Oct 6-8th, 2023, Crystal Mtn Field Trip Report

Field trip reports

On the weekend of Oct. 6-8 2023 we combined camping and 2 days of rockhounding at Crystal Mountain north of Ellensburg. This area has a wide variety of agate, jasper, and crystal geode material. We were fortunate to have beautiful fall weather in the mid 70s to punctuate the gorgeous views looking out over First Creek, the Stuart range and the Teanaway valley to the west and the Kittitas valley to the south. Many trees were dressed in their glorious fall colors and our group campsite had a spectacular ledge view. We had 19 campers through the weekend and 10 people came up for the day on Sat. Multiple sites were explored by the campers, but we had one main dig site that was quite productive. I’m still trying to understand the geology of the area, but I think it’s part of the Teanaway formation. I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Special thanks to Peggy/Paul for our grilled chicken on Friday and Scott/Laurie/Josh for the grilled burgers and hot dogs on Sat. We had excellent food from everyone and it was quite a memorable weekend.

Campers: Annie S and dog Tess, Scott & Laurie M., Peggy S. & Paul A., John C. & Teri G., Christina & Russel & Rose L., Josh & Eli & Levi D., Ananda C., Kari C., Phillip T., Breanna & Julia P., and me.

Coming up for the day on Sat.: Noelle B., Loren M., Robert and Jonathon M., Artem & Andrey & Maxim T., Ray & Mary M. (new members), and Trent B.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated: October 19, 2023 — 9:21 am

Presidents Message

  • From the Top of the Rock Pile Despite the weather concerns, our club picnic at Lake Wilderness Arboretum turned out to be a delightful event. We were blessed with a sunny day, and around thirty-five of us enjoyed the beautiful park, a good meal, and a lot of visiting. The day’s highlight was our club auction, a resounding success. Thanks to everyone’s participation, we raised over $1,100 for our club treasury, marking it the best sale. Our club auctions help cover club expenses and prevent us from having to increase our annual dues. If you’re a new member, we’re thrilled …

Meeting Announcements

  • November 14th – CMS Food Drive & Glaciers by Paul Arhberg Don’t forget to bring a food item for our food drive to support the Kent Food Bank.  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: Something white, clear, or a crystal.

  • December 1st – Holiday Potluck Dinner, Election of Officers, and Club Auction. Holiday Potluck Dinner: The club provides ham and turkey. Members fill in with side dishes, rolls, desserts, and drinks. If you cannot bring anything for dinner, please come as we would like your company. We always have loads of food. After dinner, we have the election of Officers for 2025. We close out the day with the club auction. It is a great time to buy holiday, birthday, anniversary, or just because gifts. The auction prices are always a fraction of retail or gem shows. Mark your calendar now! Let’s have a great turnout. Let’s enjoy having dinner together, sitting and visiting with one another, and getting some “rock talk” in.

  • January 9th – Field Trip report of 2024 and what lies ahead for 2025. Our Field Trip Guide, Roger Danneman, will review our 2024 field trips and what was found, then look ahead to what is planned for 2025. Show ‘n Tell: Something you found on a field trip, your yard, beach, a hike, etc.

Current News