May 13th, 2023, First Creek Field Trip Report

On Sat. May 13th we went to First Creek for agate, jasper, and crystal geodes. It was a hot day with temperatures in the mid-80s, but beautiful clear skies and views. We had 22 people in 11 vehicles. After hiking to the 2 mile ravine, the Merriman’s took half the group to the dig pits on east side of the ravine while the rest of us were kind of scattered through the area. I think the heat was a limiting factor in climbing the hills, at least for me. The diggers ended up with some nice agate nodules, while surface collectors found mostly crystal material and seam agate material. Everyone brought extra water and by about 4:00 PM we were back to the parking lot. Such a relief to exchange my boots and socks for sandals. Ticks didn’t seem to be an issue, although a couple of them were spotted.

Our next scheduled trip is on June 17th to Little Naches. The DOT always tries to get Chinook Pass open by Memorial Day weekend. With this long stretch of hot weather I anticipate the road will be open soon, despite the heavy snowpack received this winter.

Attendees were Paul A. and Peggy S., Tammy C., Robert M. with kids Evalyn and Johnathan, Loren M, Gina L. and Michael K., Steve F. (2nd outing), Gina M. and Julie M.,
Also .. new members making their first trip were Jason S. with son Westin, Grady and Maddy N., Lynnette A. and guest Katie, Lorie L., Jeanie L., and guest Martha C.
Thanks Jeanie for a number of these nice photos.

Submitted by Roger Danneman Field Trip Guide (roger.danneman@gmail.com)
425-757-3506 cell and texts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated: July 11, 2023 — 10:12 am

Presidents Message

  • From the Top of the Rock Pile 2024 is in our rearview mirror. It was a very successful year for our club. We moved our Cascade Gem Show to June at Kent Commons. It has been an excellent decision for our club. We had the largest attendance since resuming our shows in 2018, with approximately 3,200 visitors! The proceeds from our two club auctions in 2024 brought in around $1,800. These funds help to cover our club’s largest expense, the liability insurance policy. I expect the premium for 2025 will be near $3,000. Our booth at the Puyallup Gem Faire

Meeting Announcements

  • February 13th – Jim Cerenzie – Finding New (Old) Rockhounding Sites Our club member, Jim Cerenzie, is going to speak on how he finds long forgotten sites to hunt for rocks and crystals. He has a YouTube channel called the “Vug Meister” where he and his son go rockhounding to these places. If you watch YouTube please support him by subscribing to his channel. Show ‘n Tell: Your favorite rockhounding find. It can be a find from a field trip, your yard, the beach, or a riverbed.

  • March 13th – Field Trip Preview by Roger Danneman Where will we go this year? Join our wagonmaster Roger Danneman as he gives us a preview of all of the places the Club will explore this year on field trips – and what kinds of materials you might find there. Show ‘n Tell: Something you’ve found on a prior field trip (with a club or on your own!).

  • April 10th – Rock BINGO Kent schools on spring break. So all you members, junior members and their friends, your grandkids, guests it is time for our Rock Bingo night.  Everyone is guaranteed to be a winner. Rock Bingo is free tonight – bring 3 wrapped presents (see below). Maximum 3 game cards per player. Each player is to bring 3 wrapped presents. Rocks, minerals, fossils, cabachons, slabs, jewelry, or anything that you think would be a nice gift.  Guests do not need to bring any wrapped items.

  • May 8th – Glaciers by Paul Ahnberg What are the benefits of glaciers? Glaciers, slow-moving rivers of ice, have sculpted mountains and carved valleys throughout Earth’s history. They continue to flow and shape the landscape in many places today. But glaciers affect much more than the landscape. Show ‘n Tell: A white or clear mineral or crystal.

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