(Scene from the classic adventure film, "Treasure of the Sierra Madre.")
Some Prefer Going It Alone
When it comes to partners, many treasure hunters prefer going it alone and have any number of reasons for doing so. Some of these reasons include issues as mundane as pure selfishness ("If I hit the big one I won't have to share."), a healthy distrust concerning the honesty and reliability of others, and greater or lesser degrees of true paranoia.
Gold Prospecting Books
This latter psychological manifestation is best brought out by the old prospector Howard (Walter Huston) in the classic treasure and adventure film, "Treasure of the Sierra Madre
." In an early scene in a Tampico, Mexico flophouse, Howard tells potential gold mining "pards" Curtin (Tim Holt) and Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) that when it comes to treasure and gold. "Going it alone is best, but some fellers don't have the heart for it. On the other hand, going with a partner or two can be dangerous. Murder's always lurking about."
Gold Prospecting Books
This latter psychological manifestation is best brought out by the old prospector Howard (Walter Huston) in the classic treasure and adventure film, "Treasure of the Sierra Madre
." In an early scene in a Tampico, Mexico flophouse, Howard tells potential gold mining "pards" Curtin (Tim Holt) and Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) that when it comes to treasure and gold. "Going it alone is best, but some fellers don't have the heart for it. On the other hand, going with a partner or two can be dangerous. Murder's always lurking about."
These lines are paraphrased somewhat, but you get the overall idea. Of course, treasure hunting partners resorting to murder is an extreme circumstance, but it's something that really has happened in certain treasure searches. My overall point here? Choose your "pards" wisely!
Where Can I Find a Partner?
Some of you out there already have a treasure hunting partner or two. These are the very same persons you have spent many a pleasant hour or two (or ten!) with gold mining, coin or relic hunting
, or working beaches or shallow water swimming lakes. Others of you may have actually participated in or been a member of larger, more elaborate treasure hunts and have made good contacts that way.
, or working beaches or shallow water swimming lakes. Others of you may have actually participated in or been a member of larger, more elaborate treasure hunts and have made good contacts that way.
(Treasure hunting "pards" come in all ages.)
For the rest of you, there are a number of venues that can help you hook up with a treasure hunting "pard," including:
1) Metal detecting, diving, and treasure hunting clubs and organizations.
2) Interactions with various treasure hunting shops, suppliers, and businesses.
3) Personal "contacts" made out in the field one-on-one.
Actually, this list is probably unlimited if you take a bit of time to think about the entire range of possibilities. But these three venues provide good starting points.
Treasure Hunting
In my follow-up post on this topic I'll start out by discussing what to look for in a potential partner. Until then, be safe and good hunting to you all!
If you liked this post, you may want to read:
(c) Jim Rocha (J.R.) 2012
Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com
