Tuesday, December 21, 2010
NGMC 2010 Christmas Party
Last night we had an awesome Christmas Party (terrific food), then a brief meeting to elect the 2011 officers and then our Chinese Auction gift exchange!
The new officers for 2011 are: President, Jim R, Vice President - Allan R, Secretary - Linda C, Treasurer - Lori C and Auditor - Ramona P!
See you all on January 17 at 6 PM Pacific time, if not sooner!
First of pictures from last nights meeting
Sally was completely blindsided last night. To the whole NGMC group, I thank you!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
An update for all you Rock Hounds
First...there is a Field Trip planned to the Golden Shores area Monday December 13. The group will depart North Dike/Pintail Slough Road and CR 1 at 8:30 that morning. Please see previous blog post for details from Bob. Please RSVP Bob! 928-768-7150.
Second, our annual Christmas Party is December 20 at the usual meeting place (First Baptist Church at 1420 Commercial Street, Mohave Valley) at 5 PM CA (that's 6 PM AZ time). We will have a brief meeting to elect officers and then for the good food. There will be a Chinese Auction following! So...please bring a gift to exchange for this auction (around $5...OH, a nice rock would do!)
And all members are invited to a memorial for Don Hughes at Warm Springs on Saturday December 4. Meet at 9 AM at Polaris Road and Old Route 66. That is between Golden Shores and Topock.
Stay tuned!
Second, our annual Christmas Party is December 20 at the usual meeting place (First Baptist Church at 1420 Commercial Street, Mohave Valley) at 5 PM CA (that's 6 PM AZ time). We will have a brief meeting to elect officers and then for the good food. There will be a Chinese Auction following! So...please bring a gift to exchange for this auction (around $5...OH, a nice rock would do!)
And all members are invited to a memorial for Don Hughes at Warm Springs on Saturday December 4. Meet at 9 AM at Polaris Road and Old Route 66. That is between Golden Shores and Topock.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
December 13 Field Trip!
We will meet on County Road 1 (the road from AZ 95 to Golden Shores), across from the North Dike Road/Pintail Slough exit. I believe it is at mile marker 4 or 5. Our first area will be up the wash about one mile (4X4 vehicles WILL be required) which is sandy and rocky. The area has a lot of river rock as float and some in the banks of the wash. If time allows and the hounds area interested we will go up some other washes.
Tools needed: Rock Hammer, bucket and a spray bottle.
Meet Time: We will depart at 0830 local (AZ) time from our start point. RSVP and questions call or email me (Bob). If I do not hear from anyone (RSVP), I will NOT show.
Tools needed: Rock Hammer, bucket and a spray bottle.
Meet Time: We will depart at 0830 local (AZ) time from our start point. RSVP and questions call or email me (Bob). If I do not hear from anyone (RSVP), I will NOT show.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Planet Ranch Field Trip on Saturday the 13th!!!
Bob just told me that ten vehicles, 23 people and six rock dogies made the trip to Planet Ranch. Everyone has said they had an awesome time! Sue sent the below and pictures:
"Here are some of the photos from our great day out to Planet Ranch. Many thanks indeed to Dave Buckley who made sure that the day was varied and interesting. We all enjoyed the talk on the local history that Dave had organised with Pat, who also laid on refreshments.
Photos of the canyon show that some of mine shafts and adits are fenced and some are not. The photos of the cottonwood stands show that we had a chance to take in different scenery and scout for rocks in the pebble banks too."
"Here are some of the photos from our great day out to Planet Ranch. Many thanks indeed to Dave Buckley who made sure that the day was varied and interesting. We all enjoyed the talk on the local history that Dave had organised with Pat, who also laid on refreshments.
Photos of the canyon show that some of mine shafts and adits are fenced and some are not. The photos of the cottonwood stands show that we had a chance to take in different scenery and scout for rocks in the pebble banks too."
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Look what Pat N. won!!!!!!!
Last April at the Laughlin River Run I put a drawing ticket in a drum. Never in my dreams did I think I would win. I was notified yesterday that I won a Motorcycle.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Info about the Planet Ranch Field Trip on Saturday.
I received the below from Kathy and David this morning!
David found a great video on rockhoundingvideos.com. Mineral collecting at the Planet Mine for Malachite and Chrysocolla. Go half-way down the page. This is exactly where we are going!
The November outing will be Saturday, November 13th, to the Planet Ranch Mine area. David Buckley has obtained permission of the care taker for us to visit the area. We will be meeting at the Coffee Urn, 1720 S California, Parker, AZ 85344 @ 0800 (8 AM AZ time).
Also a reminder that the Lake Havasu Club is having their Gem and Mineral Show this Saturday and Sunday. So ~~~ you can make the field trip to Planit Ranch on Saturday and do the show on Sunday! Just think of me...I'll be working!!!!!! Yeah right, boo hoo!!!!! ☺
The following is copied from the Lake Havasu Club Web site:
13-14--LAKE HAVASU CITY, ARIZONA: 41st annual
show; Lake Havasu Gem & Mineral Society; Aquatic Center,
100 Park Ave.; free admission; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4; more than 30
display cases, handcrafted jewelry, mineral and fossil collections,
educational displays, hands-on activities, kids' games and
prizes, demonstrations, cutting and polishing gemstones,
silversmithing, dealers, tools, findings, rock slabs, finished jewelry,
door prizes, raffle prizes; contact C.J. Stone, (928) 505-
2865; Web site: http://lakehavasugms.org
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Field Trip November 13, 2010
The November outing will be Saturday November 13 to the Planit Ranch Mine area. David B. has obtained permission of the care taker for us to visit the area. We will be meeting at the Coffee Urn, 1720 S California in Parker AZ at 0800 (8 AM, AZ time). If you have any questions, please call Bob.
