Cape Cod Tag | The Ring Finders

From Mombo Beach, Curacao to Denmark, an unexpected return!

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)

November 15, 2022
My vacation in Curacao ended with an unexpected ring return. While detecting at Mombo Beach I found an initial ring, my second ring found on the first day in Vacation Land. No one around had lost or knew of anyone losing a ring. Five days later Leighton, my RingFinders traveling companion, was asked to help find a ring that was just lost. Two minutes later he had found and returned the ring. As it usually happens a happy commotion of joy was spread along the beach when a return is made. One of the onlookers, Jordan, was among the onlookers and when he had a chance, he asked Leighton if he had also found an initial ring, he had a picture of. Leighton said no but he took a look at the picture and would ask the other detectorist who was some distance down the beach.

Leighton’s description from the photo he viewed sounded like I had the ring I had found. A walk back to talk with Jordan took a few minutes. When together we were told the story of the ring’s loss and history which verified the ring’s ownership.

Jordan’s girlfriend, Anne, had been swimming when the ring slipped from her finger. The ring was her great-grandfather’s ring with two dates engraved on the inside of the ring and initials for DH on the face of the ring. It was her ring. But she would have to wait until January to wear it again. Anne had returned to The Netherlands and Jordan would not follow until his return in January.

Now back on Cape Cod, I have great memories of a wonderful vacation and an unusual and unexpected return.

Found Ring Returned: Hyannis, MA

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)

October 4, 2022

Hurricane Ian had been making its way northward keeping the Hyannis sky dark and misty. But a daily walk through the woods Avery and Bigelow made their way peacefully until an exposed root tripped up Avery. In the incident a ring left Avery’s finger an landed in the overgrowth along the pathway. The ring was Avery’s mother’s and is only one of very few pieces of jewelry that Avery wears.

Looking for help via a rental business that rented a detector. A call to J&E Enterprise was answered and Avery was given a phone number and was told Rick is the one that could help. Unfortunately, I was at a doctor’s appointment and did not return the call for a couple of hours. In that time Avery had rented a detector and was back in the woods searching for the lost ring. Rentals usually do not come with detailed operation notes. Most detectors take several hours of practice before one can become proficient in its use. Even locating an object on the surface can be a daunting task.

When I returned the call, Avery was in the woods and said she would welcome any help I may give. About a half hour later I was involved in the search. The area was littered with very old and rusty cans, and other debris. Many trash signals and not one that was worth digging or keeping. After two hours we left the woods as the sun had set, it was time to give up for the evening.

The next morning, I replace my mid-sized detector coil with a small 4-inch coil that would allow better separation of the pieces of trash. Another hour past and I was re-searching over the original area Avery had heard a signal the night before. I was able to determine several distinct targets, all were too deep to be the ring but might be masking a small ring. Therefore, I started to remove each target one by one and had a total of 4 shotgun cases and a long rifle casing. But no ring. As another aid, I tossed a similar ring with a visible string attached to see just how far a ring might travel and then restarted searching from that point.

Oddly enough, I was very close to the area the four shotgun shells were dug. Ah, another signal this time about two inches away, with a detector indicating a surface target. I reached down, moved a few leaves and there the ring was laying, but not for long. I picked it up, turned off the detector and headed back to the car before the rain intensified. A call to Avery and we made a meeting point. Twenty minutes later her ring had been placed on the pinkie finger and there was a wonderful smile on Avery’s face, not to say the one on my face was any less wonderful.

It is always amazing how an object is lost and in the case of a lost ring in the woods that a person can travel miles, search a vast area full of trash, put a 4-inch coil over a 1-inch ring, hear a signal among all others, then make a conscious decision to stop detecting and do a visual search to ultimately find the ring. Knowing one’s equipment, persistence and determination and yes, luck all helped in making the loss into A Happy Ending.

From Sesuit Harbor to Corporation Beach Dennis MA Wedding Band Lost, Found and Returned

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)

September 25, 2022

Just as I was putting the finishing touches to the previous posting, my phone rang and much to my surprise Sean was on the phone. We talked about last night’s ring return at his wedding reception. Then he dropped the news that he had his ring that had been on his finger just about a day before it slipped off and buried itself into the dry sand. Yes, of course I would be right there, how could I refuse such a bizarre set of circumstances.

How could this repeat? I got to the beach and did not see Sean. Just like the night before no one was there to greet me. I called and sure enough Sean had not yet arrived but did so in another minute. Then a short walk to two circles in the sand. The smaller one was Sean’s best bet but said it may be out as far as the second circle. On my second pass there was on iffy signal but was too deep. Continuing onto my third pass, there it was the wonderful sound in my ears of a ring. One scoop and a few shakes to rid the scoop of excess sand and I saw the glitter of a ring.

