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Post by Jugglerguy on May 5, 2015 19:22:11 GMT -5
I forgot to add a picture of another important tool. That's a slotted spoon on a stick. It works great for getting rocks out of deeper water and keeps your arm dry. When hunting in cold water I wear waders. A friend of mine just told me not to go rock hunting in the bay at Petoskey because it's still frozen, so I think the water will still be chilly in a couple weeks.
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Post by Toad on May 5, 2015 21:43:09 GMT -5
Holy crap! That's a lot of tools and buckets! The mine tailings are mostly pretty small chunks if I remember correctly. I don't think you'll need that much crushing power. But I guess it won't take up that much room and it's better to be prepared. Did you remember safety glasses to go with the hammers? Also don't forget polarized sunglasses for looking in the water. Are you going to bring back some black sand to search for gold in? I'm really looking forward to doing a similar trip or two this summer. You're going to have a great time. Take lots of pictures to share your trip with us. Safety glasses - big thumbs up. Might even have the goggles. We'll be protected. Sunglasses will be with us as well. Yep, taking your advice on the black sand as well...
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Post by Toad on May 5, 2015 21:47:12 GMT -5
I'm bringing dishwashing gloves for the shallow water - didn't even think about the deep stuff. Will have to make one or two of those spoon thingies - thanks for the tip.
My trip to Flint Ridge was very similar - 90% of the rocks I took home were pre-dug and clean from frequent rains that summer. But I did dig put a few just to feel like a real rock hound.
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Post by Toad on May 5, 2015 21:48:38 GMT -5
I just realized that if you fill all those buckets you will have more Michigan rocks then me and I go the U.P. all the time. LOL LOL. Probably try and fill a couple with black sand for panning when we get home. The rest is just wishful thinking. But better over-prepared than under.
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spiritstone
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2014
Posts: 2,061
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Post by spiritstone on May 5, 2015 22:23:58 GMT -5
Always remember when Rock Hounding. Safety first and Protect your?? ")
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Post by Toad on May 5, 2015 22:52:18 GMT -5
LOL, I like the gloves!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on May 6, 2015 9:42:25 GMT -5
Great scenery photos..Kind of reminds me of some parts of Oregon with the canyons and water....
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on May 6, 2015 9:44:01 GMT -5
I forgot to add a picture of another important tool. That's a slotted spoon on a stick. It works great for getting rocks out of deeper water and keeps your arm dry. When hunting in cold water I wear waders. A friend of mine just told me not to go rock hunting in the bay at Petoskey because it's still frozen, so I think the water will still be chilly in a couple weeks. I make my scoops from golf clubs #1's 2's and 3's......Just hollow out the top and gut it,than drill drain holes on the bottom plate...
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on May 6, 2015 9:45:03 GMT -5
I'm bringing dishwashing gloves for the shallow water - didn't even think about the deep stuff. Will have to make one or two of those spoon thingies - thanks for the tip. My trip to Flint Ridge was very similar - 90% of the rocks I took home were pre-dug and clean from frequent rains that summer. But I did dig put a few just to feel like a real rock hound. Flint Ridge-that is a place on my "Bucket List too"!!!! Love that material......
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on May 6, 2015 9:47:36 GMT -5
Here are the tools we're bringing for digging, raking, wetting, smashing, and prying: And here are the buckets for loot. Four 2 gallon buckets for walking around with, and eight 5 gallon buckets for hauling home all the Lakers we're going to find And snacks for when there is not a pizza nearby. Do you think 6 pounds of peanuts is enough? A close up of the granola bars (sorry about the orientation, photobucket wasn't cooperating): Also bringing some flat rate boxes and newspaper on the off chance we run across any specimens. Think we're excited! Never enough tools,I always say better to come prepared than to not have what you need!! Did that at "Glass Butte" for Obsidian a few weeks ago(to many tools)-LOL...Got lucky and it was all surface finds...Thumbs up
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Post by Jugglerguy on May 6, 2015 15:52:14 GMT -5
I brought half a bucket of black sand home from the beach by Muskalonge State Park. It has little to no gold in it. I panned at every other beach and found gold in every pan, but didn't check the beach that I collected it from. If you have a pan, check before you haul that heavy stuff home.
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Post by Toad on May 10, 2015 1:30:36 GMT -5
I brought half a bucket of black sand home from the beach by Muskalonge State Park. It has little to no gold in it. I panned at every other beach and found gold in every pan, but didn't check the beach that I collected it from. If you have a pan, check before you haul that heavy stuff home. Just picked up a gold pan from the rock shop today along with parts for my tumbler. One step closer...
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Post by Toad on May 14, 2015 8:25:21 GMT -5
Don't think I could ask for a much better forecast than this (assuming the forecaster knows what he is talking about almost a week out):
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on May 14, 2015 9:26:32 GMT -5
hopefully the weather is good. I'll be going through the U.P. on my way to Drummond Island. should be there the 22nd thru the 25th. hoping for good kayak weather to get to the beach hounding spots. Plan B is to hound the woods for pudding stones where the loggers have been working during the winter.
Chuck
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Post by Jugglerguy on May 14, 2015 12:39:33 GMT -5
The low winds are the key to good beach collecting. Every thing looks great. Bring polarized sunglasses for looking in the water with less glare.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on May 16, 2015 9:33:48 GMT -5
The low winds are the key to good beach collecting. Every thing looks great. Bring polarized sunglasses for looking in the water with less glare. I have also found lots of rock goodies in the water,few people ever do that..Wonder why...
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Post by Toad on May 16, 2015 11:42:54 GMT -5
Got a scoop made for my son and my self - just $2 each (compared to $45 each at Kingsley North). I have the only pair of waders, but he can work the shallows in his rain boots.
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Post by Jugglerguy on May 16, 2015 14:04:21 GMT -5
My son much preferred looking for lakers on the dry beach. The truck is to look for translucent rocks. Some people say they sort of glow, especially in the morning or evening when the sun is low. I prefer looking in the water because everything is,so much more colorful. I'm also not focused on just finding lakers.
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Post by Toad on May 16, 2015 14:51:17 GMT -5
I agree, Rob. Lakers are the prize, but I'm looking for anything that is solid and looks like it will tumble...
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Post by Toad on May 20, 2015 1:09:47 GMT -5
All right my friends, it is 2:10am eastern time and we'll be on the road by 3. Going off-line until the trip is done. Lord willing I will have pics and a story for you by Sunday (or Monday latest). Rock on!
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