Back log of posts from this fall

Old Blog

Dec 7 2006

The following was received early this morning from Anthony F regarding Hector Mine trip this weekend. I couldn't get the map to copy, but the directions are very clear. Sally


Greetings,

I just came back from an AZ trip, and promptly I am sending you the Hector mine information for this Saturday.

We are doing just right with attendance and space, so we are looking forwards to meet with you this coming Saturday.

Regards, Anthony F

Requirements :

This is to confirm the field trip for your Gem and Mineral Club on Saturday, December 9Th at 9:30am. You will be receiving via email a copy of our release form that must be signed by each individual before they can come onto the property. Also, a copy of the directions will be forwarded to you on the same email.

Some other rules include the following:
1) All persons - NO exception - must have appropriate foot wear. Tennis Shoes, boots, etc. No sandals, no backless shoes of any kind are allowed. The foot wear must cover the entire foot - heels and toes and top.
2) If you are going to use a rock hammer or striking tool of any kind - you MUST wear eye protection - please bring your own safety glasses.
3) Please bring work gloves to protect your hands.
4) Please understand that the personnel have taken a personal day to show you the Mine and please, follow their instructions at all times.

Looking forward to seeing you and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate asking,

Joyce

Joyce E. Pulliam-Fitzgerald
Production & Quality Control Manager
Elementis Specialties
Newberry Springs, CA

=================================================================

This is the description of the site findings according to Donald K who visited the mine recently:

1. Regular Travertine. A Fault runs thru the mine. The east side has travertine, the west side has the Hectorite (a highly expansive clay that can absorb 60% of its weight in water). The travertine is nice. Some banded, some choppy, some more solid, some more porous, some stony, some like spaghetti. Real nice, quality material. Some with nice carmel banding, concentric circles,

2. Agate nodules occur in the clay. Given your opinion about agates, I don't think you would be too happy. Most are foggy light blue, light purple (if you are lucky to find it), foggy whites and creams. Better pieces have some sworls of chalcedony (white) running through it. Have to cut it to say more because its all covered in clay. Most is monotonous like breaking an agate and getting that foggy white center. Some is just semi-translucent white to cream with lots of cryptocrystalline quartz veins in it. Looks nice, but probably cannot polish it properly. Some is just dull grey like chert, which some call the nodules there. The stuff is agate hard, but not exceptionally hard or like an opalite hard.

3. Aragonite. Some travertine forms aragonite, the boils and bubbles like cave limestone stalagmites. This is crystaline banded rootbeer brown, solid with no voids. Only a bit of that around. The banding is thin. You won't pick up a 10lb block of it, but will get blocks of aragonite mixed with travertine.

4. Black banded Travertine. The east mid-level bench has black manganese? pyrolusite? with travertine. The managese is soft and will never polish, but the stuff making black and brown bands in the travertine has potential. Got just one or two small chunks of it.

Some picture of the Hector agate and jasper.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ferrariaa/album?.dir=331cscd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ferrariaa/my_photos
======================================================

Lets get ready to Rock and a have a great time

Regards Anthony



Elementis Specialties

31763 Mountain View Road
Newberry Springs, CA 92365
760-257-3301




RELEASE, INDEMNITY AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT



I, ___________________________________, the parent (s) or legal guardian (s) of

_____________________________________, agree to release Elementis Specialties

and it’s employees from any liability arising out of the field trip at Elementis’ Hector Mine

Facility scheduled on ______________________.






Signature of Parent / Guardian

_______________________________
Date



SPECIALTIES


Welcome to Elementis Specialties Newberry Springs / Hector Mine locations. Both of our sites are regulated by both Cal OSHA and MSHA thus safety rules must be adhered to under all circumstances. If your visit will take you into the Plant, Mine or Maintenance areas please bring your steel toed shoes, hard hat and safety glasses if you have them. We have visitor hard hats, glasses, side shields and slip on toes if you don’t.

To find us:
From the south (Los Angeles, Ontario) connect with Interstate 15 North to Barstow. At Barstow transition to Interstate 40 (right lane) and go another 18 miles for the Plant and 32 miles for the mine. To get to the plant exit at the Newberry exit and turn left under the freeway. Turn right on Pioneer Rd (next street & behind Ultramar gas station) and go East 0.5 mile. Turn left on Mt. View Rd. and then a very fast right into the driveway. For the mine exit Interstate 40 at Hector Rd (milepost 32) and turn right to National Trails (Rte.66, about 100ft). Turn left, and go about 0.2 miles to a well graded but unmarked dirt road and turn right. Hector mine is about 3 miles south at the end of the dirt road.
From the North (Las Vegas) connect with Interstate 15 South toward Barstow. After about 2 hours exit at Harvard Rd. and turn left. After about 4-5 miles and crossing the Mojave River (dry most of the time), follow the pavement to the right (Riverside Rd) to the stop sign. Turn left on to Newberry Rd. and continue about 4 miles (South) to the Railroad tracks. For the Plant turn right on Pioneer Rd. immediately after the tracks and go west for 0.5 miles on Pioneer to Mt. View and turn right and right into the driveway. For the Mine continue past Mt View to National Trails and turn left(Ultramar gas station). You will be facing Interstate 40 which you want to take east about 14 miles to Hector Rd. For the mine exit Interstate 40 at Hector Rd (milepost 32) and turn right to National Trails (Rte.66, about 100ft). Turn left, and go about 0.2 miles to a well graded but unmarked dirt road and turn right. Hector mine is about 3 miles south at the end of the dirt road.


Each person participating in any field trip who will be on the premises on the scheduled date noted above submit an agreement. Thank you for your cooperation.


Dec 6, 2006

Tuesday, December 19 is our annual Christmas Pot Luck. Plan to come an hour early, (5 PM PST) to allow time for our short meeting and election of officers. BTW, Mike Boeck is bringing the Honey Baked Ham (furnished by the NGMC)! Of course we look forward to the pot luck dishes that everyone brings! Also, bring one inexpensive gift per person attending to participate in our Chinese Auction!


Dec 3, 2006

Three canines, six vehicles and 14 Rockhounds ventured to Big Chief Jasper and Lavender Quartz - a bit chilly, a bit windy, but a great day! Thanks Barb for leading this great trip.

Dec 2, 2006

If you need more informatio, call Anthony - His phone is at the bottom of the post.

Hello Sally,

Greeting to you and all the sports at the Needles rockhounding club.
The outing to the fire agates was fun, thanks for the invite.

As I mentioned to you and Corine on the 9th we will be heading to the Hector mine. Today I had confirmation from the geologist. Meeting is at the mine 9:30 Pacific/Cal Time. In the same afternoon we will be visiting the Hector jasper site.

You and club members will be very welcome, please let me know if you or others can make it.

I will need to know by this Thursday how many people cold come, otherwise I may invite other rockhounders. There is a limit of 20 people.

