Mysteries and treasure hunts tend to be my favorite topics on television and at the movies. I guess sports in general fit into that mystery category, where the outcome is unknown. Treasure hunts lead to finding clues that help solve mysteries. This is why I’m drawn to shows like Broadchurch and Curse of Oak Island, that remind me of The Hardy Boys Mysteries that I read as a child, and the Murder She Wrote Sunday night TV show that became part of my weekly routine in the mid-80’s and early 90’s. For some reason, I was never impressed with the British mysteries like Sherlock Holmes, Poirot, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie to name a few. I’m guessing it was just the cultural differences, or the accents when they were made into movies. I would have never gotten through Broadchurch if it weren’t for closed captioning, plus I didn’t find the stuffy characters particularly endearing. I stuck with it only because I wanted the cases solved.

I enjoy doing genealogy because it combines the elements of mystery solving and treasure hunting. I’ve gotten into it because of questions about my adoption. DNA testing led to connections with many strangers, and Ancestry.com has allowed me to identify relationships. The first two years of retirement has allowed me to focus on this process that can be quite tedious. In the process, I’ve found a half-sister that given time might be able to provide me with answers to some of my questions. Other research has led me to the identity of my birth mother, but her lack of cooperation continues to be a mystery. All the details of my search are documented in my “Diary of an Adoptee” posts, as part of this blog.

The closest thing I come to actual treasure hunting is through collecting sports memorabilia. Going to card and antique shows are always exciting because you never know what you might find. My treasures surround me in my office, but it’s really that moment of discovery that is the most rewarding. History Channel shows like Pawn Stars and American Pickers involve finding and monetarily valuing these treasures. Although my collection is probably only valuable to me, I can’t imagine the losses incurred in the recent Malibu fires. I saw a photo on Facebook today of a restored one-of-a-kind 1948 Norman Timbs Special that was part of a 30-car collection of classics burned beyond recognition. At least 29 people have been killed in this area. Stuff is one thing but people are really precious!

As I’m writing this, I’m catching bits and pieces of the season 6 premiere of Curse of Oak Island on the big screen beside me.  I’ve followed this show for several years as the ultimate treasure hunt. It’s really quite intriguing to “participate” in their quest to discover artifacts presumed to be buried or left behind by pirates and perhaps even the Knights Templar, “Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon.” The Oak Island hunt has gone on for over 200 years now and has resulted in six deaths. Two apparently wealthy brothers have invested sizable resources into the project that now includes seismic mapping and drilling. Bits and pieces of bone, gold, a lead cross, and decorative jewelry have been found to maintain interest, but I get the feeling that they are drawing out the process, and when they get close something always seems to break down. What will they ultimately find – if anything??????????????????