March 16th, 2019 Baker Lake Field Trip Report

Field trip reports

We had beautiful weather for this fieldtrip to Baker Lake and Swift Creek.  There was still quite a bit of snow to cross, but the waters were relatively shallow and easy to pick with waders and gloves.  7 CMS members made this trip. There’s interesting jasper (with golds, greens, browns, and reds) metamorphed into layers and swirls, a lot of quartz veined rock, and a blueish agate in sand/gravel pockets.  Iron is present, giving bright reds to some of the material.  I found at least one nephrite tremolite jade rock which is predominately light cream in color and had a density of 3.4.  Other rocks from the trip will be further diagnosed.  I put a batch in my tumbler and plan to bring some for the April meeting.  All in all, I think a good spot for a March trip while the reservoir is at a low point and plan to return next year.
Submitted by Roger Danneman CMS Field Trip Guide.

Updated: May 6, 2019 — 4:23 pm

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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