This is the description of the site findings according to Donal K (the fellow who came with me)

1. Regular Travertine. A Fault runs thru the mine. The east side has travertine, the west side has the Hectorite (a highly expansive clay that can absorb 60% of its weight in water). The travertine is nice. Some banded, some choppy, some more solid, some more porous, some stony, some like spaghetti. Real nice, quality material. Some with nice carmel banding, concentric circles,

2. Agate nodules occur in the clay. Given your opinion about agates, I don't think you would be too happy. Most are foggy light blue, light purple (if you are lucky to find it), foggy whites and creams. Better pieces have some sworls of chalcedony (white) running through it. Have to cut it to say more because its all covered in clay. Most is monotonous like breaking an agate and getting that foggy white center. Some is just semi-translucent white to cream with lots of cryptocrystalline quartz veins in it. Looks nice, but probably cannot polish it properly. Some is just dull grey like chert, which some call the nodules there. The stuff is agate hard, but not exceptionally hard or like an opalite hard.

3. Aragonite. Some travertine forms aragonite, the boils and bubbles like cave limestone stalagmites. This is crystaline banded rootbeer brown, solid with no voids. Only a bit of that around. The banding is thin. You won't pick up a 10lb block of it, but will get blocks of aragonite mixed with travertine.

4. Black banded Travertine. The east mid-level bench has black manganese? pyrolusite? with travertine. The managese is soft and will never polish, but the stuff making black and brown bands in the travertine has potential. Got just one or two small chunks of it.

Some picture of the Hector agate and jasper.

Hector Agate and Jasper


+ some pictures of the fire agate outing + Burro Creek.
Fire Agate Outing and Burro Creek


Regards Anthony F 310 709 7271


Nov 22, 2006

Last night at our meeting we had a wonderful program on Turquoise put on by Beverly Blair. WOW! What great information and fantastic specimens! She was accompanied by her husband Gerry Blair, who has authored many books. What a pleasure to meet these folks.
A couple of reminders:

Next field trip is December 2 to Big Chief Jasper. We meet at the Needles Cemetery at 8 AM PST, (9 AM MST). Barb Ballard is the Field Trip leader, so any questions you have should be directed to her.

December 9, Anthony Ferrani has invited our club members to Hector. I will post that information when he send it to me.

Tuesday, December 19th is our annual Christmas Pot Luck. Plan to come an hour early, (5 PM PST) for our short meeting. BTW, Mike Boeck is bringing the Honey Baked Ham (furnished by the NGMC)!

I will update as information becomes available.

That's all for now folks, and Happy Thanksgiving!



Nov 21, 2006

2006 Meteor Showers

The next meteor shower is the Geminids on December 14.
December 14 , Morning crescent

What are meteor showers?

An increase in the number of meteors at a particular time of year is called a meteor shower. Comets shed the debris that becomes most meteor showers. As comets orbit the Sun, they shed an icy, dusty debris stream along the comet's orbit. If Earth travels through this stream, we will see a meteor shower. Depending on where Earth and the stream meet, meteors appear to fall from a particular place in the sky, maybe within the neighborhood of a constellation.Meteor showers are named by the constellation from which meteors appear to fall, a spot in the sky astronomers call the radiant. For instance, the radiant for the Leonid meteor shower is located in the constellation Leo. The Perseid meteor shower is so named because meteors appear to fall from a point in the constellation Perseus.

What are shooting stars?

"Shooting stars" and "falling stars" are both names that people have used for many hundreds of years to describe meteors -- intense streaks of light across the night sky caused by small bits of interplanetary rock and debris called meteoroids crashing and burning high in Earth's upper atmosphere. Traveling at thousands of miles an hour, meteoroids quickly ignite in searing friction of the atmosphere, 30 to 80 miles above the ground. Almost all are destroyed in this process; the rare few that survive and hit the ground are known as meteorites.When a meteor appears, it seems to "shoot" quickly across the sky, and its small size and intense brightness might make you think it is a star. If you're lucky enough to spot a meteorite (a meteor that makes it all the way to the ground), and see where it hits, it's easy to think you just saw a star "fall."

How can I best view a meteor shower?

If you live near a brightly lit city, drive away from the glow of city lights and toward the constellation from which the meteors will appear to radiate.

For example, drive north to view the Leonids. Driving south may lead you to darker skies, but the glow will dominate the northern horizon, where Leo rises. Perseid meteors will appear to "rain" into the atmosphere from the constellation Perseus, which rises in the northeast around 11 p.m. in mid-August.

After you've escaped the city glow, find a dark, secluded spot where oncoming car headlights will not periodically ruin your sensitive night vision. Look for state or city parks or other safe, dark sites.

Once you have settled at your observing spot, lay back or position yourself so the horizon appears at the edge of your peripheral vision, with the stars and sky filling your field of view. Meteors will instantly grab your attention as they streak by.

How do I know the sky is dark enough to see meteors?

If you can see each star of the Little Dipper, your eyes have "dark adapted," and your chosen site is probably dark enough. Under these conditions, you will see plenty of meteors.
What should I pack for meteor watching?Treat meteor watching like you would the 4th of July fireworks. Pack comfortable chairs, bug spray, food and drinks, blankets, plus a red-filtered flashlight for reading maps and charts without ruining your night vision. Binoculars are not necessary. Your eyes will do just fine.


Nov 21, 2006

Don't forget NGMC meeting tonight, Tuesday November 21 at 6 PM (PST) at the First Baptist Church in Needles! See ya there............great program planned, which starts at 6 PM sharp!

Our great field trip on November 18 to get Fire Agate! Lead by Barb Ballard, attended by 14 rock hounds and one rock hound dog! Buck cracked the whip over Ann and Sally, and you can see Allan Reed's lower legs as he watched the entertainment!

Barb, thanks for a great trip that was a ton of fun!

Previous Blogs from March 1, 2006

Last Spring’s Blogs

May 2006

MONDAY, MAY 22, 2006
Blog on Vacation until October! Have a great summer!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 11:20 AM 0 COMMENTS
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2006
Sunday May 21
What a great day at the McShan rock sale. We had 66 people sign in, of those, there were 13 NGMC members. A very sucessful, long day.

This blog will now go on vacation until October! See ya in the fall!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 9:49 AM 0 COMMENTS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2006
Rock Sale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another McShan Rock Sale, Saturday May 20 7 AM until everyone has left!

The property at McShan's will be bulldozed. The owners have agreed to let the NGMC have one last sale for "rocks" only. The gates will open at 7 AM and the sale will go all day. If you have any questions, please call Corinne, 326-5005,

The last meeting of the season was last night! Here are the minutes:

Meeting called to order by Past President Corinne More (Knox and Mike were absent, and Frank and Sally declined to run the meeting)

Pledge recited

9 members were welcomed.

