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
