Got the chance to get out and go collecting with my youngest son today. It was quite an interesting trip with a variety of different types of scenery and weather. The day started out a little later than I would have liked, by the time we arrived at the turn out, temps in the valley were already in the mid-80s. The scenery down at this elevation was the typical Idaho desert looking terrain.














As we drove further, the desert landscape gave way to a nice looking forest and the air teps began to drop off rapidly as we gained elevation.








Our destination this trip took us well above 7000 feet, at this elevation the air temps were nice and in the mid-50s, there was even a little snow on the ground still.





We got out and began looking around, almost immediately, we were finding quartz crystals.








We explored the area for quite some time, collecting things as we found them. There was actually quite a bit that we were able to collect.











After a while, we decided that we had found enough. The pack was starting to get heavy so my son asked if I could carry it back to the truck. We both had a great day and were able to collect a lot. As we drove out, I took some more photos of the area.











Once home I decided to get some more controlled shots of some of the collected crystals. These photos only represent a small sample of what we collected. I didn’t want to take photos of each item as that would be a lot of photos to process, upload and post on the report. We enjoyed this trip and know we only scratched the surface at this area.

Ah, fantastic. A great way to spend the day. Familiar with the area, I could spend hours there.

Awesome thread thanks for sharing!

Thanks, I was a little hesitant at first to bring my son there. I had heard about all the abandoned mines etc. I am glad I did and I am glad he listened to me while out in the field as far as sticking by me, not wondering off etc. He keeps this up, I'll have to get him some good hiking boots and take him on some of my backcountry fishing adventures. I just need him to get a little taller so wading wont be such a challenge

Amazing how interesting that part of the world is.  I've never been there, but it looks like a lot of fun to explore.

Awesome!!!  Rockhounding is fun!  good father son stuff too!  I am 38 and still do things with my dad and love it!

sounds and looks like a lot of fun

Looks like a good time!

Double tap.

My Father was born and raised in the Marsh Valley. I have family all over S.E. Idaho, N.E. Utah