This time around, I recruited, Kim's, Grampa Roush to go with me. He might be about 80, but he is a die hard “Rock Hound." We left for the Dugway Geode Mine at about 5:45 a.m., it took 2.5 hours to get there. On the way we passed some deer, a wild horse herd, and lots of Antelope. I had not seen Antelope since I was 12, with my Grandpa Haycock.
After an hour and a half we got to the old Pony Express exchange and rest spot. I
quickly realized, since the pony express stopped with the expansion of the Locomotive, nobody in their right mind had come back out this way. Then we traveled about 50 more miles on a dirt rock road. We finally arrived at the Geode mind, that was really two back hoe dug holes in the middle of hell. When we got out of the door, the cold air tore threw my sweater, gloves, and shoes. I put on every layer of clothes I could find. Grandpa, one of the toughest 80 year olds you will ever meet, lasted outside for about 10 minutes. While he got back into the truck to warm up, I kept digging. Finding an interesting vein in the rock sentiment, I started to hack at the frozen solid earth. Soon I came across my first Geode. Minutes later I came across my second Geode. It was the older brother of the first, and about 5” in diameter. From what I read online, I knew this was pretty big for this area. The Geode was very heavy. Most Geodes are lighter, because they are hollow.
Holding my prized Geode, my high hopes were riding on the contents of its core. Being so heavy, my expectations were low. We looked for another two hours, never coming across a Geode even half it’s size. After my limbs where frozen, and my body sore from digging in the frozen tundra. We packed up and left for Salt Lake. The next day, we went to Grandpa Roush’s home, where he conviently has a diamond saw to cut Geodes. We loaded my Geode up, and closed the top. It took about 15 minutes to cut, and when it opened up, you can see what I saw below!
Well to say I was excited, would be an understatement. It was the most beautiful Geode I had ever seen. I have another picture below, so you can see the size of my Geode, compared to the typical size we found.
I would like to thank my beautiful wife, for letting me leave for half a day, and dig in the dirt, while she watched the kids. I can’t wait to go to Tennesse next, where I plan to take a little trip over to Arkansas, and dig for Diamonds!
10 comments:
Luckily, you have the greatest wife in the world who would, first, allow you to post a blog about geodes, and, second, allow you to go geode hunting! I am glad you were finally able to check off one of your life-long dreams...who would have ever thought it would be hunting for geodes??? They are very beautiful geodes, by the way!
Yeah, I think you win the prize, Kimberly, for even allowing a post about rocks to appear on this beautifully pink blog. If that's not love, I don't know what is.
And who do you think will go with you to dig for diamonds in Arkansas?! I'm glad your geode wasn't solid in the middle....pretty cool! I would have liked seeing your face when you saw it for the first time.
I just wish you would have followed through with my last wish the night before and woken me up so I could have accompanied you...but no. Actually, how could I have not been awake at 5:45 AM when that alarm of a doorbell rang? I'm glad you had succes. I guess this is one of your interests I just don't appreciate as much, oh, say, koi.
As your sister I will support you and say AWESOME!!! I think that is the coolest thing ever!!! What a great tresaure to have and a great story, it is hard to get to do the things that you have always wanted to do.
Wow! That is very impressive! They are beautiful. Kimberly I think you will have a hard time keeping Devon away from the diamond mines with his luck. You were such a loving wife to have the kids to yourself on vacation. Can't wait to see you guys.
Wow, those are awesome looking. Maybe you can find a way to make them in to jewelry for Kimberly. Might work better if you find diamonds next time. What a fun hobby!
Your blog always makes me smile and there is always random adventures to read about! I think that is kind of cool that Devon found some geodes...I bet most people have never even heard of them before. I can't believe some of the stuff people say to Moms, seriously, WHAT ARE THEY THINKING??? And I loved your post about turning 30. Sounds like you had a fun birthday and really I don't think 30 is very old anymore. Actually, I am kind of scared to approach that phase...hopefully I can pull it off and still look young and stay sort of cool! Also congrats on becoming a Pilates instructor!
Wow, that geode is prettty amazing!!! Congrats on the great find. And what a sweet wife for supporting the geode excursion!
I'm glad you found your geodes...I wasn't very excited, however, when I jumped awake at 5:45 when Grandpa rang the doorbell. I was ready to run to the door so that he wouldn't ring it again when you came running up the stairs with your toothbrush in your mouth. I probably wouldn't have been very nice, so I'm glad you saved Grandpa from ME opening the door and that your excursion ended with beautiful geodes!
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