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Hauser Trip Canceled
Received from Mike last night...
Sorry but Alan LaVo the president of Silvery Colorado Rock Club called me Monday night and He has to cancel the trip to Hauser Geode beds scheduled for OCT 21st-24th. He said he would try to do it end of November.
Sorry but Alan LaVo the president of Silvery Colorado Rock Club called me Monday night and He has to cancel the trip to Hauser Geode beds scheduled for OCT 21st-24th. He said he would try to do it end of November.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Field Trip October 2010
Note: Bob asked me to post this email from Mike S and more info will be forth coming at the meeting next Monday October 18, 2010, 6 PM AZ/NC/CA time!
Bob
The Silvery Colorado Rock Club will be going to Hauser Geode beds Oct 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Thur-Sun. Alan our club president has been a few times and is leading the trip
We plan on camping at :
Coon Hollow Campground a BLM facility
From Blyth take Interstate 10 west. Go about 19miles and go south on Wiley wells road.
Coon Hollow is located 12 miles South of Interstate 10 (3 miles south of Wiley Well Campground) on the Wiley Well Road. The road to the campground is maintained in excellent condition. It serves as a popular Winter haven for rockhounds. Twenty-nine primitive sites are provided with picnic tables, grills and vault toilets. Campers should bring their own firewood and drinking water. A fee is required for overnight use.
If it is full we plan on camping near by, a little south. We will have a SCRC sign out.
The Geode beds are about ten miles from Coon Hollow CG.
I attached some info I collected off the internet (below)
I plan on leaving the morning of Oct 21st Any ?? give me a call on my cell 541-517-3393 I no longer have a home phone.
Hope You and others can go.
Mike
Notes On The Hauser Geode Beds
Location: Take Wiley Well Road Exit from Interstate 10 and continue driving South To the graded dirt road just past the state prison. You will pass Wiley Well Campground (9 miles south of I-10), Coon Hollow Campground (12 miles south of 1I-0). You will see a dirt road on the right with a marker indicating the route to the Hauser Geode Beds (This is also the Imperial and Riverside county border).
Campgrounds
Coon Hollow Campground a BLM facility
Located 12 miles South of Interstate 10 (3 miles south of Wiley Well Campground) on the Wiley Well Road. The road to the campground is maintained in excellent condition. It serves as a popular Winter haven for rockhounds. Twenty-nine primitive sites are provided with picnic tables, grills and vault toilets. Campers should bring their own firewood and drinking water. A fee is required for overnight use.
Wiley Well Campground a BLM facility
This historical well and wash-side campground are situated along Wiley Well Road, 9 miles South of Interstate 10, where the old Bradshaw Trail intersects the well maintained Wiley Well Road. Twenty-one primitive campsites are available next to the dry wash where Ironwood and Palo Verde trees provide some shade. Picnic tables, grills, and vault toilets are provided. A sanitary disposal station for trailers is available at the Wiley Well Rest Area on Interstate 10. Campers should bring their own firewood and drinking water. A fee is charged for overnight use
The Hauser Geode Beds are located on BLM land, which is open to backcountry camping
The Potato Patch has been a very productive rockhound area for nearly three-quarters of a century. In addition to thundereggs, readily available collectible material includes various types of jasper and agate, calcite crystals, and some rhyolite – I call it pecky rhyolite – full of crystal-lined cavities that makes beautiful slabs. Although relatively rare, naturally weathered star and biconoidal thunderegg cores can be found throughout. Furthermore, there are several outcrops of rather weather-fractured antigorite serpentine located about one tenth of a mile west of the eastern Potato Patch road. The serpentine at 33°22.975' N by 114°58.237' W sometimes contains spectacular red streaks. Some equally striking thundereggs have been unearthed
in the same area. A vein of barite is located at 33°22.933' N and 114°58.102' W. Observant collectors will find much more.
Rockhounds planning to visit the Potato Patch will find a vehicle with four-wheel drive and high clearance to be helpful, but it is not essential. Provided it is not so low to the ground that it nearly drags, a careful motorist can drive the family sedan to within 20 or 30 yards of some of the best digs, and a little walking can take one to many more.
To visit the Potato Patch, from Blythe, California, drive west on Interstate Highway 10 approximately 16 miles to the Wiley’s Well exit, then 13.3 miles south to the Riverside-Imperial county line at 33°25.800' N and 114°54.180' W. Wiley’s Well Road becomes Milpitas Wash Road in Imperial County. Immediately south of the county line, at 33°25.794' N by 114°54.182' W, turn right onto the track that angles southwest across the desert pavement. This will lead you slightly more than a half mile to what is generally known as the Black Hills Road at 33°25.429' N and 114°54.620' W. Bear right, and continue on the most traveled road past a metal signpost marked “Ashley Flats” straight ahead and “Gerdes Trail” to the north.
Continue driving in a generally westerly direction to a second metal signpost, this time marked only “Ashley Flats,” at a fork in the road located about 4.5 miles from Milpitas Wash Road (or Wiley’s Well Road). Your GPS coordinates should be close to 33°24.825' N and 114°58.145' W. To continue toward the Potato Patch take the south fork of the wye and cross the gravel bed of the Black Hills Wash.
In one mile you will reach another junction at 33°24.121' N and 114°58.679' W. Known as Potato Patch Junction, this is where those going to the Hauser Beds turn off the road you have been following. One short stretch of road just before you reach the intersection is rough, but if you pick your course carefully and take it slow and easy, you should have no trouble.
