From Solitude to Surprise
A Serendipitous Bitcoin Meetup in Traverse City
Every month, I host a Bitcoin meetup right here in Traverse City. It’s not the biggest event around, but what we lack in numbers, we more than make up for in enthusiasm. However, last night was shaping up to be nothing short of a letdown. The regulars had sent their regrets, leaving me by my lonesome. That is, until I received a text that turned the night around.
A woman was messaging me, lost, trying to locate our group. I quickly directed her, and soon enough, she appeared. She’d learned about us through one of our regular couples who couldn’t make it due to some pressing issues.
As we chatted, I shared stories about our tight-knit group, and then she dropped something fascinating. She’d bought Bitcoin in 2013! My first thought was concern: access to decade-old Bitcoin can be notoriously tricky. Yet, as we delved deeper, she mentioned she still had her pass phrase. That was a game-changer; it meant she could potentially access her Bitcoin, and I could guide her through it.
She wasn’t sure about the exact amount she owned, but she recalled spending about $600 back in 2013. Now, the value of Bitcoin in that year fluctuated between $100 and $1,200. Despite the ambiguity, one thing was clear: if she could recover her digital stash, she was in for a substantial profit. Especially now, with Bitcoin hovering around $28,731.
Wanting to help without overstepping, I knew I shouldn’t have direct access to her pass phrase—that’s a responsibility I wasn’t willing to shoulder. So, I suggested she download Blue Wallet, a user-friendly app I’m familiar with. There are numerous Bitcoin wallets out there, but I find Blue Wallet reliable and straightforward for beginners. After she installed it, I pointed her to the feature for recovering an old wallet.
I’m still in the dark about whether she’s attempted the restoration process, and I’m eagerly awaiting an update. Regardless of the outcome, this encounter transformed an initially lonely evening into a chance to assist someone. It just goes to show, even when you least expect it, opportunity—like a surprise guest at a meetup—can find you.
You can find out more about our Bitcoin group here: Bitcoin North