Friday’s group arrived and by noon there were 3 vehicles carrying 2 dogs and 5 people on their way to new sites awaiting discovery. We picked up some agate material and proceeded to one of the many jasper locations before returning to the gravel pit, our campsite. At our campsite everyone had a GREAT visit before retiring early.
Saturday we were joined by three more vehicles carrying 4 members, 1 guest and 1 more dog. Our first stop was to be the Chase-Bagdad Mine area for copper minerals. We were stopped by what appeared to be a new gate just after passing the two gas pipelines. This was well before the Monument marking the Ragtown Area.
We returned to the Ludlow where everyone got a small snack before continuing. We went to another area where everyone was able to obtain some more agate and what had the appearance of a type of sandstone. I heard Jim Peterson say “WOW” upon picking up some material here. Afterwards we went to another location where more jasper was obtained.
Those who were out for the day were taken to the Ruby Zoisite before returning home.
For those that returned to the Gravel Pit, we discovered a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy had stopped in to visit. Although we were not there, s/he left us their business card telling us to property owner did not want us there and to please go. We were all somewhat surprised, as the property is not posted. Not wanting to create any grief for the Deputy we decided to pack up and leave. With the promise of 50 MPH winds on Sunday, everyone went home.
I spoke with a friend of mine who happens to be a SBSO Deputy; he was surprised that anyone would tell us to move on. He thought it was on BLM land. I will try to contact the Deputy who left the note to verify who owns the property.