Drive southward – straight ahead – from Potato Patch Junction six tenths of a mile to a hardly noticeable road that leads off to the left to the Owl’s Roost area at 33°23.567' N and 114°58.811' W. There, if you look at the upper western slope of the hill to your left you will see sign of disturbed earth. This marks the northern extreme of the Potato Patch. Continuing southward across desert pavement, about three tenths of a mile ahead is a fork in the road at 33°23.357' N and 114°58.766' W. To continue exploring the Potato Patch, proceed southward as much as a mile or so on either road.
If you take the east fork, you will reach a junction two tenths of a mile ahead, at 33°23.232' N by 114°58.589' W. To continue on the eastern Potato Patch road, turn left. The first serpentine outcrops are about four tenths of a mile ahead. Of course, you will drive by several thunderegg digs before you get that far.
Geodes and nodules from the northern reaches of the Potato Patch tend to have more colorful agate interiors than those collected from the southern portion. Although they may be found almost anywhere, those found in the southern area tend more toward hollow interiors with calcite crystal linings.
Those who would like to visit the North Black Hills Geode Beds should be aware of the fact that the area is remote and that, at the collecting site, they may not see another person for weeks on end. Therefore, be sure that your vehicle is in good condition and that you have all the supplies you may require—especially water. Four-wheel drive may not always be needed, but it is recommended. The best insurance against vehicular failure – or getting stuck – is to have a second vehicle along.
To get there, a GPS reader will prove to be highly useful. From the Wiley’s Well exit on Interstate Highway 10 located some 16 miles west of Blythe, California, drive 2.9 miles south to the end of pavement at a stop sign at 33°34.183' N and 114°53.882' W. The paved road turns right to two state prisons, Chuckawalla Valley and Ironwood. A small sign indicates camping ahead. Continue southward another 5.9 miles on a graded dirt road. This road can be quite washboarded. About 0.2 mile south of the entrance to the Wiley’s Well Campground, you will reach the intersection of Wiley’s Well Road and the Bradshaw Trail at 33°29.457' N by 114°53.278' W. Turn right and drive west 6.7 miles on the Bradshaw Trail, an old gold-rush road dating to the early 1860s. At 33°27.338' N by 114°59.480' W, immediately east of where the Bradshaw Trail dips down through a wash, a little-used road forks to the left. Turn left, and continue in a generally westerly direction, past the power line and its access road at 33°27.035' N and 114°59.925' W. For the next 4.2 miles, both brown and red jasper are often found as float.
About 1.7 miles from the Bradshaw Trail, at 33°26.403' N and 115°00.846' W, is a crossroad marked by a rock cairn. This is the old Palo Verde-Niland road. Beginning about a quarter mile west of this junction and continuing for about 1.5 miles, it is possible to find interesting and attractive, cream-and-orange colored picture rock.

Approximately 3.7 miles from the Bradshaw Trail, you may note the old, rusty remains of a refrigerator on a hill to your right. This is not as unusual a sight as one might imagine. Desert dwellers often used refrigerators – operating or not – to store food and anything else they wanted to keep safe from desert rodents. On a little rise on the left, you may see a rusty, abandoned van. Two roads lead to it. Avoid them! About 0.1 mile beyond these relics, at 33°25.646' N by 115°02.722' W, a road leads off to the left. Stay right.
Some 4.4 miles from the Bradshaw Trail, at 33°25.316' N by 115°03.188' W, go through a wash. Note the outcrops of bright red and purple solidified rhyolitic mud just downstream. On the far side, bear right. A scant 0.1 mile beyond, at 33°25.286' N by 115°03.202' W, you will reach another junction. Again, stay right, following the road on the eastern bank of the wash. Picture rock can be found as float in this area, and the hills immediately to the left have yielded a number of thundereggs. As far as I know, they have all been collected from the surface.
At the next junction, about 4.8 miles from the Bradshaw Trail, you need to take the left fork. It is located at 33°25.024' N by 115°03.443' W, or thereabouts.
The road ends at the North Black Hills Geode Beds, 5.7 miles southwest of the Bradshaw Trail. Your GPS reader should put the location at 33°24.438' N by 115°03.526' W. While the excavated area is not large, thundereggs can be located as float throughout a wide area. Those found on the desert pavement tend to be small, usually from about an inch to three inches in diameter. Those dug out are easily twice that size, from about three to six inches in diameter, and I have seen several that exceeded twelve inches in diameter. Such large ones have been dug from several spots to the south of the parking area, and also from a spot across the wash.
In addition to geodes and nodules, look for seams of black agate. Some of the area rhyolite has black agate, white chalcedony, and various different hues of opalite running through it. The pecky and birdseye varieties, especially, make attractive slabs and cabs. Serpentine and perlite can be found as well, but, aside from fairly small pieces, nearly all that I have examined have been of poor quality and too fractured to work with any hope of success.
Those who plan to dig for geodes should be aware that relatively little digging will be in soft volcanic ash. In fact, even when digging in ash in this area, it probably will have been compacted to almost rock hardness. So, along with your rock hammer, shovel and carry bag, bring a drill and heavy hammer, a pry bar and a good pair of work gloves. You will need them.
Note: Rockhounds planning to dig for thundereggs at the North Black Hills Beds should be aware that a mountain lion appears to have a den nearby. In 2003 it was spotted crouched in the rocks part way up the ridge at the eastern edge of the site, watching with interest a rockhound who was digging below. It appeared to be well fed and in excellent condition, so it probably was only curious, but that may not always be the case. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for yourself, your children and your pets.
To reach the Cinnamon Geode Beds, located approximately 16 miles west of Blythe, California, take the Wiley’s Well exit from Interstate Highway 10. Drive 2.9 miles to a stop sign. The paved road turns right toward two state prisons, but you will need to drive southward another 10.4 miles to the Riverside-Imperial county line at 33°25.800' N and 114°54.180' W.
