There are some points presented to ponder.
It would be good to be able to follow the temperate weather around. A small camper van would fit the bill, it seems.
Having a home base seems to be more practical.
Monte, I have been in some of the same climate as you. I was born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon, and can remember going months without seeing sunshine.
I too have lived in Arlington. That river park does see some visitors. The current craze of wind surfing draws more than a few people. I have not been there for probably 10 years, come to think of it. It may not be the way I remember.
I do know what a 'bonanza' the public grounds of Hermiston provide. The Multi Kruzer is a good detector: I can now reach the beavertails that have not seen light since the 1970's!
I'm not under any illusion of supporting myself by detecting. I suppose there are a few who can, but I'm not one!
I don't know much about the shows on tv, as I have never watched any, but I assume the production company pays high dollar for hunting privileges, and I would also guess all finds are retained by the property owner. The showmen's 'gold' is in viewership and advertising, I would imagine.
Times do change. There are less youngsters losing fewer coins. Gold and silver jewelry is giving way to titanium and stainless steel. More modern trash masking the dwindling good finds that were somehow missed. I do like to daydream about escaping the rut I have been the past 40 years, though.
MULTI KRUZER-7" COIL
RACER2-7" AND 5" COILS
XL PRO
CLASSIC IDX
UMATILLA COUNTY, OREGON