The April 18, 2006 minutes were read and the motion was made and seconded to accept as read

The Minutes of the April 18 were read and approved.

The Treasurer’s report was given. Motion made the report be filed for audit.

Corinne announced there will a “rocks only” sale at the McShan’s May 20 from 7 AM until we have no more customers.

Frank suggested we put all but "some" of our clubs money in a CD. There was a motion made that Frank (Treasurer), Tom Harrell and Knox will be on the committee to place all but "some" into a CD, having two officer signatures. Motion passed unanimously.

Frank brought up that we should pay the church $25 per meeting for use of the hall, bringing the total to $200 for the calendar year 2007. The motion was made and passed unanimously.

Corinne announced the program for November is by Gerry and Beverly Blair.

Sally announced the program for October will the “Hug a Tree” presented by Ann Ferguson. Frank suggested inviting the public and especially the kids.

The meeting was adjourned and refreshments were enjoyed.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 5:01 AM 0 COMMENTS
TUESDAY, MAY 09, 2006
May 8 "A Picture Story"








POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 9:13 AM 0 COMMENTS
FRIDAY, MAY 05, 2006
Year End Pot Luck on Monday the 8th
Year End Pot Luck and Silent Auction!

Note added Monday Morning: You don't need to bring a chair! We have enough!

Monday afternoon, 4 PM , May 8 at Sally’s house. Located at 8704 Elm Street in Mohave Valley (cross street is South, which is off 95 between Laguna and Willow). Please call Sally 768-7437 if you have not signed up to bring a dish that goes with Carne Asada/Fajitas. Bring a chair. We’ll eat around 6 or 6:30 PM. For the silent auction, please check with Ann when you arrive so she can enter your item.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 7:00 AM


April 2006
FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2006
Another McShan Rock Sale, Saturday May 20 7 AM
The property at McShan's will be bulldozed in about six weeks. The owners have agreed to let the NGMC have one last sale for "rocks" only.

The gates will open at 7 AM and the sale will go all day.

If you have any questions, please call Corinne, 326-5005.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 6:32 AM 0 COMMENTS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2006
Check out what Maty & Gaby are doing!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.gabymatyride.blogspot.com/
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 9:12 AM 0 COMMENTS
TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2006
Field Trip on Friday the 28 of April
Meet at 8 AM, Tri State time, at Silvercreek and the Bullhead Parkway for a fun trip to get Squiggly Jasper! Of course, the usual, water, hats, rock hounding equipment and a BIG SMILE!!!

The second day of the McShan property rock sale was a smashing sucess. 80 people signed in, eleven of those being NGMC members! The furthest home town was in the Cascade's in the state of Washington!

Let me tell you, some great material went out of there at rock bottom prices (no pun intended)
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 1:41 PM 1 COMMENTS
SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2006
McShan Rock Sale on Saturday April 22


Smashing sucess and a ton of fun! Thirteen NGMC members were there and we had 66 attendees. There were folks from the Bullhead Club, Lake Havasu City Club and Kingman Club. Lots of treasurers!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 9:15 PM 0 COMMENTS
FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2006
Rock Sale at McShan Rock Shop Sat Sun
Just a reminder, the rock sale at McShan's is tomorrow and the next day - 22/23 of April. Private access for the NGMC members between 8-9 AM. Opens to the public at 9 AM. There is more material than you could ever imagine! Chance of a lifetime!

Also Friday the 28th of April, there is a field trip for Squiggily (sure I misspelled that) Jasper and some adventure 4WD. Meet at Silvercreek Road off the Bullhead Parkway at 8 AM sharp. Of course, bring lunch, water, hat, sunscreen and your rock tools. 4WD is required.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 6:15 AM 0 COMMENTS
SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 2006
Happy Easter All You Rock Hounds!!!!!!!!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 11:29 AM 0 COMMENTS
MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2006
Rock Sale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Folks!

Almost a century worth of rock collecting by Mac and Maggie McShan is being offered.

The Needles Gem and Mineral Club, along with River Toys Storage, is hosting the final Rock Sale at McShan's Rock Shop! This will be April 22-23 at 9:00 AM both days. Call Corinne or Sally for details or for special appointments. A life time of material and a life time opportunity to have this history!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 9:47 PM 0 COMMENTS
"Popcorn" Wirewrapped
Some "Popcorn" material gathered at Kokoweef on Saturday
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 8:05 PM 0 COMMENTS
SUNDAY, APRIL 09, 2006
Milk Opal and Popcorn from Kokoweef
A direct quote from Diane "By the way the Calcite Stalatites do flouresce yellow, orange and light pink. The common opal is basicly a limegreen with a touch of lavender and pink where the outside calcite coating is attached. Members who collected this material should keep the rough exterior part on the rocks if they want a pretty flourescing colors. The Black light will cause these to flouresce in the longwave but I would try the short wave too on the opal."
Thanks Diane!



POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 10:56 AM 1 COMMENTS
A few snapshots from Kokoweef





POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 7:23 AM 0 COMMENTS
SATURDAY, APRIL 08, 2006
Kokoweef! WOW
Perfect trip today..........Ralph Lewis was awesome and so much information shared! Also great to have Diane join us and share her information!!!! A special Thanks to Ralph! And thank you Diane! Some good material gathered and Great People having a great time....something for everyone on this field trip.....pictures to come later...........this rock hound is crumbling!!!!!!!!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 9:07 PM 0 COMMENTS
FRIDAY, APRIL 07, 2006
Holbrook/Winslow Wood on April 15 and the 22nd
I have checked with several people and the below direct quote from LA Rocks is true.............

"I sent this to a few rock groups Hello all: I spoke to Marion Hatch the owner of the property today and 3 days ago he decided to charge the $50.00 Per person. He says looks like this will be the last time to collect on his property. You make the call if you want to go. I am now out of the picture.

From Kurt yesterday Marions helper:

To whom it may concern: My name is Kurt and I work very closely with the owners of this 60,000 acre ranch in regards to these digs as well as attend to help keep everything flowing as smoothly as possible.

The dates for the April digs are: Saturday, April 15th and Saturday April 22nd. Charges are $50.00 PER PERSON+ $1.00 per pound. All wanting to go , on either or both of the two digs, need to meet between 7am and 7:30 a,m , exit 292, Keams Canyon, at Musuem of Antiquities,/Dinosaur Park. There you will be signed in, charged per person, and taken out in 2-3 groups to the dig sites. Any further info, please email me.
Regards Kurt kurtsrocks@frontiernet.net --

Richard S. Mueller"
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 11:35 AM 0 COMMENTS
Holbrook/Winslow Wood on April 15 and the 22nd
I have checked with several people and the below direct quote from LA Rocks is true.............

"I sent this to a few rock groups Hello all: I spoke to Marion Hatch the owner of the property today and 3 days ago he decided to charge the $50.00 Per person. He says looks like this will be the last time to collect on his property. You make the call if you want to go. I am now out of the picture.

