How I first got into treasure hunting was genetic I guess. My folks dug up old bottles, hunted arrow heads, thundereggs and just enjoyed digging in the dirt. I have just recently picked this old hobby back up on my own. I was re-engergized by watching the Travel Channel. YUP, just like many of you! I never miss a Cash & Treasures adventure.
My treasure hunting obsession(s): I'm still trying to sort out what I like the most. I belong to the Rock Rollers Club in Spokane (though I live in North Idaho) because they offer classes on cabbing, faceting and wire wrapping. They even have equipment that can be rented at the club house twice a week for those of us who haven't decided on a niche just yet.
My most exciting find: On my very first field trip, I was able to bring home a beautiful 35# piece of Petrified Wood. I can't exactly say that I found it because TallTomSr, Paul and Jeff were gratious about letting me dig in their hole as their day was winding down. It was great fun and thus far, my MOST EXCITING FIND!
My favorite places to look for treasure: I live close to Emerald Creek in Idaho (2 hours away) so I've been there 4 times so far in 2008. Can testify to the fact about 1 out of 100 stones found is a good one. I've only found 1/2 dozen all together that may have the potential to be a "STAR" garnet. Still a TON of fun up there though.
My favorite treasure hunting techniques: I'm a digger. Even when I scuba dive, I have a tendency to dig into holes..
My treasure hunt toolkit contains... large pick, rock pick, folding shovel and pulaski, a couple of buckets,an underwater viewer. I'm not sure you'd call it really. It's a 4 in. PVC pipe with clear plastic glued to the end. (ya use it like a magnifying glass underwater). Oh yeah - I pack a LOT of water! I have a wire screen that I bought at the dollar store. It works great and is very light to carry.
I'm presently hunting for... I plan to head to Saddle Mtn again as well as Star Garnets. There is also a fossil dig about 10 miles up the road from Emerald Creek in Clarkia, Idaho. I'd love to get over to Montana but the summer is slipping away...not sure I'll get there in 2008.
Recommended treasure hunting resources: this wiki, clubs and of course the internet in general. I've spent many hours living vicariously though others and their own treasure hunts!
MY FINDS
Description of treasure:
Where I found it:
How I found it:
Appraisal information:
Description of treasure: Petrified Wood end piece
Where I found it: Saddle Mountain - Mattawa, WA
How I found it: digging - about 2 feet under the surface
Appraisal information:
Description of treasure: Star Garnets
Where I found it: Emerald Creek, Fernwood, ID
How I found it: sifting through the USFS pile of dirt/gravel and then using their sluice to find the star garnets
Appraisal information:
Description of treasure: Carnelians (Agates)
Where I found it: Newaukum River southeast of Chehalis, WA
