Discovery of Pottery in the Swamp
The team is excited as pottery continues to emerge from the swamp. Gary, known for his keen interest in such finds, is particularly pleased with one piece that he believes could be much older than the previously discovered porcelain.
Analyzing a Shoe Heel Artifact
Another significant find is a shoe heel, which Gary examines closely. The square roll on the heel suggests that it was made with hobnails, which were used in older footwear from the 1800s or earlier, indicating that the shoe could be from a time much before modern gluing methods.
Excavation Efforts to Reach the Treasure Tunnel
Rick and Marty Lagina are soon involved in the efforts to excavate near the suspected treasure tunnel beneath the garden shaft. After reaching a depth of 93 feet, they anticipate being just a few feet from their target. Hard clay must be removed before they can proceed with further excavation.
The Excavation Process
Rick and Marty, equipped with pneumatic jackhammers, begin breaking up the tough clay. This is some of the most physically demanding work they’ve encountered in years, but their focus is unwavering. As they dig deeper, they anticipate reaching the tunnel they’ve been searching for.
Possible Tunnel Discovery
During their excavation, Rick speculates that they might be close to uncovering the long-sought-after tunnel. The team continues to chip away at the clay, hoping to finally expose the treasure tunnel that has eluded them for so long.
The Potential of the Tunnel
By afternoon, Dumas Contracting Limited confirms that they have reached a significant find – a believed seven-foot-high tunnel, possibly leading toward the “baby blob” and a vast cache of treasure. The team is eager to investigate further, hoping that this breakthrough could lead to the treasure they’ve been searching for over the years.
Uncovering Wood Beneath the Garden Shaft
The team discovers wood beneath the garden shaft, which could indicate the presence of an ancient structure. The hollow sound of the timber is significant, possibly representing a beam from the original tunnel construction. This discovery brings new hope to the team, indicating that they may finally be on the right track.
The Search for Answers Continues
Rick and Marty discuss the possibility that the newly discovered wood might be part of the original construction. The carbon-dating of wood samples earlier in the year had suggested a 17th-century origin, and this new discovery further strengthens that theory.
A Pivotal Moment in the Search
As more wood is exposed and analyzed, the team begins to suspect that they may have uncovered part of the original treasure tunnel. The team is excited, but they remain cautious, understanding that there is still much work to be done to confirm their findings.
An Exciting New Artifact Discovery
Gary’s metal detector soon picks up an interesting signal, leading to the discovery of a small metal object. The shape and composition of this artifact suggest it could be linked to the construction of the tunnel, adding another clue to the mystery.
Surveying the Tunnel and Next Steps
Surveyor Steve Guptill is brought in to measure the tunnel and document the discoveries. The team hopes that these measurements will allow them to accurately map the tunnel’s layout and gain a better understanding of its significance.
The Significance of the Wood
The team is excited to discover that the wood found in the tunnel is adze-cut, a tool used in shipbuilding and woodworking until the 18th century. This is a significant piece of evidence, potentially linking the tunnel to a much earlier time period.
Moving Forward with the Investigation
With the tunnel now partially exposed, the team plans to continue their excavation efforts, hoping to uncover more timber and artifacts. They are hopeful that their hard work will finally lead them to the treasure that has eluded them for so long.
Conclusion: Hope for the Future
The team is optimistic that the discoveries made so far are a sign of greater things to come. As they continue their investigation, they remain determined to uncover the full extent of the treasure hidden beneath Oak Island.