From Kurt yesterday Marions helper:

To whom it may concern: My name is Kurt and I work very closely with the owners of this 60,000 acre ranch in regards to these digs as well as attend to help keep everything flowing as smoothly as possible.

The dates for the April digs are: Saturday, April 15th and Saturday April 22nd. Charges are $50.00 PER PERSON+ $1.00 per pound. All wanting to go , on either or both of the two digs, need to meet between 7am and 7:30 a,m , exit 292, Keams Canyon, at Musuem of Antiquities,/Dinosaur Park. There you will be signed in, charged per person, and taken out in 2-3 groups to the dig sites. Any further info, please email me.
Regards Kurt kurtsrocks@frontiernet.net --

Richard S. Mueller"
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 11:35 AM 0 COMMENTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 06, 2006
Just another reminder about Kokoweef
I want to remind all of you Rock Club Members, family and friends that Kokoweef is this Saturday, April 8.Directions: Take 95 North to Searchlite..........turn West toward Nipton on 164 and go to I-15. Get on the Interstate heading SOUTH and get off on the next exit which is Bailey (Mountain Road). Turn left or East and wait for our departure at 11 AM - with Ralph, our guide and lecturer. He told me he plans to stop about half way in to give us a brief geological lesson of the area.I approximate the travel time to Bailey Road off ramp appoximately 1 1/2 hours from the Needles area.Pack a lunch, bring clothes for all types of weather (I think we will be at about 6000 feet) and of course, plenty of water.Ralph said he can also show us some collecting areas.Hope to see you ALL........I have 29 people signed up! And call me (928-768-7437) if you have any questions!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 8:47 PM 0 COMMENTS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 05, 2006
More About the Holbrook/Winslow Wood in April
This came directly from a member of LA rocks. I just want our group to know the latest and greatest information!

There will be two digs in April. The 15th and the 22nd. I was going to go on the 15th but will be out of the country the 15th and the 22nd. Montie Hazen at 760-940-0379 set the date for the
15th. Pat McMahan Sedona Gem and Mineral Club contact for the 22nd. Everything should be the same unless it rains. Have a great time as this would have been my 5th time to collect on the 60,000 acres. Tell them to save me a spot in May to collect. Thanks
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 4:56 PM 0 COMMENTS
More Detailed Info On the Holbrook/Winslow Wood Apr 22
COALITION FIELD TRIP
APRIL 22, 2006, HOLBROOK, AZ
CLUB SPONSOR: SEDONA GEM & MINERAL CLUB

We have another fabulous opportunity to collect petrified wood on a private 60,000 acre ranch near Holbrook. Our club has arranged again for us all to hunt the Paulsell Ranch next to the Petrified Forest National Park. Even though our coalition prefers not to repeat trips to the same location every year, this is an exceptional property which may be sold to the government at any time and our opportunity to collect there would be lost forever. Wonderful rainbow and picture wood litters the ground. This is the stuff rockhound dreams are made of. Our cost is $1.00 per pound. We will hunt the ranch on Saturday and then drive back to the privately owned International Petrified Forest Museum where you can choose from tons of wood laid out on pallets at $2.00 per pound, or polished pieces inside their shop. If you spend a little time hunting, you’ll find material that is as good as it gets.

BONUS !!!The museum houses on of the largest collections of Native American artifacts in the Southwest.

DATE OF FIELD TRIP: Saturday, April 22, 2006 9:00 AM

MEETING PLACE: The International Petrified Forest Museum. I-40 exit 292, one quarter mile south of I-40.

MOTEL: I have negotiated a special rate for April 21st of $32.20 including tax per room for 2 people for our coalition members Friday night at the Best Inn, (maybe not the best) 2211 Navajo Blvd., 928-524-2654. Take exit 289 off I-40 and go north about 1 mile it’s on your left or west side of Navajo Blvd. Tell them you are with the Coalition of Rock Clubs when you call to make your reservations and you will get the special rate.

OPTIONAL: Come join us for dinner and breakfast.Dinner - Friday 4/21 6:00 pm The Mesa Restaurant. The Mesa Restaurant is across the street and east a short distance from the motel. The food is Italian and is about the best in town. We will all sit in the banquet room. Please bring bragging rocks to show club members at dinner, petrified wood from your last trip or other favorites.Breakfast - Saturday 4/22 7:30 AM Denny’s Restaurant. Order from menu. Denny’s is across the street and east about a mile from the motel.Please RSVP Pat McMahan if you are having dinner or breakfast so he can let the restaurants know. Cell # 928-300-8333.
At 9:00AM Saturday we will meet at the International Petrified Forest Museum, exit 292, and will drive in caravan about 1 hour to the ranch. We can stay as long as we wish. Bring lunch, snacks, water, tools, squirt bottles, and a small backpack. Also bring boxes for your rocks. Two wheel drive vehicles are OK. Carpooling on dirt roads will be arranged at the Museum.
Questions or RSVP, contact Pat McMahan, 928-300-8333. Pat will have his cell phone on before and during the field trip. Call Pat Thursday nite 4/20/06 between 6:00pm and 8:00pm if rain is threatening, if rain is likely, Pat will cancel the trip.

DIRECTIONS: From Flagstaff intersection of I-17 and I-40, go east on I-40 about 92 miles to Holbrook. Exit 292 is approximately 7 miles east of Holbrook on I-40.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 4:36 PM 0 COMMENTS
TUESDAY, APRIL 04, 2006
Don't forget Kokoweef on Saturday, April 8
I want to remind all of you Rock Club Members, family and friends that Kokoweef is this Saturday, April 8.

Directions: Take 95 North to Searchlite..........turn West toward Nipton on 164 and go to I-15. Get on the Interstate heading SOUTH and get off on the next exit which is Bailey (Mountain Road). Turn left or East and wait for our departure at 11 AM - with Ralph, our guide and lecturer. He told me he plans to stop about half way in to give us a brief geological lesson of the area.

I approximate the travel time to Bailey Road off ramp appoximately 1 1/2 hours from the Needles area.

Pack a lunch, bring clothes for all types of weather (I think we will be at about 6000 feet) and of course, plenty of water.

Ralph said he can also show us some collecting areas.

Hope to see you ALL........I have 29 people signed up! And call me (928-768-7437) if you have any questions!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 9:56 AM 0 COMMENTS
Here is a great web site for rock hounds:
http://www.rockhounds.com/

I copied the front page to give you an idea! WOW, how interesting!

Welcome to the Internet's First 'Zine for Rockhounds...