Wiley’s Well Road becomes Milpitas Wash Road in Imperial County, though there may not be a sign to indicate the name change. On the other hand, you should see a sign indicating that the Hauser Geode Beds are to the west. It was erected in early 2000 by the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies.
Follow the directions on the sign and, immediately south of the county line, at 33°25.794' N by 114°54.182' W, turn right onto the track that angles southwest across the desert pavement. This will lead you slightly more than a half mile to what is generally known as the Black Hills Road at 33°25.429' N and 114°54.620' W. Bear right, and continue on the most traveled road past a metal signpost marked “Ashley Flats” straight ahead and “Gerdes Trail” to the north.
Continue driving in a generally westerly direction to a second metal signpost, this time marked only “Ashley Flats,” at a fork in the road. Your GPS coordinates should be close to 33°24.825' N and 114°58.145' W. Located about 4.5 miles from Milpitas Wash Road (or Wiley’s Well Road), this junction marks the approximate center of Middle Camp. To continue toward the Cinnamon Geode Beds take the south fork and cross the gravel bed of the Black Hills Wash.
In one mile you will reach another junction, at 33°24.121' N and 114°58.679' W. This one, known as Potato Patch Junction, is unmarked. One short stretch of road just before you reach the intersection is rough, but if you pick your course carefully and take it slow and easy, you should have no trouble. At Potato Patch Junction turn right and cross a little wash. In approximately three-fourths of a mile, at 33°23.713' N by 114°59.262' W, the road dead ends at a point called Nodule Junction, where another road crosses at right angles. Turn left and drive southward three tenths of a mile.
There, at 33°23.556' N by 114°59.039' W, you should be able to see tracks going off to the right. Follow those tracks. As you drive past a low knoll on your right you should be able to see a very extensively dug area to the north. It marks one of the more productive parts of the Cinnamon Beds. If you do not have four-wheel drive, park here, rather than attempting to drive over the tilted bit of road ahead. Although it may appear firm enough, two-wheel-drive vehicles can easily lose traction and get stuck. The road ends at a drop-off in less than one-tenth of a mile, with evidence of previous digging on both sides. If you did not park your vehicle just west of the last junction, park at the end of the road, at 33°23.477' N by 114°59.061' W, and take the little foot path that leads southward, then westward, around a knoll. Behind that knoll, at 33°23.460' N by 114°59.044' W, is the spot where the largest and best of the Cinnamon Beds geodes were dug out from about 1996 to early 2003.
In fact, the digging was so productive that during the winter of 1999-2000 a small group of men drove a two-ton truck in and, with a show of firearms, for several days tried to dissuade any interlopers until they had it loaded and left. The unfriendly diggers appear to have accomplished their goal—whatever it may have been. Dig there, or find a different spot – previously dug or not – anywhere from approximately two-tenths of a mile north to an equal distance south.
The southern edge of the Cinnamon Beds offers some particularly nice white jasper. A small percentage is fine-grained enough to be classed as pastelite, of interest to flint knappers. Some is almost snow white, some has greenish inclusions, and some has small black inclusions. It makes nice cabs.
Bob
The Silvery Colorado Rock Club will be going to Hauser Geode beds Oct 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Thur-Sun. Alan our club president has been a few times and is leading the trip
We plan on camping at :
Coon Hollow Campground a BLM facility
From Blyth take Interstate 10 west. Go about 19miles and go south on Wiley wells road.
Coon Hollow is located 12 miles South of Interstate 10 (3 miles south of Wiley Well Campground) on the Wiley Well Road. The road to the campground is maintained in excellent condition. It serves as a popular Winter haven for rockhounds. Twenty-nine primitive sites are provided with picnic tables, grills and vault toilets. Campers should bring their own firewood and drinking water. A fee is required for overnight use.
If it is full we plan on camping near by, a little south. We will have a SCRC sign out.
The Geode beds are about ten miles from Coon Hollow CG.
I attached some info I collected off the internet (below)
I plan on leaving the morning of Oct 21st Any ?? give me a call on my cell 541-517-3393 I no longer have a home phone.
Hope You and others can go.
Mike
Notes On The Hauser Geode Beds
Location: Take Wiley Well Road Exit from Interstate 10 and continue driving South To the graded dirt road just past the state prison. You will pass Wiley Well Campground (9 miles south of I-10), Coon Hollow Campground (12 miles south of 1I-0). You will see a dirt road on the right with a marker indicating the route to the Hauser Geode Beds (This is also the Imperial and Riverside county border).
Campgrounds
Coon Hollow Campground a BLM facility
Located 12 miles South of Interstate 10 (3 miles south of Wiley Well Campground) on the Wiley Well Road. The road to the campground is maintained in excellent condition. It serves as a popular Winter haven for rockhounds. Twenty-nine primitive sites are provided with picnic tables, grills and vault toilets. Campers should bring their own firewood and drinking water. A fee is required for overnight use.
Wiley Well Campground a BLM facility
This historical well and wash-side campground are situated along Wiley Well Road, 9 miles South of Interstate 10, where the old Bradshaw Trail intersects the well maintained Wiley Well Road. Twenty-one primitive campsites are available next to the dry wash where Ironwood and Palo Verde trees provide some shade. Picnic tables, grills, and vault toilets are provided. A sanitary disposal station for trailers is available at the Wiley Well Rest Area on Interstate 10. Campers should bring their own firewood and drinking water. A fee is charged for overnight use
The Hauser Geode Beds are located on BLM land, which is open to backcountry camping
The Potato Patch has been a very productive rockhound area for nearly three-quarters of a century. In addition to thundereggs, readily available collectible material includes various types of jasper and agate, calcite crystals, and some rhyolite – I call it pecky rhyolite – full of crystal-lined cavities that makes beautiful slabs. Although relatively rare, naturally weathered star and biconoidal thunderegg cores can be found throughout. Furthermore, there are several outcrops of rather weather-fractured antigorite serpentine located about one tenth of a mile west of the eastern Potato Patch road. The serpentine at 33°22.975' N by 114°58.237' W sometimes contains spectacular red streaks. Some equally striking thundereggs have been unearthed
in the same area. A vein of barite is located at 33°22.933' N and 114°58.102' W. Observant collectors will find much more.
