Another great field trip. Weather was great and Mother Nature had many beautiful things in store for our adventure. We saw a lot of unusual things on this trip, collected some beautiful material and finished the day with a BBQ at our travertine claim.
On our way to our first collecting site, we came across a herd of sheep. Never seen this out there before. We had to take a detour around them, but all part of the adventure. Then we came across a Mojave Green rattlesnake in the middle of the road. He was not pleased to see us at all, and after reluctantly posing for a few pictures, he exited the road and went on his way, which then allowed us to go on our way.
A few miles down the road, we came across a small female desert tortoise. She was also in the middle of the road. Fortunately, she was right at our collecting area, so we were able to pull of the side of the road. We took some photos of her as well, and then proceeded to collect some colorful jasper.
Then we headed to a travertine spot and collected more material. After all buckets were full, it was off to our claim for a much needed lunch with some good company. Hot links, hot dogs, chips, potato salad and cookies. After lunch a few headed to the digs for some more travertine. By late afternoon the wind picked up and got a little chilly so it was time to call it a day. On our way out, Mother Nature had one more show for us! A field of tumbleweeds blowing in the wind. It was quite a sight to see.
And we’re off!
The Gang
Herd of sheep in the road
Mojave Green Rattlesnake
Small female Desert Tortoise in the road
Small lizard surrounded by colorful jasper
Banded Lizard
Julie’s barnacle looking rock
Julie with some of her jasper
Dianne with a colorful jasper she found
Looking for some travertine
Omid found a nice piece of travertine at our claim
Larry laying in a hole digging for travertine
Larry in his hole
Julie digging for travertine
Lunch time!
Frank BBQing his hot links