Hello, I'm pleased to meet you. My name is Bob and I am the editor and webmaster of this online publication for rock collectors and lapidary hobbyists. Basically, I'm just your ordinary, common as quartz rockhound who enjoys showing off minerals in my collection, lapidary projects, and sharing with fellow collectors and rock nuts. As a longstanding computer hobbyist and Internet enthusiast I saw an opportunity at the dawn of the World Wide Web to indulge several interests and open up "shop" here. The result of merging these interests and hobbies is Bob's Rock Shop.

The Shop is a non-commercial site in that the rocks and mineral specimens displayed here are Not for Sale (at least, not through me), but you are welcome to browse all you like. Thanks to its generous content contributors and advertising sponsors, the Shop has grown considerably since it was first brought on-line in March 1995 as a homepage with eight or so images of rocks from my own collection. To give you a graphic example of what's in store here, I've brought out one of my own heavy lead specimens as an example some of the Shop's current "stock and trade".
Rock&Gem Magazine has joined Bob's Rock Shop online and we're working together to provide a first class topical information and connectivity resource for rockhounds on the Internet. In addition to publishing featured articles here, Rock&Gem provides an extensive online show list and submission form, an interface to search thousands of R&G back issue article titles for topics of interest, writer's guidelines and more.

Other features to browse here include downloadable freeware and shareware software for rockhounds, a collecting site catalog for the United States and Canada, the Rock Net bulletin board, several collections of entertaining and informative mineralogical articles and essays, contests for rockhounds, the free use, form-accessible Rock Trader classified ads, an extensive US Club list, and rockhound tailored visitor information for Tucson, Arizona, including the annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. The gallery of specimen images, which now features over 150 specimens, remains a primary focus of the Shop. The Shop's extensive link list is being continuously updated and expanded and provides links to many categories of kindred rocky sites.

I hope you enjoy your visit and you're invited back any time! Your suggestions and ideas for content you'd like to see at the Shop are welcome. Bob's Rock Shop owes its origin to an experiment with a video frame grabber. The experiment continues and the feedback and encouragement provided by fellow hobbyists has been much appreciated. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share some of the fun.

Are you interested in contributing some content to the WWW? Manuscripts about and images of mineral specimens and related mineral and rockhounding subjects are invited.
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All original images and manuscript are ©Bob's Rock Shop 1995-2006. Rock&Gem magazine and content contributors hold other copyrights on their materials.
Webmaster: Bob Keller


POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 8:41 AM 0 COMMENTS
April 4 - We need articles and news for this blog!
Hello folks!

I would like you to submit news and information for all the Rock Hounds out here!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 5:35 AM 0 COMMENTS
April 4 - We need articles and news for this blog!
Hello folks!

I would like you to submit news and information for all the Rock Hounds out here!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 5:35 AM 0 COMMENTS
SATURDAY, APRIL 01, 2006
April 1
Trivia for the day!

Wednesday of next week, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be... 01:02:03 04/05/06.That won't ever happen again.You may now return to your (normal ?) life.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 6:24 PM


March 2006
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2006
Info from Ralph regarding Kokoweef
I just copied this from comments - , so everyone would be sure to see it!

Hey Guys and Gals!
RE: April 8th talk @ Kokoweef Peak plus rockhounding....
I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone who will be attending my talk at Kokoweef Peak to learn some REAL history and gee-ology about "The Lost Dorr Mine" on April 8th. (aka: The Mojave Desert's Legendary Underground River of Gold")
Many thanks to Sally for contacting me to make arrangements. I DO enjoy this sharing this story with folks!
Be sure to dress warm as Kokoweeef's elevation is about 6,000 feet.
Please bring flashlights for the tunnel tour.
I was just informed there will be no electricity inside our meeting location . I'll try to round up/rent a small, portable generator.
If anyone has a Digital Light Projector to share with the group I could give my PowerPoint presentation - - otherwise, I'll just give my "paper tour" of the legend as there are wall graphics and maps to help make it interesting.
Thanks!
Ralph Lewis = cocoweep@aol.com 702-808-1033
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 3:52 AM 0 COMMENTS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2006
Everyone should read and remember this!




We've probably all seen this before, but never so explicit. Subject: STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters... My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks. Thanks Barb.


STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.
It only takes a minute to read this...
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps, STR . Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK . to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE(Coherently) (i.e. . . It is sunny out today)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
{NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue... if the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke}
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 11:43 AM 0 COMMENTS
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2006
Pictures and Narrative from Mike Boeck
So, there we were, Leta and I, driving through the Mojave National Preserve just as last week's snowstorm came through. The Granite, Providence and New York mountains all had lots of snow, then after visiting the newly opened Kelso Depot (fantastic interpretive displays, lots of books and maps for sale) we drove up through Cima, past Cima Dome to Kokoweef, the "underground lost river of gold" mining area, then on to the dinosaur trackway in the Mescal Mountains, where dinosaur footprints are imbedded in the 60 million year old sandstone. I was climbing up around Kokoweef Mountain when it started snowing. Brrrr, ***frozen hands*** because I left my gloves back in Silverado Canyon, where the snowflakes were coming down one inch wide a week before - at only 1400 feet elevation! And just last month we wer in Big Sur when it snowed there. Tent camping.
Here are some photos of the incredible snow in the desert, what great timing we had. Photos taken Tuesday, March 21, 2006.







POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 7:30 AM 0 COMMENTS
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2006
Just an update and reminder about Kokoweef
Kokoweef Information: Saturday April 8

We will depart 11 AM from the Bailey Road Off ramp, I-15. Take 95 North to Searchlight, go west on 164 to I-15. Go south on I-15 to the next exit which is Bailey Road (Mountain Pass), exit there, turn left or east and wait there. We will all drive in together with Ralph. It should take about 1 ½ hours from the Needles area to get to the meeting place. Remember we will depart at 11 AM. And also - - remember, it could be chilly up there! The Interstate off-ramp is almost 5000 feet!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 12:06 PM 0 COMMENTS
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2006
Mar 21 Regular Business Meeting and Kelso Info
Tom and Corinne More are voted in Honorary Lifetime Members!

The group listens intently to Myrna Given's program on the history of the Needles Gem and Mineral Club! Awesome, Myrna!

Thanks Don McQuarie for sharing the above pictures.

Below is info about the Kelso Depot Grand Opening! Hope to see everyone there!



Grand Opening of the Kelso Depot Information Center

Date
March 25, 2006

Times
Kelso Depot will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities begin at 10 a.m. The grand opening event begins at 2 p.m.

Location
Kelso Depot is located 35 miles south of Baker, California on Kelbaker Road, and 22 miles north of Interstate 40 on Kelbaker Road.

Contact
Barstow Office, 760 252-6101

All Events and Activities are free and open to the public.
Activities include:

10:00 - Kelso Dunes Tour: Meet at the Kelso Dunes parking lot for this guided nature walk. Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and good walking shoes. Length: 1 ½ hours.

