April 21st, 2024 Saddle Mtn Field Trip Report

Field trip reports

On Sun. April 21st we had a field trip to Saddle Mtn. for petrified wood It’s estimated that the petrified wood there is at least 14-15 million years old. We met at 9:45 in Mattawa and at 10:10 slowly made our way up into the hills on the infamous rough and rocky road. It was sunny but windy. The east side of the ridge was somewhat protected from the wind, but all of us got a little bit gritty from digging. There are several spots one can go in the Saddle Mtns., but I like this particular site because the material has more color and is plentiful, although mostly what I would call tumbler material. It is nicely agatized and rivals some of the nicest earth-tone agates in the state.
We had 16 people in 10 vehicles for this trip.
Joining me were Michelle & Jerry M., Arlie W. & guest Tonya, Noelle B., Pete W., Alex & Brandi W., Jarrod D., Jason S. and 2 sons, Kari C., Kelley G. (new member), and Pete A. (new member).

Loren Merriman will lead another trip to Saddle Mtn on Sunday April 28th and then the next CMS field trip after that is on May 11th to First Creek near Cle Elum. Loren will lead another trip to First Creek on Sunday May 19th. Info will be sent out 1 week ahead of that by e-mail to my Field Trips Distribution List.

Submitted by Roger Danneman Field Trip Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated: April 27, 2024 — 11:51 am

Presidents Message

  • From the Top of the Rock Pile Our annual club picnic went off great. The grass and Arboretum area was not wet or muddy, plus it didn’t rain while we were there. We had the usual club members attend, plus a few new faces. I forgot to count how many people attended, but I estimate around 40. Thank you, Angie and Brian, for shopping for the food and setting everything up. Thumbler’s Tumblers donated a tumbler for our picnic auction and another one for our holiday auction in December. The new double-barreled 15# tumbler sold for $120, approximately one-third the …

Meeting Announcements

  • We are going to show a video of the most unusual and amazing things found in Amber. It isn’t just insects. We are also going to have a recap of how our Gem Show did last month. Show ‘n Tell: An item that has something trapped inside or a picture rock, thunder egg, or geode that looks like it has an insect, animal, or face inside.

  • Maureen will speak on the geology and the movement of the Washington coastline over millions of years. Show ‘n Tell: Favorite rock or mineral from Washington

  • Glen Ripper is a leading authority on Obsidian. He is a walking encyclopedia which should make this an interesting and educational meeting. Show ‘n Tell: Obsidian – let’s see your colors.

  •   We start the day off with a potluck holiday meal. The club provides roasted turkey and ham. Members fill in with their favorite holiday potluck dish. We follow our meal with the election of officers for the coming year. Our final activity is our club auction. It is a great time to pick up great bargains on rough rocks, polished rocks, slabs, fossils, opal, etc. Our Young Tumblers can use their Rock Bucks to purchase auction items. This meeting is also our semi-annual food drive for the Kent Food Bank. Please remember to bring something. The Food Bank has informed us that they need feminine hygiene products and grape or strawberry jelly. People donate loads of peanut butter but never jelly. They also receive very few donations of feminine hygiene products.

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