On Sat. June 15th we went to Red Top Mtn. north of Cle Elum for jasper, agate, and crystal geodes. That area has only been clear of snow for a few weeks. Temperatures were in the mid-40s to low 50s and breezy. A few snow showers even made an appearance. The snow didn’t stick, but it was enough to sting the face and make the ground and rocks wet later in the afternoon when we were at the higher meadow elevation (5100 ft). We had a group of 25 people in 13 vehicles. That included a group from the Hazen HS Geology Club in Renton and we hope to see more of them in the future. Our lower dig site is still producing nice agate and jasper. Good tumbling material. We spent 2-3 hours there and then we hiked up the Indian Creek Trail to the Red Top Meadow. The pits up there are not as prolific and one has to work harder. But since it was cooler weather, my dig performance was better and I turned up some nice material. There were a few others up at the meadow that did fairly well that day digging up geodes and nodules. One just has to move a lot of dirt.
Loren actually scheduled this trip, so he and I were co-Leaders. There were several down trees across Indian Creek Trail as we made our way up there. Loren went back to his car to get his chain saw and cleared the trail so our trip down was much easier. Thanks Loren. Everyone using that trail this year will benefit from your hard work. With us on this trip were Jason S. with his son and 2 friends, Ann S. along with dog Tess, Kelly G., Arleaha W. with her young daughter, Nik & Michele B., Michelle M., Colin O., Adrian, Ben + wife and 2 friends, and the Hazen HS group of David, Vanessa and her father David, Ada and her father Matthew, and their advisor Patrick.
Our next field trip is scheduled for July 13th at Greenwater. Details to be sent 1-2 weeks before the trip.
Submitted by Roger Danneman Field Trip Guide
