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 From the Top of the Rock Pile Our Gem Show is sold out. Everything is moving along with the show. We will be asking for volunteers at the June meeting plus via email. Please plan on helping out at our show. It takes around 50 people to cover all 3 days. I have not been out to see how the building of our indoor shop is coming along at Roger’s home, but I hear from members that it is really coming along. With some good weather, progress should really move along fast. If …

Meeting Announcements

  • We will form teams to identify a tray of 8 rocks. Bring your hardness kit, rock ID books, cell phones, or anything else to help your team identify the stones. Last call for volunteers to help with our Gem Show. Show ‘n Tell: Bring an item from the collection you want to be identified.   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.

  • 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.

  • Potluck on the Park. Bring your favorite potluck dish, rolls, drinks, dessert, etc. Enjoy a peaceful day in the park, visiting with friends and getting in some “rock talk.”     Following our lunch, we will hold a club auction. It’s a great time to pick up some great bargains. Our Young Tumblers can also spend their “rock bucks” on something they want.  

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