COMPASS MENTUS

Garry, John and I headed to our claim on this cold foggy morning to stock up on some Tahoma agate.

Once we reached the landing leading to our claim, we spent a few minutes donning our gear and trying to warm our hands.

You wouldn't expect it to be this cold in July.

It didn’t take long to warm up though.  Hiking the last mile builds up the heat as well as the muscles.  Garry and John decided to head down one ridge, while I was going to work on a previously found seam.

We spent the morning digging Tahoma agate, and waiting for the clouds to move east.  The sight of Mount Ranier through the clouds is really spectacular.

The sun is finally going to break through the clouds.

The wild flowers were in bloom, and I couldn’t resist taking some snapshots of them.

Indian Paintbrush

After a few hours in the first spot I decide to head around the mountain and prospect for new seams.  I hiked for about 20 minutes before I located another good spot to work.

I worked at this spot for about 2 hours and then headed out again.  This time I was headed to the end of our claim.  I did manage to find another seam to work, and spent the rest of the afternoon high on a cliff face working a seam of what I am going to call Tahoma Sunset jasp/agate.

This material doesn’t have the typical Tahoma plumes, but has alternating bands of color.

Tahoma Sunset Jasp/Agate

Garry called me on the radio at about 3:30pm and we agreed that it was time to start back to the trucks.  I was fortunate to find some nice material, but it took me some time to haul it all back.

John hiking out looks like he has a full pack.

The pack may be full, but John is determined.

Here is what the 32 pounds looks like after washing.

32 pounds

And finally a few close up shots of some of the material.

Nice 1/2" agate seam.

Good contrast in this 1" seam.

We made it back to the trucks and hit the road at 5:30pm.  Another great day.

Thanks for joining us.

chasfire