10:30 - Lava Beds Tour: Meet at the lava beds dirt parking area, about 20.2 miles north of Kelso Depot on Kelbaker Road. Guided walk will be over uneven terrain and is somewhat strenuous; hopefully there will be wildflowers! Wear sturdy footwear, and bring water, sunglasses, sun-screen, and a hat. Length: 1 ½ hours.

11:00 - Tour of Kelso: Meet at the stage, Kelso Depot. This guided walk will include the history of the Kelso Depot and the community that surrounded it, and include visits to the former general store and school. Wear good walking shoes, a hat, and bring water. Length: 1 ½ hours.

7:00 - Star Party at Hole-in-the-Wall Campground Join Professor Peter Daleo to learn more about black holes and other celestial objects. See stars and planets through telescopes, provided.

All the activities listed below are at Kelso Depot

10:00 – 1:00 & 1:00 to 4:00 - Sagebrush Short Line Railroad exhibit: View 1/8 scale model steam engines and learn how they work. At the Kelso Depot parking area.

10:30 – 12:30 - “Remember When?”: Meet former residents of Kelso and nearby areas and to hear their recollections of earlier times...and share your own memories as well.Many of the speakers contributed to the Kelso exhibits. Speakers change every hour.

If you have photos to share, check in with the moderator. We can scan photos and return them.

12:30 – 1:30 & 3:15 to 4:00 - Book Signing table: Local authors such as Lee Hayes, John & Barbara Marnell, and Alfred Runte will be available to sign their books and discuss the history of the area.

12:00 - Mojave Spirit Run - The Spirit Run symbolizes part of Mojave history, since the Tribe has always been renowned for long distance running. The Spirit Runners will complete a run to Kelso at the stage area, followed by a short talk.

12:30 - Fort Mojave Tribal Band performance: First organized in Needles, CA, in 1906 to combat discrimination and display community pride, the band celebrates their centennial this year.

1:00 - Needles Select Choir performance:This show choir from Needles High School has performed at many local events.

1:30- Cowboy poetry:Local rancher Rob Blair will share some of his poems.

2:00 - Dedication Event Refreshments will be served after the ceremony in the picnic area east of the depot.

3:15 - Alfred Runte, Speaker Every Magic Mile: Railroads and the Renewal of Landscape
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 8:18 PM 0 COMMENTS
Information about Daylight Saving Time
When we change our clocks

Daylight Saving Time begins for most of the United States at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of April. That is April 2, 2006. Time reverts to standard time at 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday of October. (October 29) In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time.


Spring forward, Fall back

During DST, clocks are turned forward an hour, effectively moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening.

Year DST Begins
at 2 a.m. DST Ends
at 2 a.m.

2002 April 7 October 27
2003 April 6 October 26
2004 April 4 October 31
2005 April 3 October 30
2006 April 2 October 29
2007 March 11 November 4
2008 March 9 November 2
March 8 November 1




Date change in 2007

On August 8, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This Act changed the time change dates for Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. Beginning in 2007, DST will begin on the second Sunday of March and end the first Sunday of November. The Secretary of Energy will report the impact of this change to Congress. Congress retains the right to revert the Daylight Saving Time back to the 2005 time schedule once the Department of Energy study is complete.

Spelling and grammar

The official spelling is Daylight Saving Time, not Daylight SavingS Time.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 2:41 PM 0 COMMENTS
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2006
Reminders
Just a reminder, the regular business meeting is tomorrow Tuesday March 21 at 6 PM Pacific Time. Also Kelso Depot Grand Opening is Saturday March 25. Door open at ten and ceremony is 2 pm I believe............See earlier post! And then plan for Kokoweef on April 8!
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 5:01 AM 0 COMMENTS
March 20 - Article about Snakes from Mohave Daily News
Rattlesnakes more active as the temperature rises
By M.J. SMITHSunday, March 19, 2006 6:12 PM PST
BULLHEAD CITY - As temperatures rise, critters will become more active, venturing from their burrows and bringing the surrounding desert to life.Along with mice, ground squirrels and lizards will come the snakes. In the Tri-state area, that means rattlesnakes.
While it's still too cool for them to venture far from their burrows, the time has come where they will be seeking the warmth of blacktop roadways and warm rocks, Arizona Game and Fish Department spokesman Zen Mocarski said.With about 15 types of rattlesnakes in the area, active from March to October or later depending on the weather, it's no wonder people often find them catching some rays on patio decks and cooling off in pool filters.
The Western Diamondback, the largest in Arizona's rattlesnake family, and the Mojave, potentially the most venomous, are the two most common rattlesnakes in this area, Mocarski said.An adult Diamondback, also referred to locally as a coontail because of the dark prominent ring just above its rattle, averages 3-4-feet in length and is a peppered gray-brown color with diamond shaped blotches on its back and smaller diamonds on its sides.Often there is a pink or orange cast to the Diamondback's coloring, especially towards the tail.The diamondback is active around the clock, when conditions are favorable, hunting mice, rats, ground squirrels, lizards, birds and amphibians, according to Arizona Game and Fish.The Mojave, on the other hand, is generally a nocturnal animal, preferring to hunt mice and rats under the cover of darkness and when temperatures are cooler.Often referred to as the Mojave green, which can be misleading because its coloration can vary from olive greenish/brown to yellow/green to gray/brown, this snake is characterized as very venomous because of its neurotoxin venom, often called Mojave toxin.Unlike other rattlesnakes whose venom attacks the blood stream of its prey, called hemotoxin, Mojave venom attacks the nervous system.Though smaller than the Diamondback, averaging 2-4-feet in length, the Mojave is considered one of the most dangerous snakes in the United States, Mocarski said.Similar in appearance to the Diamondback, the Mojave has diamond-shaped markings on its back but a slightly different tail configuration, Mocarski said.“The easiest way to tell these two apart, and the only way that makes sense to me without having to get too close, is to look at the markings on the tail,” he said. “The Mojave has thinner black stripes that are broken and uneven and the white stripes are wider. There are also some differences with the scales on the head, but I don't necessarily want to get close enough to know that while the Diamondback has uniform scales, the Mojave only has two scales between its eyes.”Temperament is also different between the area's two most common rattle snakes.Diamondbacks are known to be shy and secretive, avoiding confrontation whenever possible, Mocarski said.“I have heard however, that Mojave rattlesnakes can be aggressive,” he said. “There are two sides to that argument but I hear more often that they are the most aggressive of our different rattlesnake species.”When left alone, people are traditionally safe from the pit vipers, he said.Statistics prove that most snakebites are the result of attempted handling by humans, Mocarski said.When living with creatures capable of seriously injuring or even killing small children, its important to respect them and know what to do if bitten, he said.“Always come to the emergency room or call 911 and ask for an ambulance,” Western Arizona Regional Medical Center Emergency Department Doctor Nathan Long said. “Not all bites require antivenin but we need to make that distinction.”Antivenin is kept on hand at WARMC in the event that it is needed, Emergency Department Nurse Elizabeth Lamis said.“I think I've only seen two rattlesnake bites in the 10 years I've been a nurse,” she said. “We don't have the problems here that they have farther south, around Tucson.”If a rattlesnake does get a little to close for comfort, cozying up to doorways, patios and living quarters, Bullhead City Animal Control will respond and remove them, shelter support staff member Stephanie Clevinger said.“If they are out in a field or something, we won't bother them,” she said. “But, if they're are in an area where interaction with people could cause a problem we will relocate them.”The snakes are then taken to an uninhabited area and released, Clevinger said.Fort Mojave Indian Tribe Animal Control also will respond to such calls, Officer Chawdae Cuneo said.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 4:38 AM 0 COMMENTS
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2006
Meet Ralph Lewis


POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 5:29 PM 0 COMMENTS
More Kokoweef info contributed by Mike Boeck

There is a picture to add, courtesy of Mike, but Blogspot is having some issues with uploading pictures. Will add later on. And thanks Mike!

KOKOWEEF CAVES

Paul Patchick in 1961 summed up the history of the Kokoweef Caves. His description is reproduced here in full:

In the 1920s a miner named E. P. Dorr explored a cave high-up the side of Kokoweef Peak. Later, in a sworn affidavit, Dorr reported an amazing discovery - and a lost mine legend was born. Deep under Kokoweef Peak, he said he found a swiftly flowing subterranean river; lining its banks were sands rich in gold.

The legend grew. "Facts" became scarce. The cave entrance was dynamited shut...there were stories of Dorr going insane, of murdered men, of men buried alive, of rich assay sheets.

Some sources say the main cave chamber has several entrances on the flanks of the peak. In his book, Adventure is Underground William R. Halliday reports that the Crystal Cave Mining Corporation now owns the property. Would-be lost mine hunters are not welcome. Besides, the danger to all but the best trained and equipped cave-explorer is extreme. Two persons lost their lives here in 1959.


In 1988 Bob Ausmus wrote a less cynical, updated history which appeared in The Friends of the Mojave Road, Guide to the East Mojave Heritage Trail, Ivanpah to Rocky Ridge.
Although the Kokoweef Caves have not yielded the much advertized river of gold, a paleontological treasure has been uncovered. Bob Reynolds of the San Bernardino County Museum during the 1970s excavated remains of Pleistocene age animals including brush ox, dire wolf, large and small camels, horses, marmots, bats, shrews and birds.



Other sources speak of a "Kokoweef" river-system which is alleged to lie below Kokoweef peak just east of Fort Irwin, which looked- -according to it's alleged discoverer, a Mr.
Earl Dorr, and a few "Indians" who also claimed to have been in it--like a "Grand Canyon" underground. It allegedly consists of a river chasm generally 500 ft. wide and over a thousand feet high-deep, sided by steep tiered-shelved underground cliffs, huge stalactites and cataracts. Also, the alluvial sands on the 'beaches' along the river, which allegedly hold a large percentage of gold dust, are said to be several feet deep. The entrance to this cavern was allegedly dynamited shut by Mr. Dorr to protect anyone else from getting to "his" gold. There is in fact evidence that Dorr did dynamite shut the lower level of 'Kin Sabe' cave in Kokoweef Peak, and there are present-day attempts to break through into this underground system. The water of the river allegedly rose and fell with the tides, suggesting that a very large body of water might exist upstream, that is if Dorr's account as well as the accounts of the Indians were not fabricated).
The municipal water director, according to the Shavertron article, spoke with a man who claimed that he was hired several years ago by the government to look for water sources for Ft. Irwin. He alleged to have explored an old mine in the area and found that deep down, the shaft intersected with an ancient earth fault or chasm- like cave which continued horizontally for a considerable distance.
This government employee followed the chasm and allegedly emerged onto the bank of a huge underground river-cave over a quarter of a mile wide! The tremendous water flow-- possibly originating from the waters that apparently disappear beneath the Great Basin, the Nevada and Mojave deserts? -could have 'fed' the water needs of all of Southern California.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 9:34 AM 2 COMMENTS
TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2006
Links of Interest to Rock Hounds
Out surfing on the Web tonight and found these links. Haven't checked them all but the few I did check are very interesting! Enjoy!

Agates With Inclusions
Arizona Rock Shop
AZ BLM
Cal. Fossil Collecting
Rock Peddler
Rock & Gem
R & G Showlist
Utah Rockhounds
Rock Roost
Black Canyon Club
Placenames
Slabs & Cabs
AZ State Shows
High Desert Gems
GIA
Rockhound Ark.
Washington Clubs
Ramsey's Sedona
Agate Nodule
Pegmatology
Kentucky Agate
CCB Rocks
Big Arizona
Rockhound Info Page
Rocky Mtn. Fed.
AFMS
Ore. Rockhounding
Stunning Stones
Quartzite Info
The Vug
Pegmatites
Lapidary Solutions
Natural Salt Lamps
AZ Northland
Bob's Rock Shop
Lapidary Journal
ALAA
The Gem Shop
Cliff's Gems
My-Minerals
Gemfields
AZ Dept of Mines
Rockhound Notes
Anti-Spam
Polk Fine Art
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 7:32 PM 0 COMMENTS
Kokoweef Information: by Ralph E. Lewis

The 'Lost' DORR Mine: Facts, Fiction and Fantasies about the "Legendary Underground River-of-Gold”
Through bygone years, the original phonetic and alphabetic form of the word Cocoweep was turned into "Kokoweef,” as seen on contemporary maps as: "Kokoweef Peak." The earlier, more accurate spelling “Cocoweep” can be traced back to mining records from 1886. Some assume "cocoweep" has a Native-American Indian origin while others hypothesize it is Spanish, Norse, or French.

This change in form-and-fact illustrates how the sites and sounds of information, over time, often get distorted and changed. In this instance, between 1886 and the 1930's Great Depression, a few less-exacting, non-native men-out-west had loosely misspelled, mispronounced, misplaced and "redefined" the word "Cocoweep" into "Kokoweef." Today, for many over-eager souls, its meaning and motivation, has also been transformed from "wet cave" into a resemblance of something more humorously exaggerated into: "The World's Largest Treasure Hunt for Caverns Hiding a Mega-Billion Dollar Underground River-of-Gold!"
Today it's become a nostalgic, over-valued, imagination-riddled, gold-laced legend. The legend is not often given much objective, critical examination. Professionals tend to condemn the legend with without investigation, where eager prospectors too easily accept the story as fact. Since 1934, millions of dollars have been spent in searches for "the underground river's gold."
Between 1934 and 2003, all legend-related efforts at Kokoweef Peak have been unprofitable. The legend has fueled countless imaginations, with few supporting facts. Disbelief in the legend is the easiest, most affordable and comfortable route for most uninvolved spectators, not willing to endure the legend's frustrations. Still, faith and greed can be a persistent driving force in human endeavors, and as a result, this legend is quite alive in the year 2003.
For this author, after many years of personal, determined and unsuccessful work at Kokoweef Peak he has realized that building a fact-based analysis of the history of mining efforts, followed up by objective field research, is more likely to lead to this legend's treasures. Truth, in itself, contains its own worthwhile rewards.

