene, TX

Driving along FM600 on the outskirts of Abilene, an anomoly in the landscape draws the attention of travelers. From the road, a field of chimneys can be seen and begs further inspection. Part of the Texas Forts Trail, Fort Phantom Hill is open for visitors to explore the 20 acres, along with several stone buildings, stone chimneys, and stone building foundations. Established as a fort in 1851, the U.S. Army was tasked with protecting the westward frontier movement. For more information on the Texas Forts Trail, visit: <a href="https://texasfortstrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/fort-phantom-hill">https://texasfortstrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/fort-phantom-hill</a>

What is with that field of chimneys near Abilene? A visit to Fort Phantom Hill

Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail located at 4057 Hwy 162 in Marianna, Florida is managed jointly by the Friends of Bellamy Bridge, Northwest Florida Water Management District and Jackson County Parks & Recycling. The current bridge was built in 1914 and is the oldest structure of its type in Florida and has been a favorite spot for hiking and ghost walks for many years. Efforts are currently underway creating a new boardwalk to provide better access.  

A difficult trek: see why we are so excited Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail is getting a new boardwalk

Just off Benton City Road in Lytle, TX lies a 2-story stone shell of a building on a street corner. This was the home of the Atascosa Masons Lodge #376. It was also known for a period of time as the Benton City Institute (aka "The Old Rock School", which taught basic classes along  with specialized instruction on accounting, law, music, and surveying. The building was in operation between 1876-1934 and was designated as a historical site in 1972. 

Original home of the Atascosa Masonic Lodge #379  and the Benton City Institute built in 1876

Located in Sumter County, Alabama. Formerly a Presbyterian Church, it is approximately 150 years old and known as the Coatopah Church and featured in Glenn Wills' book 'Forgotten Alabama'. 

A piece of history: 1800's church along Alabama's back roads 

Arizona State

Nevada State

In a remote area of northern Nevada, a few sparse residents hold on to legacy of the town of Unionville that once counted Mark Twain as a member of its community. In our "what once was" series, we delve into the history of Unionville, Nevada. 

The ghost town where Mark Twain once lived

Plan a visit to this historic mining town and explore the many log cabins and period furnishings. While there is no camping within a half mile of Garnet ghost town, you can camp, hike, fish, hunt and more in the adjacent area. Visit <a href="www.garnetghosttown.org">www.garnetghosttown.org</a> to plan your trip today. 

Visit Montana's mountaintop 1890's gold-mining town

Washington State

Highland School (built in 1905) is a one room school house in Douglas County, Washington. Highland School was abandoned in 1949.

 Explore a one-room schoolhouse abandoned in 1949 

Philipsburg, MT

Looking for something unique to do on vacation? Plan a visit to Gem Mountain in Philipsburg, Montana. If you have an RV, they offer free camping on site too!

Add a bit of treasure hunting to your next vacation

Take a drive and visit the Old Coffee County Jail which has been empty since a  flood in 1990 devastated the town. In 1979, Coffee County Sheriff C.F. “Neil” Grantham was shot just outside of the building by a former inmate of the jail. The shooter was Billy Joe Magwood, an angry man with a hit-list of individuals who had supposedly wronged him and Sheriff Grantham was top on the list. If you explore through the building, be aware that the windows that have been installed on the second level love to make a lot of noise when the wind blows and can make your heart skip a beat or two.
LOCATION: Elba, AL (31.4127321, -86.0661254)