Sept 14th, 2024 Frost Mtn Field Trip Report

Field trip reports
On Sat. Sept 14th we went to Frost Mtn south of Cle Elum for jasper/agate/chert and crystal.  It turned out to be a really nice day with partly cloudy skies and temps in the mid-60s.  With close to 20 miles on gravel it takes a good hour to get here from Cle Elum and is one of our more difficult trips with a near mile hike and some elevation gain.  A group of bow hunters were camped out at the parking area so I might make this trip another week later next year.
We had a fairly big group with 12 vehicles and 19 people.  The group surface collected and chiseled out the blue-green jasper/agate/chert and the irregular seamed agate known as Tahoma Agate.  Some people covered a wide area while I stayed mainly around the rocky outcrop.  We collected for about 3 hours, took in the views, chatted, and enjoyed a nice Sept. day in the mountains.  Big thanks to Julie for taking pictures as I forgot my camera and my phone in the car.  Also to Loren for helping everyone find good material.  The rock pics show some of the material I collected after I cleaned them up.  Some of the rocks look a bit junky on the outside, but cut pieces can reveal beautiful patterns inside and is generally nice and solid and takes a great polish.
Attendees: Noelle B., Loren M., Julie M. & Gina M., Josh & Eli D., Chris W. & Raquel, James & Travis, Michelle M., Pete & Kelly A., Jarrod D., new member Dan G., guests Ryan M. and daughter, guest Judy, and of course me.
Our next scheduled field trip outing is to Crystal Mtn north of Ellensburg on Oct. 5th.  This is planned to be a campout, but the Swauk Creek fire has caused a closure of that area.  Communications will be sent out via e-mail regarding updates and changes.
Submitted by Roger Danneman CMS Field Trip Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated: September 19, 2024 — 8:46 pm

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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