TREASURE T R O V E
EMBRACE YOUR INNER CHILD ON THESE TREASURE-HUNTING MISSIONS. BY M E L I SSA P E T E R S O N
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s a child, the thought of finding buried treasure was thrilling. X marked the spot, and playing pirates was more than a pastime. And if you’re like so many treasure hunters who are now all grown up, the thrill of the hunt still runs deep. While you might not have found any treasure as a kid, we’re here to tell you that dreams can come true. From fossil hunting and gem mining to uncovering the unknown with a metal detector, there are plenty of grown-up ways to unleash the pirate that still lives within us.
B E N E AT H T H E WAT E R The 106-mile-long Peace River originates northeast of Bartow in Polk County and then flows south through Fort Meade to Arcadia and then finally into the Charlotte Harbor estuary in Punta Gorda. This tea-colored river has the ability to transport you back in time—way back in time. With the river’s reputation for housing fossilized shark teeth and prehistoric mammal bones, it’s easy to imagine yourself paddling in the same spot where giant prehistoric animals use to live. Although both invertebrate and vertebrate fossils have been found on the Peace River, many come to hunt for shark teeth. If you’re new to fossil hunting, Becky Bragg, owner of Canoe Outpost-Peace River, has the expertise to guide you on your adventure. According to Becky, the fossils left behind in the Peace River include those of giant sharks, stingrays, fish, whales, dugongs (ancestor of the manatee), dolphins, alligators, turtles, mastodons, mammoths, bison, camels, ancient horses, dire wolves, giant armadillos the size of small cars, giant land 24
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tortoises, 20-foot sloths and saber-tooth cats. The most popular fossils, though, are the shark teeth, with megalodon and great white being the most prized. Most fossils in this area are from the middle Miocene Epoch, 16 million years ago, to the earliest Pliocene Epoch, about 4.5 million years ago. The area includes a mix of marine and land animals due to the rise and fall of the sea levels from glacial melting. “Most people come looking for the big shark teeth, and that takes some work,” says Becky. “But lots of smaller teeth and dugong ribs are found on a regular basis. You have to work at it, though. Get in the water and sift. The fossils are not just sitting on the sides.” In fact, fossil hunting is not allowed on the banks, only in the water. The best time to hunt is when water levels are low, about 12 inches below normal, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead or watch the Canoe Outpost-Peace River’s Facebook page for updates. Late winter and early spring are usual low times, and sunny days are preferred for snorkeling or diving because you can better see the bottom. If sifting for fossils, a sunny day isn’t necessary. The company offers canoe rentals for self-guided tours of the river and tours for specialty groups. “For those not in groups, anyone can go and try it,” Becky says. “Going by canoe, kayak or SUP gets you away from the boat ramps, which are hunted all the time. The favorite stretches are Gardner south to Arcadia with the Brownville and Oak Hill Runs because they are shorter and you have more time to look. You can also leave from our dock and paddle upstream and then back when you’re done.” According to Becky, the best hunting spots are gravelly areas at the river’s edge and on the bottom. Remember not to dig into the bank, as that area is private property. Gravelly