ive been at this about 5 years now.. so,besides the obvious reward of finding something of value for free i like the solitude of being alone with my machine out wondering around seemingly aimlessly finding the goods . i like the rush i get finding gold jewelry or silver coins knowing that the next swing could be something awesome.. its good exercise . and can easily pay for itself as a hobby........ and its just good old fashioned dirty FUN.. i wanted to be an archeologist growing up. now im living the dream ,as it were. 8)