Hello, I first got into collecting Herkimers as a young man at age 5, because of my fathers obsession of the beauty of these fine quartz crystals. He has been collecting these stones since 1959, and since then we have accumulated a world class collection of Herks. We have hit well over 400 pockets, which have been exhibited at The Carnegie Museum Of Natural History in Pittsburgh Pa. and gem shows across the North East. As a child one old miner gave me a nickname (Hawk Eye) because i would always have my head down looking for crystals, and always find them!! One of the biggest thrills for me was hitting the pocket, reaching in and retrieving the stones, which you are the first living thing to see, now that is a treasure!!!! Another thrill was the ride there, when we came to the part of the new york state Thruway where we overlooked the village of Herkimer and knew we were close! Back in 1967 we would dig from dawn to dusk, leave our $1.00 dig fee in a pail , and have the time of our lives. After digging we would stay late and start a campfire and cook potatoes and talk about our day. Most people don't know their dads, I spent quality time with him doing something we both love.