Rockhounds planning to visit the Potato Patch will find a vehicle with four-wheel drive and high clearance to be helpful, but it is not essential. Provided it is not so low to the ground that it nearly drags, a careful motorist can drive the family sedan to within 20 or 30 yards of some of the best digs, and a little walking can take one to many more.
To visit the Potato Patch, from Blythe, California, drive west on Interstate Highway 10 approximately 16 miles to the Wiley’s Well exit, then 13.3 miles south to the Riverside-Imperial county line at 33°25.800' N and 114°54.180' W. Wiley’s Well Road becomes Milpitas Wash Road in Imperial County. Immediately south of the county line, at 33°25.794' N by 114°54.182' W, turn right onto the track that angles southwest across the desert pavement. This will lead you slightly more than a half mile to what is generally known as the Black Hills Road at 33°25.429' N and 114°54.620' W. Bear right, and continue on the most traveled road past a metal signpost marked “Ashley Flats” straight ahead and “Gerdes Trail” to the north.
Continue driving in a generally westerly direction to a second metal signpost, this time marked only “Ashley Flats,” at a fork in the road located about 4.5 miles from Milpitas Wash Road (or Wiley’s Well Road). Your GPS coordinates should be close to 33°24.825' N and 114°58.145' W. To continue toward the Potato Patch take the south fork of the wye and cross the gravel bed of the Black Hills Wash.
In one mile you will reach another junction at 33°24.121' N and 114°58.679' W. Known as Potato Patch Junction, this is where those going to the Hauser Beds turn off the road you have been following. One short stretch of road just before you reach the intersection is rough, but if you pick your course carefully and take it slow and easy, you should have no trouble.
Drive southward – straight ahead – from Potato Patch Junction six tenths of a mile to a hardly noticeable road that leads off to the left to the Owl’s Roost area at 33°23.567' N and 114°58.811' W. There, if you look at the upper western slope of the hill to your left you will see sign of disturbed earth. This marks the northern extreme of the Potato Patch. Continuing southward across desert pavement, about three tenths of a mile ahead is a fork in the road at 33°23.357' N and 114°58.766' W. To continue exploring the Potato Patch, proceed southward as much as a mile or so on either road.
If you take the east fork, you will reach a junction two tenths of a mile ahead, at 33°23.232' N by 114°58.589' W. To continue on the eastern Potato Patch road, turn left. The first serpentine outcrops are about four tenths of a mile ahead. Of course, you will drive by several thunderegg digs before you get that far.
Geodes and nodules from the northern reaches of the Potato Patch tend to have more colorful agate interiors than those collected from the southern portion. Although they may be found almost anywhere, those found in the southern area tend more toward hollow interiors with calcite crystal linings.
Those who would like to visit the North Black Hills Geode Beds should be aware of the fact that the area is remote and that, at the collecting site, they may not see another person for weeks on end. Therefore, be sure that your vehicle is in good condition and that you have all the supplies you may require—especially water. Four-wheel drive may not always be needed, but it is recommended. The best insurance against vehicular failure – or getting stuck – is to have a second vehicle along.
To get there, a GPS reader will prove to be highly useful. From the Wiley’s Well exit on Interstate Highway 10 located some 16 miles west of Blythe, California, drive 2.9 miles south to the end of pavement at a stop sign at 33°34.183' N and 114°53.882' W. The paved road turns right to two state prisons, Chuckawalla Valley and Ironwood. A small sign indicates camping ahead. Continue southward another 5.9 miles on a graded dirt road. This road can be quite washboarded. About 0.2 mile south of the entrance to the Wiley’s Well Campground, you will reach the intersection of Wiley’s Well Road and the Bradshaw Trail at 33°29.457' N by 114°53.278' W. Turn right and drive west 6.7 miles on the Bradshaw Trail, an old gold-rush road dating to the early 1860s. At 33°27.338' N by 114°59.480' W, immediately east of where the Bradshaw Trail dips down through a wash, a little-used road forks to the left. Turn left, and continue in a generally westerly direction, past the power line and its access road at 33°27.035' N and 114°59.925' W. For the next 4.2 miles, both brown and red jasper are often found as float.
About 1.7 miles from the Bradshaw Trail, at 33°26.403' N and 115°00.846' W, is a crossroad marked by a rock cairn. This is the old Palo Verde-Niland road. Beginning about a quarter mile west of this junction and continuing for about 1.5 miles, it is possible to find interesting and attractive, cream-and-orange colored picture rock.

Approximately 3.7 miles from the Bradshaw Trail, you may note the old, rusty remains of a refrigerator on a hill to your right. This is not as unusual a sight as one might imagine. Desert dwellers often used refrigerators – operating or not – to store food and anything else they wanted to keep safe from desert rodents. On a little rise on the left, you may see a rusty, abandoned van. Two roads lead to it. Avoid them! About 0.1 mile beyond these relics, at 33°25.646' N by 115°02.722' W, a road leads off to the left. Stay right.