Sean, with doubt, looked into the scoop and retrieved the ring. After a bit of being unsure it was his as it was still covered with sand. Then when all the sand fell away and the Celtic Knots glittered in the flashlight’s beam the smile came. I wish I had my camera ready at that moment, but I did not so the picture of the smile will have to live in my memory, something I cannot share, sorry.

A brisk walk back to the parking lot a few pictures and Sean with his ring was off to his mother’s home and his new bride whom I am sure will have an equally wonderful smile tonight. What a story, what a beautiful, dark star lit sky, soft gentle breeze and swish of the incoming tide and another Happy Ending. I am sure that both Sean and I will remember the night for many years. I am also sure we both went home to our bride, and before going off to dream land we would reconcile any of the day’s tense feelings with our wife, say an “I Love You” and give a good night kiss. Bless.

Sesuite Harbor Dennis, MA Lost Ring Found and Returned

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)

September 24th, 2022

The exchange of vows, barefoot in the sand, had taken place on a Cape Cod beach just hours before I was called. All the guests had made their way to the toasting venue. When I arrived to search for a lost set of rings the wedding reception was in full swing and the toasting to the Bride and Groom had just begun. It was not Brigid or Sean’s ring but one of the guest’s, a set of engagement, wedding and anniversary rings that had been soldered together. Linda had participated in a “barefoot walk in the sand” and was putting her shoes back on when her ring set took flight and buried itself in the sand. The reception venue nor the local police department had a contact number for TheRingFinders.com. But one of the guests had met Eleanor of J&E Enterprise, Yarmouth’s metal detecting sales and called her for help. I, in turn, received a call from Eleanor for help as she was unable to aid in a search for the rings.

With the information I was given I was on my way to keep the enjoyment of a wedding in the correct spirit. I initially stopped at the Cafe’s main building only to find it closed for the day. I had been told the ring had been lost behind the Cafe, so I drove down the road to the beach. It also was vacant. I had no return call that I had made for further information when I remembered that there was a main outdoor dining area beyond the Cafe’s adjacent marina. I drove past several boat that had been pulled for the year and were ready to be racked. Then under a large tent I saw the reception celebration and the “Toasting” was being recited.

The DJ, at the tent’s entrance, knew I was coming and that everyone was waiting for me to show up and find the ring. He escorted me through the center of the tent with great fanfare. Then out of the tent to a sandy area ribbon-ed off so the ring would not be stepped upon. Linda was there and went through the antics of putting her shoes back on and how the rings were lost. Three passes with my detector and nothing. As it usually happened the lost object is not in the exact spot it is thought to be. I moved the search area from the initial area to about 8 feet away and my detector gave me the sweet tone in my ears, signaling the location of the ring. I carefully made a very shallow scoop and just missed the rings. I then saw the shine and picked the family of rings up and gave them to Linda.

Cameras started clicking, cheers from inside the tent took over the music that had been playing. What a joy and pleasure to be part of such a vibrant group that were gathered for a very special occasion.

Congratulations to Brigid and Sean and to Linda. And a Thank You to all those in attendance for making the night very special for each other. I have never seen so many smiles at any ring return I have been a part of. I must wish Brigid and Sean, Linda and Stephen and all other couples to have a long and happy marriage as I have for 55 years.

I had to add this to the posting: The next day, September 25th, Sean lost his wedding band on Corporation Beach. It was the same Dennis Beach where he had exchanged the wedding vows the day before. See the next posting for the full story.

Lost Wallet with Credit Cards and Drivers License Returned, Cape Cod,Harwich, Yarmouth, Hyannis,Falmouth,

While out in the waters of Cape Cod, I found a wallet that was a surprise to see in my scoop. It had a metal card to Apple inside. A license, and many credit cards. When Rick and I got home, the very first thing we did, was to check for a match on Facebook. It triggered a fast response from Beth, the owner, as I talked with her about how, when, and where she lost her wallet, I knew I had to get it back ASAP. We asked if she was still on Cape Cod, she replied no, that she had gone home last week.

This is her statement about how she thinks it was lost.As we got out of the car we entered the beach area and made a hard right. We kept walking till we saw a sign saying Private Beach Area. We turned around, I was picking up seashells along the way close to the waters edge. When we got back to the beach where we entered, we made the obligatory Sun Appreciation spot halfway up on the dunes. I changed out of my shorts, that I thought had my wallet. We were there about 45 minutes, packed up,and walked to the jetty and then back to the car. My wallet must have fell out of my pocket as I reached for the shells. It was very windy, and the waves crashing didn’t help. We never heard it fall.We searched high and low multiple times for the next day or so. Car,Beach,Path, Sand, Nothing.

