August 16, 2025

I received a text about a lost Eternity ring. Great, another chance to practice my hobby. Oh no, the ring had been lost on Mayflower Beach one of Cape Cod’s many bay side beaches. The reason for the “Oh no” is that the wet sand of the beach at low tide goes on for miles and pin-pointing a location is very difficult to say the least. A beach photo with a marking is of great help, but not always very accurate. And that was going to be the case in this search. A search at low tide is best on the bay side as I can drag my scoop leaving a mark as to the area covered, unlike when the tide is high.

All that being said, I had time for dinner and would fight the crowd trying to get onto the beach along with all the sunset seakers trying to get a good view of theevening’s sunset. That was the easy part. I geared up, and headed for the search area. The word about the lost ring had spread and a very helpful woman confronted me and asked if I was there to find the lost ring. I answered with a “yes” and was pointed to the woman who had lost the ring, Lauren. The photo I had was marked as the first sand bar and Lauren was on the second. I was not surprised. By the time I reached the area Scott, met me and pointed out the “pools” the children and been playing in and an area north just beyond a group playing basket ball, yes – basket ball on the wet sand of Cape Cod Bay at dusk. The area east and west was also pointed out. The search was on.

The area, less the basketball “court”, was covered with only one bottle cap being found. Not a surprise, the ball players were taking care of their trash. “Bravo” to them! The sun had set, the hoop was lost in the darkness and the game was called. Now it was my turn on the court, with high hopes the ring would be my next target. No such luck…back to talk with Lauren and Scott.

Well if it was not in this court, the ring might have fallen out of Lauren’s pocket while playing ball, an area as big as the one I had already covered. The last light had gone and soon Lauren and Scott were on their way home. Me, heck no, I had a ring to find. Lauren’s player position kept her closest to the line of pools. It was there I had my first signal in this area. Yes, it was the ring. I removed my gear, got my phone out and tested “COME BACK” but I did not get a reply before I reached the dry sand and the parking lot. I called the number on the phone and it went to voice mail. OK, I can return the ring tomorrow, and my wife would have a good look at the beautiful ring.

Almost ready to leave and a phone call and a question…Where are you? I put on my 4-way flashers and then a heavy panting Scott was at the car, he had run from home. About a minute later Lauren showed up with I think a tear in her eye and a big hug. Things could not be better until a truck full of friend and relatives showed up to join in on the joyous return.

Hey, this is why I enjoy my hobby so much. You could never get the feelings I do without experiencing the happening as I do. Offers from myself and the truck driver to give Lauren and Scott a ride back home were declined, they wanted a peaceful stroll back to reflect on the day’s experience and a good night’s sleep.

PS: Many thanks to Kelly for starting my experience with this great and wonderful group of family and friends. Rick