Some 4.4 miles from the Bradshaw Trail, at 33°25.316' N by 115°03.188' W, go through a wash. Note the outcrops of bright red and purple solidified rhyolitic mud just downstream. On the far side, bear right. A scant 0.1 mile beyond, at 33°25.286' N by 115°03.202' W, you will reach another junction. Again, stay right, following the road on the eastern bank of the wash. Picture rock can be found as float in this area, and the hills immediately to the left have yielded a number of thundereggs. As far as I know, they have all been collected from the surface.
At the next junction, about 4.8 miles from the Bradshaw Trail, you need to take the left fork. It is located at 33°25.024' N by 115°03.443' W, or thereabouts.
The road ends at the North Black Hills Geode Beds, 5.7 miles southwest of the Bradshaw Trail. Your GPS reader should put the location at 33°24.438' N by 115°03.526' W. While the excavated area is not large, thundereggs can be located as float throughout a wide area. Those found on the desert pavement tend to be small, usually from about an inch to three inches in diameter. Those dug out are easily twice that size, from about three to six inches in diameter, and I have seen several that exceeded twelve inches in diameter. Such large ones have been dug from several spots to the south of the parking area, and also from a spot across the wash.
In addition to geodes and nodules, look for seams of black agate. Some of the area rhyolite has black agate, white chalcedony, and various different hues of opalite running through it. The pecky and birdseye varieties, especially, make attractive slabs and cabs. Serpentine and perlite can be found as well, but, aside from fairly small pieces, nearly all that I have examined have been of poor quality and too fractured to work with any hope of success.
Those who plan to dig for geodes should be aware that relatively little digging will be in soft volcanic ash. In fact, even when digging in ash in this area, it probably will have been compacted to almost rock hardness. So, along with your rock hammer, shovel and carry bag, bring a drill and heavy hammer, a pry bar and a good pair of work gloves. You will need them.
Note: Rockhounds planning to dig for thundereggs at the North Black Hills Beds should be aware that a mountain lion appears to have a den nearby. In 2003 it was spotted crouched in the rocks part way up the ridge at the eastern edge of the site, watching with interest a rockhound who was digging below. It appeared to be well fed and in excellent condition, so it probably was only curious, but that may not always be the case. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for yourself, your children and your pets.
To reach the Cinnamon Geode Beds, located approximately 16 miles west of Blythe, California, take the Wiley’s Well exit from Interstate Highway 10. Drive 2.9 miles to a stop sign. The paved road turns right toward two state prisons, but you will need to drive southward another 10.4 miles to the Riverside-Imperial county line at 33°25.800' N and 114°54.180' W.
Wiley’s Well Road becomes Milpitas Wash Road in Imperial County, though there may not be a sign to indicate the name change. On the other hand, you should see a sign indicating that the Hauser Geode Beds are to the west. It was erected in early 2000 by the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies.
Follow the directions on the sign and, immediately south of the county line, at 33°25.794' N by 114°54.182' W, turn right onto the track that angles southwest across the desert pavement. This will lead you slightly more than a half mile to what is generally known as the Black Hills Road at 33°25.429' N and 114°54.620' W. Bear right, and continue on the most traveled road past a metal signpost marked “Ashley Flats” straight ahead and “Gerdes Trail” to the north.
Continue driving in a generally westerly direction to a second metal signpost, this time marked only “Ashley Flats,” at a fork in the road. Your GPS coordinates should be close to 33°24.825' N and 114°58.145' W. Located about 4.5 miles from Milpitas Wash Road (or Wiley’s Well Road), this junction marks the approximate center of Middle Camp. To continue toward the Cinnamon Geode Beds take the south fork and cross the gravel bed of the Black Hills Wash.
In one mile you will reach another junction, at 33°24.121' N and 114°58.679' W. This one, known as Potato Patch Junction, is unmarked. One short stretch of road just before you reach the intersection is rough, but if you pick your course carefully and take it slow and easy, you should have no trouble. At Potato Patch Junction turn right and cross a little wash. In approximately three-fourths of a mile, at 33°23.713' N by 114°59.262' W, the road dead ends at a point called Nodule Junction, where another road crosses at right angles. Turn left and drive southward three tenths of a mile.
There, at 33°23.556' N by 114°59.039' W, you should be able to see tracks going off to the right. Follow those tracks. As you drive past a low knoll on your right you should be able to see a very extensively dug area to the north. It marks one of the more productive parts of the Cinnamon Beds. If you do not have four-wheel drive, park here, rather than attempting to drive over the tilted bit of road ahead. Although it may appear firm enough, two-wheel-drive vehicles can easily lose traction and get stuck. The road ends at a drop-off in less than one-tenth of a mile, with evidence of previous digging on both sides. If you did not park your vehicle just west of the last junction, park at the end of the road, at 33°23.477' N by 114°59.061' W, and take the little foot path that leads southward, then westward, around a knoll. Behind that knoll, at 33°23.460' N by 114°59.044' W, is the spot where the largest and best of the Cinnamon Beds geodes were dug out from about 1996 to early 2003.
In fact, the digging was so productive that during the winter of 1999-2000 a small group of men drove a two-ton truck in and, with a show of firearms, for several days tried to dissuade any interlopers until they had it loaded and left. The unfriendly diggers appear to have accomplished their goal—whatever it may have been. Dig there, or find a different spot – previously dug or not – anywhere from approximately two-tenths of a mile north to an equal distance south.
The southern edge of the Cinnamon Beds offers some particularly nice white jasper. A small percentage is fine-grained enough to be classed as pastelite, of interest to flint knappers. Some is almost snow white, some has greenish inclusions, and some has small black inclusions. It makes nice cabs.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Buck's new Shop - Lapidary and Silversmithing
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Heads up, all NGMC members!
Date: 09/08/2010
BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE!
ARIZONA BLM EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR HAVASU TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lake Havasu Field Office has announced that the public comment period for the Havasu Travel Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) has been extended to October 31, 2010.