I was so happy that I found it and reunited it with Beth, Credit cards,License,Vac Card,all home where it belongs. Be safe and Congratulations on your return.Sincerely Leighton2022-09-06 11.57.17 copy

 

Ring Returned on Harwich Cape Cod, MA Beach

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)

A year had passed since wedding vows were exchanged on a small footbridge and today another emotional moment took place just over the same footbridge, a cherished wedding band was “lost” in the sand. A very stressful hour passed with many hands helping in the search the sand for the ring. A few calls had been made one to the police, one to the beach superintendent two to my wife, Jane, who finally got in touch with me. I had been out detecting and was on my way home. That segment of the trip would have to wait, I was now on my way south, not west to my home. At this point I was unsure just which beach I needed to end up at. Jane relayed messages between Catherine the beach’s gate attendant, Sarah, and me. I arrived at the beach with a big sign telling me were to find Sarah, thanks to Catherine’s foresight as the beach was about to close for the evening.

Sarah had removed her rings to apply sunscreen lotion, putting the rings safely in her pants pocket. Lotion applied, it was the removal and folding of her pants when her engagement ring fell from the pocket into a beach bag, The wedding band did not follow the engagement ring, but rather fell on the sand and disappeared from sight. As it usually happens, many of the beachgoers helped search the sandy area to no avail. The ring would not see the fading sunlight until my third signal when I recovered it. I left the ring in my scoop so Sarah could remove the ring and place it back on her finger.

Several hugs, congratulations, cheers from near-by beach goers filled everyone’s face with a smile. Catherine even showed up as the many Thank Yous continued and the usual picture taking and answering of questions followed. It was time to leave the beach and as we did a nice chat was had between three of us, Sarah, Josh her husband, and myself. It was difficult for me to tell just who had the biggest smile. It really did not matter, the “lost ring” had been found and returned. A beautiful ending to a beautiful day on Cape Cod.

Covell’s Beach, Barnstable, MA: IPhone found and returned

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)

August 27, 2022

No phone call for this find and return. I was just finishing up an enjoyable evening of metal detecting and heading across the sandy beach when I found the best find of the evening, an IPhone.

The IPhone had a Find My Phone application on it. Unfortunately, I had no idea of how to use the app. I saw the battery was charged and the phone appeared to be functioning properly, but it was “locked” and I did not have the password to “unlock” it. Whatever I did, the phone started ringing. Again, I pressed the displayed prompts and I was connected to Krista.

The phone was Krista’s daughter’s and it had fallen off the beach chair as they were leaving the beach. At home Jenna went to retrieve the phone from the car’s trunk but could not find it. That is when the “Find My Phone” app was activated. If you are reading this blog and have a cell phone, I would suggest you learn about the app if you do not already know about it. As I personally have an Android phone and I have the splash screen instruct anyone that may have found the phone to call my home number. Now I will look into the Find My Phone app and see if there is one for the Android.

Back to the return: After a quick chat Krista said if I waited at the beach, she would be there to pick up the phone in about 15 minutes. I just had to wait as I know how important a cell phone with all the photos and information one needs is very important to them. Besides I also needed some information and photos to complete this blog. The time passed, Krista and Jenna arrived on time and the rest is filled with smiles, Thank Yous, and above all a promise for a personal note for my scrap book of Happy Memories.

Black Diamonds ARE Forever. Lost,Cape Cod,Found,Returned, Yarmouth Beach

A call came in yesterday, to help find a Wedding Band that was lost the day prior in waste deep water. Rick called and asked if I wanted to go, I said he was on his own for this one, that I had a few things to do. I thought about how vast the area was, so I called back, and said I’ll meet him at his house ASAP. We met Stephanie and Chris at the beach lot about an hour later. They seemed real precise as to where they thought it to be. They walked out ahead of us, as we got ready for the search. Rick and I walked out about a mile onto the sand, then into waste deep water. We both searched for quite some time with no luck two junk targets a bullet and a penny.

I asked Chris to regroup, and stand where he thought it was, he was having second thoughts, he moved about 150 feet over.  Again Rick and I searched, and searched, still nothing. I then asked Stephanie where she thought it was lost, and to go over and stand there, so I could start my search over. Rick was still out far and walking away from Chris with no targets at all. I headed towards Stephanie, as I approached her, I said ” I just don’t get it, I just don’t get it. Not a signal in that whole area, even after an hour, it’s crazy. I told her not to give up till she sees us walking toward the truck. That if it was there and I went over it that I would hear it. I think Chris and Stephanie were about to throw in the beach towel, but as I walked by her, finally a very loud signal 4 feet away from where she was standing in the water. I looked over to her and smiled, Her eyes got huge, her smile even bigger, she had a hard time controlling her emotions. Stephanie knew, I had just recovered what they both thought was lost forever, King Neptune finally gave in to me. Stephanie was shaking, I’m not sure if it was from the cold, or from being excited. She yelled over to Chris, he started to run fast as he could in the water, I yelled faster, faster, he couldn’t get there fast enough to see what the commotion was all about. Rick knew already I had just found Chris’s  beautiful 14K white gold wedding band, with black diamonds set into the center. I handed it over to Chris as he teared up also. So gratifying to see it back on his finger.

