As a local tour operator, Anchor Tours, has had the pleasure to take many fans of The Curse Of Oak Island to the world famous island to visit the Oak Island Interpretive Centre. Guests often ask if they'll get a chance to see any cast members of the show. Especially fan favorites Rick Lagina, Marty Lagina, or Gary Drayton. Sometimes they do! Despite having been to Oak Island many times, I've yet to meet any of the show's cast members. I haven't as lucky as some of my guests have been. On occasion, I'd see Rick Lagina on Oak Island or Mahone Bay but I never wanted to intrude on his personal space by introducing myself to him. Instead, I'd casually wave or nod my head in acknowledgment of his presence. The day didn't start well...I'd like to share with you an experience that one of my guides, Jack, had while on tour at Oak Island, where he had an opportunity to meet Rick. That day left an impression on all those who were there. I remember that particular day well. It started out on a bad note as the weather had been rather inclement, with rain, high winds, and rough seas. It was serious enough that we received a number of cancellations from a cruise ship that was unable to dock in Halifax Harbour as a result of the deteriorating conditions. It was early October, 2019. Hurricane Dorian had just swept through Nova Scotia a month earlier, leaving widespread damage and power outages in its wake. Storm activity isn't unusual in Nova Scotia in the fall. However, it was disappointing to see, nonetheless. My guide, Jack, was able to hold our Oak Island Fan Experience tour in spite of the weather. The situation didn't dampen the spirits of the guests as they were looking forward to a day exploring Nova Scotia's South Shore. The highlight of the day came when the group made its last stop at Oak Island. Just as they were getting ready to leave, Jack noticed Rick Lagina doing some work on the causeway that connects Oak Island to the Nova Scotia mainland. It was likely in need of some repair after Hurricane Dorian and the poor weather we had been having. Naturally, as fans of The Curse of Oak Island, the group was excited to see Rick but they felt a little apprehensive in approaching him for a photo, considering the circumstances. Knowing how much the group wanted to meet Rick, Jack stopped the tour vehicle and asked Rick if he would mind taking a moment to say hello to the group and have his picture taken with them. Rick stopped his work on the causeway and went out of his way to thank everyone for their visit to Oak Island and for being fans of the TV show. Then the unexpected happened...Rick mentioned that he had some core samples from the drilling that they had been doing on the island and that they were in the back of his truck. Rick, then did something that was totally unexpected and truly a kind gesture on his part. He offered our group some of those core samples as a token of his appreciation for their visit. Needless to say, everyone was excited to take a little piece of Oak Island home with them. Even my guide, Jack, got a few samples. One of which was given to me. After the tour was over, I checked in with Jack to see how the day had went. He told me the group had a great tour and told me of their experience with Rick while on Oak Island. I wish I'd been there to personally thank Rick for his generosity and taking the time to give my guests an experience that they won't soon forget. A few new fans...Frankly, neither Jack nor I didn't know much about the Laginas as neither of us watched The Curse of Oak Island up to that point. Though, we had basic working knowledge regarding Rick and Marty Lagina's efforts to find the treasure there. We were both very impressed with how approachable, generous, and appreciative Rick was towards the fans of the show. There was absolutely nothing pretentious about him. As I would later come to learn, our experience with Rick was consistent with what I'd heard from others. Rick, Marty, and the other cast members of The Curse of Oak Island, have a true appreciation for their many fans and are generous with sharing their time with them. On a personal note, my cousin was quite excited to have her picture taken with Rick when she spotted him in Mahone Bay. Because of the kindness Rick showed to the guests of our tour, both Jack and I have the utmost respect for him and have become ardent fans of The Curse of Oak Island. We're eager to engage in conversation when anyone asks us if we've ever been there while on tour. Since becoming a fan of the show, I realized I had a lot of catching up to do by watching previous episodes. As a Christmas gift, my family gave me the box set of DVDs on seasons 1-6. It wasn't exactly easy to find, so I very much appreciate their efforts. I've got some binge watching ahead of me! When life becomes normal again...After the Covid 19 Pandemic is over and Oak Island opens back up to the public in 2022, I look forward to Anchor Tours doing more visits to Oak Island once again.
The next time I have the opportunity to introduce myself to Rick, I'm going to take it. Maybe he'll let me have a photo taken with him as well. Until then...
3 Comments
5/23/2021 02:59:54 pm
I have to say that this was a great article. I have yet to meet Rick, Marty or Craig but I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the other cast members of Oak Island. From what they have told me I totally believe that they are all the nicest group you will meet. What an awesome experience to meet Rick like that. What a stand up person!
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Deb Levensailor
5/24/2021 10:25:07 am
Hi, Jeff. Please make sure I’m a member of your YouTube channel and Facebook group. Think so, but want to make sure. Sounds like you have great info to share about Oak Island and Rick and Team. I’m so excited for them, know they’re wonderful people, support them, and know they’re about to find even more wonderful, valuable historical, religious and material treasures.
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6/11/2021 06:56:52 pm
This is a great article and what an honour it was for you to meet Rick. I have heard that he is a very humble man and you have reconfirmed it. It would be a dream come true to meet him and Marty along with the whole fellowship.
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