The Assessment will evaluate all of the motorized and non-motorized routes of travel and their affected resources in the current inventory of existing routes in the study area. The Assessment will have three transportation route network alternatives designating each route as open, limited or closed.
The Havasu Travel Management Planning area generally includes public lands in the Lake Havasu Field Office south of Interstate 40 (both sides of the Colorado River), extending to five to seven miles north of the Bill Williams River. The Havasu Unit is the second of six Units contained in the Lake Havasu Field Office.
Copies of the maps are available for review online at the Lake Havasu Field Office website at http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/fo/lake_havasu_field.html or by contacting Myron McCoy, Outdoor Recreation Planner at the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office, 2610 Sweetwater, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406; Telephone (928) 505-1216.
Public comments for consideration during the Environmental Assessment preparation need to be postmarked by October 31, 2010. Comments may also be faxed - (928) 505-1208 or emailed to lake_havasu@blm.gov.
For more information about the open house, contact Myron McCoy at (928) 505-1216.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
_______________________________________________________
As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now to help fund our efforts to protect your trails!
BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE!
ARIZONA BLM EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR HAVASU TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lake Havasu Field Office has announced that the public comment period for the Havasu Travel Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) has been extended to October 31, 2010.
The Assessment will evaluate all of the motorized and non-motorized routes of travel and their affected resources in the current inventory of existing routes in the study area. The Assessment will have three transportation route network alternatives designating each route as open, limited or closed.
The Havasu Travel Management Planning area generally includes public lands in the Lake Havasu Field Office south of Interstate 40 (both sides of the Colorado River), extending to five to seven miles north of the Bill Williams River. The Havasu Unit is the second of six Units contained in the Lake Havasu Field Office.
Copies of the maps are available for review online at the Lake Havasu Field Office website at http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/fo/lake_havasu_field.html or by contacting Myron McCoy, Outdoor Recreation Planner at the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office, 2610 Sweetwater, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406; Telephone (928) 505-1216.
Public comments for consideration during the Environmental Assessment preparation need to be postmarked by October 31, 2010. Comments may also be faxed - (928) 505-1208 or emailed to lake_havasu@blm.gov.
For more information about the open house, contact Myron McCoy at (928) 505-1216.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.
Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national (non-profit) trail-saving group that represents over 600,000 recreationists nationwide The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is beginning. Federal employees, please mark BlueRibbon Coalition and Check #11402 on your CFC pledge form to support our efforts to protect your access. Join us at 1-800-258-3742 http://www.sharetrails.org
_______________________________________________________
As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now to help fund our efforts to protect your trails!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
MCC Outreach class to start!!!! Hurry to sign up, class fills fast!
Silversmith and Lapidary
Also available: Precious Metal Clay (PMC), Wire Wrapping and Casting
Jewelry design for all levels, beginners welcomed.
Learn to fabricate (to construct) designs in your choice of silver and/or copper, while mastering in the technique of soldering and other classroom equipment. Learn the art of Casting and Wire Wrapping are options available. Precious Metal Clay (PMC) in silver, bronze and copper is relatively new to jewelry design and can be explored which can add a lot to your work, since it is a clay that and be molded and stamped.
Lapidary is also available, which is the cutting and polishing of rocks which can be turned into semi-precious stones to be used in your jewelry designs.
Student is free to select and master in the areas of interest.
The class meets on Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM to 12:50 PM. Please refer to the official schedule posted by the BHC Community Outreach for confirmation of times and for any additions of new or future Silversmith and Lapidary classes.
For more information contact Community Outreach Specialist, Natalie Lemire, at 928.704.7783
*Supply Lists for Silversmith and PMC available at Bullhead City Campus. Facilitator will assist student on where and how to order supplies.
* Resources material will be suggested on the first day of class.
Below is Facilitator, Ann Ferguson in Lapidary shop with student discussing how best to slab rock.
Also available: Precious Metal Clay (PMC), Wire Wrapping and Casting
Jewelry design for all levels, beginners welcomed.
Learn to fabricate (to construct) designs in your choice of silver and/or copper, while mastering in the technique of soldering and other classroom equipment. Learn the art of Casting and Wire Wrapping are options available. Precious Metal Clay (PMC) in silver, bronze and copper is relatively new to jewelry design and can be explored which can add a lot to your work, since it is a clay that and be molded and stamped.
Lapidary is also available, which is the cutting and polishing of rocks which can be turned into semi-precious stones to be used in your jewelry designs.
Student is free to select and master in the areas of interest.
The class meets on Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM to 12:50 PM. Please refer to the official schedule posted by the BHC Community Outreach for confirmation of times and for any additions of new or future Silversmith and Lapidary classes.
For more information contact Community Outreach Specialist, Natalie Lemire, at 928.704.7783
*Supply Lists for Silversmith and PMC available at Bullhead City Campus. Facilitator will assist student on where and how to order supplies.
* Resources material will be suggested on the first day of class.
Below is Facilitator, Ann Ferguson in Lapidary shop with student discussing how best to slab rock.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE !
BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE !
BLM Announces Open House Scheduled for Havasu Travel Management PlanningDear BRC Action Alert Subscriber, The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lake Havasu Field Office has just announced a public open house for August 18, 2010, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. The open house will be held at the Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation Department Aquatic Center, 100 Park Avenue, to discuss the Havasu Travel Management Plan. Residents and interested parties are encouraged to attend.
The open house will be informal with BLM staff specialists on hand to answer questions. There will be maps of the study area and comment forms as well.
The Havasu Travel Management Planning area generally includes public lands in the Lake Havasu Field Office south of Interstate 40 (both sides of the Colorado River), extending to five to seven miles north of the Bill Williams River. The Havasu Unit is the second of six Units contained in the Lake Havasu Field Office.