Lot’s of congratulations and hand shakes went around, Chris kept repeating he just couldn’t believe we did what we said we would do. Great team work is always a plus. Thanks again to Rick for the invite. Now I will say it myself. Congratulations Chris and Stephanie on your return. Thank You for getting in touch with Rick & myself.

14K white Gold Black Diamonds

Leighton & Chris after return

Chris with band

Stephanie & Chris

Sincerely Leighton

Lost Cell Phone Returned to Owner at Bayview Beach, Dennis, MA

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)

August 20, 2022
I was called to find a bracelet but as I was searching, I was asked “Had I found the phone? What? No, I was looking for a bracelet. I saw disappointment in the inquisitive face. I could not let it go, I said where was it lost and was it waterproof? Here and yes, it was waterproof. OK, I will search for both.

After about two hours of searching and finding only two beer bottle twist off caps and two pull tabs I was beginning to think there may be something wrong with my detector. No, it was just that the beach was heavily detected, and all good targets had been removed. Then my ears began to ring with a sound like I had just swung the detector’s coil over a large beer can. But I had to scoop carefully just in case it was a precious object. Yes, it was the yellow phone. Mike came over to me and in disbelief said: “It is still working!”

A couple of quick Thank Yous and he was off toward the shoreline. I continued to search for the Bracelet. A few minutes later Mike and his niece Pina came back into the water and thanked me again.
I had no means of taking any information so I asked if they would please text me with the information I needed for this blog. It is so wonderful that I get to see many smiling faces and hear cheers form the beach goers when I get to return a precious item and in this case an item filled with many photo memories, ones that could not be replaced.

Unfortunately, I have not yet found the bracelet that I had initially been called to help find. I had stayed well after dark on Saturday and returned Sunday morning for another two-hour search. I will return mid-week and expand the area of search. It is not time to give up hope, there are other detectorists I will keep in touch with as one might just find the bracelet before I do. Until then I will keep Pina’s smile in my phone and perhaps it will bring a bit of good luck for me to locate the bracelet.

Mike: thanks for not giving up on your family’s and your searching efforts. Had you left without giving me your contact information, I may not have been able to unlock the phone and retrieve information that would have led to Pina. And I would not have a wonderful smile to remind me of her hope to have her phone returned.

Lost Ring: Lighthouse Beach in Chatham – Cape Cod, MA Found and returned!

  • from Cape Cod (Massachusetts, United States)

August 9, 2022
Seals, sharks and sand were all in their place, but Connor’s new wedding band was not. It had slipped from his ring finger as he rinsed off his hands in the waters of Lighthouse Beach. He and his wife reached out to Luke, another RingFinder, for help in recovering his ring. Luke was unable to leave work, so he called me to help in finding Connor’s ring. I made arrangements with Connor to meet up just before low tide to search for the ring. I had planned to detect a few freshwater beaches as many of the local saltwater beaches were closed to swimming due to the presence of Portuguese Man of War jellyfish. Leighton, who is also a RingFinder, would also join in on the search. It is great working as a team, it also helps in the probability of finding the lost treasure.

The four of us met up for the walk to the area where Connor had spent many previous visits over the past several years. Christina was to stand at the edge of the water where Connor had rinsed his hands. Connor stood high on the sand where he had had been sitting. The area between the newlyweds set up an area for the search as the exact moment of loss was not known. Leighton and I now started the search. First the sand and slope would be searched. Then the water would be last as sharks were known to prowl the area. That is why we saved it for last and would be very aware of anything lurking in the water.

Gridding the dry and wet sand only had one hidden pull tab that was found. We headed onto the steep slope and into the water where the sharks have been seen and the ring was most likely waiting to be found. My first target was the head of a metal fishing lure, all that had not rusted away. The second was the ring. It was looking very shiny and in perfect condition. I left it in the scoop and headed up the beach’s slope to the area Connor and his wife were standing. What a joyful reunion it was seeing the ring replaced onto Connor’s ring finger.

It was now time for the half mile walk back to the parking lot. After the exchange of a few more Thank Yous, other information and picture taking before it was off to dinner and another night of celebration for Connor and Christina. The honeymoon was back on.