Since 1934, many well-intended attempts to find a “river-of-gold" have simply been self-imposed failures created by chasing wrong, over-simplified assumptions, based on poorly-researched information. This legend of Kokoweef’s gold is riddled throughout with contradictions, inconsistencies, and, incorrect assumptions. Adding to the obfuscation of the truth is the fact that the search for gold seems to automatically "attract" deceptions, distortions, imaginations and exaggerations. This "game of whisper" adds to already inaccurate data about this legend's obvious goal; which is, "to find any way down to the alleged underground river-of-gold."

But, even before the "game of whisper" began, earlier campaigns to intentionally inflict confusions about the legend's real gold, the truth, has probably done the most damage. To this day, well-intended, faithful folks keep searching the treasure promised in the legends. For some, the treasure is gold, for others the treasure lies simply in finding the truth. In order to discover the precious metal promised in these legends, accurate guiding information must first be re-discovered. This is simply because mental attention and physical efforts should change directions of work-efforts as new, more accurate information is located.
Mr. Lewis is actively and patiently attempting to filter out "old nonsense." Today, his personal quest to "find Cocoweep" has become more than story re-telling. Unlike his predecessors, he refuses to "promote excitement" solely for financial gain. He strives instead to slowly develop "probable-certainties" by seeking to establish truth; without disposing of logic, avoiding a greedy rush to adventure, excitement, and gold

After 20 years, Mr. Lewis is convinced there IS more to this legend than meets the eyes. Deliberate obfuscation of the truth is the design of one particular prospector, Earl Dorr. Dorr’s business was not to make anyone else wealthy but himself. Conversations with one of the prospector's nephews, corroborate the idea that since the prospector was unable to develop his find, he decided to also hide it from the rest of the world. The prospector then hid the only known surface entrance leading down through caverns to the hypothesized “river-of-gold.”
Earl Dorr died in 1957, and one of the best sources of historical knowledge for this topic disappeared. However, the story of his mining remains in the sworn, public affidavit he signed in 1934, later published in the November, 1940 article on page 37 of the California Mining Journal. Over time, the legend’s complexity grows as more puzzle pieces have been introduced into this legend by various self-serving interests.

Truthfully speaking, to date, all searches for the river of gold at Kokoweef Peak can be summed up as "Over 65 years of 100% inspiring, dedicated, emotionally driven, adrenaline-ridden, adventurous and successful failures." This state of affairs remains as people continued to get blinded or distracted from the truth by imagination-based "gold-talk." However, after being in print for so long, gold-blinded and faith-filled folks will probably always be searching for this alleged wealth in California's Mojave Desert.

Ralph Lewis SHORT BIO:

Currently, Mr. Lewis is compiling his research into an in-depth book, CD and screenplay/script about the legend with a real and revealing ending. Ralph Lewis is a V.P. of the Crystal Cave Mining Co., which owns the private property at Kokoweef Peak.

Mr. Lewis have been involved as a volunteer with the legend-searches at Kokoweef Peak in practically all aspects of the work done there since 1979, including drilling, blasting, tunneling, mapping, mining legalities, past newsletter editor, tour guide, descent-team member, etc. Having done the hard, physical work of exploratory mining, he is no longer a fan of the adventurous-but-inefficient concept of "tunneling to imaginations."

After1983, after seeing his father suffer from the loss of his life savings, in an unrelated 'mining venture,' his personal focus toward the Cocoweep legend has been to look for its truths first, and forget about "all that gold!"

Mr. Lewis was directly involved in initiating & coordinating the geophysical field-research that was undertaken at Kokoweef Peak. Most recently, he has been pursuing independent historical and geophysical research, seeking truth between extreme views.

This info was given to me by Ralph via e-mail recently.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 7:04 PM 1 COMMENTS
Okie Dokie Diamond Found in Arkansas

Shall we take a trip???? This just came across the AP

Updated: 3:51 p.m. ET March 13, 2006

MURFREESBORO, Ark. - An Oklahoma state trooper making his first visit to Crater of Diamonds State Park on Sunday found a 4.21-carat crystal-shaped diamond, according to the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Department.

Martin Culver of Nowata, Okla., and his family decided on the spur of the moment to visit the park after watching a feature on the park Saturday on The History Channel, the agency said in a news release.

Culver said he would name the flawless, canary-yellow gem — the largest of 84 found in the park this year — the Okie Dokie Diamond, since no other diamond found in the park had been named for Oklahoma.
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 3:24 PM 1 COMMENTS
SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2006
March 12 - Upcoming events
Our regular business meeting is March 21 at 6PM PST at the First Baptist Church in Needles. One topic we will discuss is if we have enough interested members to do the field trip to Kokoweef Mines and lecture on Saturday April 8.

Myrna Givens (and possibly Corinne) will give a presentation on the history of the Needles Gem and Mineral Club.

Kelso Depot Grand Opening Celebration: Please join Superintendent Dennis Schramm and the staff of Mojave Preserve to celebrate the opening of the Kelso Depot Information Center at Kelso, California. Saturday, March 25, 2006 Dedication Event: 2 p.m.

Kelso Depot open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Light refreshments will be served; bring a lunch if you plan to spend the day. The event is free and open to the public.

Kelso Depot Built in 1924 by the Union Pacific Railroad, Kelso Depot has been transformed into the Mojave National Preserve’s principal information center, with museum exhibits, a theater, and bookstore. Several rooms have been historically furnished to recreate their appearance in the 1930s.

Directions: Kelso Depot is located 35 miles south of Baker, California.
From I-15, exit at Kelbaker Road and drive south 35 miles to Kelso.
From I-40, exit at Kelbaker Road and drive north 22 miles to Kelso. For more information call 760-252-6101 or visit www.nps.gov/moja
POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 8:38 AM 0 COMMENTS
MONDAY, MARCH 06, 2006
Rock Sale at Myrna's Today! Monday March 6
Hope to see you all at Myrna's rock, cab and finding sale today! Ten AM Pacific Time. 604 Palmway in Needles!





POSTED BY WYOAQHA AT 5:52 AM 0 COMMENTS
THURSDAY, MARCH 02, 2006
Reminder of Rock Sale on March 6
Hi Folks! There will be some fantastic "stuff" at Myrna's Rock sale on Monday. Hope to see you there! Information is below.

If there is anything you would like to see posted on this blog, please let me know via email shayward@wyoming.com