The open house will also mark the start of the public scoping period for the Havasu Travel Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. The Assessment will evaluate all of the motorized and non-motorized routes of travel and their affected resources in the current inventory of existing routes in the study area. The Assessment will have three transportation route network alternatives designating each route as open, limited or closed. Written comments for consideration during the Assessment preparation must be received by BLM by close of business on Friday, September 17, 2010. Comments may also be faxed to (928) 505-1208 or emailed to lake_havasu@blm.gov.
Copies of the maps will be available for review online on August 15, 2010, at the Lake Havasu Field Office website at http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/fo/lake_havasu_field.html or by contacting Myron McCoy, Outdoor Recreation Planner at the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office, 2610 Sweetwater, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406; Telephone (928) 505-1216.
For more information about the open house, contact Myron McCoy at (928) 505-1216.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
BLM Announces Open House Scheduled for Havasu Travel Management PlanningDear BRC Action Alert Subscriber, The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lake Havasu Field Office has just announced a public open house for August 18, 2010, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. The open house will be held at the Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation Department Aquatic Center, 100 Park Avenue, to discuss the Havasu Travel Management Plan. Residents and interested parties are encouraged to attend.
The open house will be informal with BLM staff specialists on hand to answer questions. There will be maps of the study area and comment forms as well.
The Havasu Travel Management Planning area generally includes public lands in the Lake Havasu Field Office south of Interstate 40 (both sides of the Colorado River), extending to five to seven miles north of the Bill Williams River. The Havasu Unit is the second of six Units contained in the Lake Havasu Field Office.
The open house will also mark the start of the public scoping period for the Havasu Travel Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. The Assessment will evaluate all of the motorized and non-motorized routes of travel and their affected resources in the current inventory of existing routes in the study area. The Assessment will have three transportation route network alternatives designating each route as open, limited or closed. Written comments for consideration during the Assessment preparation must be received by BLM by close of business on Friday, September 17, 2010. Comments may also be faxed to (928) 505-1208 or emailed to lake_havasu@blm.gov.
Copies of the maps will be available for review online on August 15, 2010, at the Lake Havasu Field Office website at http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/fo/lake_havasu_field.html or by contacting Myron McCoy, Outdoor Recreation Planner at the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office, 2610 Sweetwater, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406; Telephone (928) 505-1216.
For more information about the open house, contact Myron McCoy at (928) 505-1216.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact BRC.Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
Thursday, May 6, 2010
June 26-27 Weekend Double Tourmaline Trip
June 26-27 Weekend Double Tourmaline Trip (from LA Rocks)
WHERE: The Oceanview and Himalaya Tourmaline Mines east of Escondido in the Pala Mining District on Route 76
WHEN: Saturday & Sunday June 26 & 27. The Oceanview on Saturday and the Himalaya on Sunday.
TIME: As set by each mine. PLEASE check their websites.
COST: Both mines are pay sites. Cost will be determined by the number of CFMS attendees. Each mine has a limited number of spaces so reserve early. First come, first served,.
WEBSITES: 1) The Oceanview: www.digforgems.com for reservations, directions, mine info, costs.
2) The Himalaya: www.highdesertgemsandminerals.com for location, mine info, costs and places to stay.
MATERIAL: tourmalines, kunzites, lepidolites, quartzes, morganites, garnets, aquamarine and more.
ALL mine rules must be observed. When making reservations please put (CFMS) next to your name for tracking purposes and benefits and notify either me or Adam Dean that reservations were made. The Oceanview can accommodate 75 spaces; the Himalaya 50 spaces. We will meet each morning at the designated dig site at the designated times. Waivers of Liability will be signed at each mine by mine personnel.
Attendees of last year's trip found a wide variety of specimens including tourmalines in excess of 60 grams. Please click the Federation website www.cfmsinc.org and click on "field trips" for pictures and reports of last year's trip.
Further questions should be directed to:
Shep Koss CFMS Field Trips - South Co-chair
freudonetoo@yahoo.com
land line: 661-248-0411
Adam Dean CFMS Field Trip - South Co-chair
theagatehunter@verizon.net
Cell: 909-489-4899
WHERE: The Oceanview and Himalaya Tourmaline Mines east of Escondido in the Pala Mining District on Route 76
WHEN: Saturday & Sunday June 26 & 27. The Oceanview on Saturday and the Himalaya on Sunday.
TIME: As set by each mine. PLEASE check their websites.
COST: Both mines are pay sites. Cost will be determined by the number of CFMS attendees. Each mine has a limited number of spaces so reserve early. First come, first served,.
WEBSITES: 1) The Oceanview: www.digforgems.com for reservations, directions, mine info, costs.
2) The Himalaya: www.highdesertgemsandminerals.com for location, mine info, costs and places to stay.
MATERIAL: tourmalines, kunzites, lepidolites, quartzes, morganites, garnets, aquamarine and more.
ALL mine rules must be observed. When making reservations please put (CFMS) next to your name for tracking purposes and benefits and notify either me or Adam Dean that reservations were made. The Oceanview can accommodate 75 spaces; the Himalaya 50 spaces. We will meet each morning at the designated dig site at the designated times. Waivers of Liability will be signed at each mine by mine personnel.
Attendees of last year's trip found a wide variety of specimens including tourmalines in excess of 60 grams. Please click the Federation website www.cfmsinc.org and click on "field trips" for pictures and reports of last year's trip.
Further questions should be directed to:
Shep Koss CFMS Field Trips - South Co-chair
freudonetoo@yahoo.com
land line: 661-248-0411
Adam Dean CFMS Field Trip - South Co-chair
theagatehunter@verizon.net
Cell: 909-489-4899
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
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