Nov 17th, 2018 Blanchard Hill Field Trip Report

Field trip reports

Gorgeous sunny weather for this fieldtrip to Blanchard Hill, although a bit chilly. The location is SW of Bellingham, about 90 miles from Renton. There were 10 vehicles on this trip, led by Ed Lehman. My son and I were the only CMS folks represented in the group. The material collected is different than what I was expecting. The rock outcrop contains white quartz, green chert, and black stilpnomelane (which Ed called a rare earth mineral). In combination, the 3 minerals can produce quite an impressive display. But also quite a varied arrangement, depending on what one decides to collect. Busting chunks out of the hard rock requires a sledge, chisel, safety glasses, and muscle, but there’s also a lot of rubble around that can be pawed through and collected. I will hopefully get a slab or two for the Dec. Christmas Party auction, as well as get some tumbled for Show and Tell at the Jan. or Feb. meeting.

Trip Report submitted by Roger Danneman CMS Field Trip Leader.

 

Updated: May 21, 2019 — 11:11 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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