May 13th, 2023, First Creek Field Trip Report

Field trip reports

On Sat. May 13th we went to First Creek for agate, jasper, and crystal geodes. It was a hot day with temperatures in the mid-80s, but beautiful clear skies and views. We had 22 people in 11 vehicles. After hiking to the 2 mile ravine, the Merriman’s took half the group to the dig pits on east side of the ravine while the rest of us were kind of scattered through the area. I think the heat was a limiting factor in climbing the hills, at least for me. The diggers ended up with some nice agate nodules, while surface collectors found mostly crystal material and seam agate material. Everyone brought extra water and by about 4:00 PM we were back to the parking lot. Such a relief to exchange my boots and socks for sandals. Ticks didn’t seem to be an issue, although a couple of them were spotted.

Our next scheduled trip is on June 17th to Little Naches. The DOT always tries to get Chinook Pass open by Memorial Day weekend. With this long stretch of hot weather I anticipate the road will be open soon, despite the heavy snowpack received this winter.

Attendees were Paul A. and Peggy S., Tammy C., Robert M. with kids Evalyn and Johnathan, Loren M, Gina L. and Michael K., Steve F. (2nd outing), Gina M. and Julie M.,
Also .. new members making their first trip were Jason S. with son Westin, Grady and Maddy N., Lynnette A. and guest Katie, Lorie L., Jeanie L., and guest Martha C.
Thanks Jeanie for a number of these nice photos.

Submitted by Roger Danneman Field Trip Guide (roger.danneman@gmail.com)
425-757-3506 cell and texts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated: July 11, 2023 — 10:12 am

Presidents Message

  • Digging It!  September is here, and it looks like a wonderful month so far for getting together and getting out in the field. First, thank you to everyone who helped make our August picnic and club auction such a success. The delicious food, generous donations, volunteer help and spirited bidding made it a great afternoon, and the auction raised $750 for the club. We return to our regular meeting schedule on Thursday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Kent. Our program is all about YOU: Show, Tell & Transform, where you get to briefly present …

Meeting Announcements

  • This program is all about YOU. Bring a rock, mineral, fossil, or other field find that you would like to turn into something. It might become a cabochon, carving, display specimen, jewelry piece, slab, polished piece, or something entirely different. Bring your item and share: Where and how you found or acquired it What interests you about the material What you’re considering making from it Any questions or challenges you would like help thinking through Then we’ll open the conversation to our knowledgeable and curious club members. Together, we can discuss the material, possible designs, cutting or finishing approaches, and other ideas that might help you take the piece from field find to finished project. You do not need to have a complete plan or any special expertise. That’s part of the fun. Bring the piece itself if possible, along with any sketches, inspiration photos, or examples that might help explain your idea.

  • Noelle Barnes will present Using Gaia for Rockhounding, an overview of the features and tricks associated with the app Gaia and how you can use it for GPS, saving waypoints, navigation, photo tagging, trail recording and more. Show and Tell: Bring the rock(s) that have the best “story” – and tell everyone how you found them and where!

  • Club board member Paul Ahnberg will talk to us about the impact of wildfires on our lives – from protecting your home to staying safe while out rockhounding – and what we can do today to help mitigate our risk. Paul will combine his knowledge gained from learning at both the WSU Green School (Master Gardener) and WSU Climate Steward programs. Show and Tell: Bring something you found, from a place that you know has since been impacted by floods or wildfires – or was impacted shortly before you arrived. Tell your story!

  • December’s date and time is coming soon. We will update this page as soon as we know more.

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