Even in this day and age I believe that great satisfaction comes when we fulfill the hunter gatherer in all of us. One of my favorite ways to satiate that urge is to go rockhounding. I have always held a great appreciation for rocks and minerals and am fortunate to live in an area where the geology provides all sorts of treasures to be had.
This was a wonderful haul on a beautiful sunny day at a reservoir about an hour east of where I live.
I'm not a fancy pants rockhound that maps out areas and searches for the most valuable specimens to be found. I more prefer to make a day of getting out into nature for a nice little hike around a reservoir and see what I might stumble upon.
This is one of my favorite places about a half hour from where I live.
If you are in the right area, reservoirs are a treasure trove for rockhounds. We are fortunate enough to have quite a few within an hours drive. While the waters are usually high in the summer months, the damns open and the water levels drop come fall and winter. After the season of high water washing away layers of the ground underneath you then have access to everything that has been washed into the basin over years and years.
A pretty haul of quartz from the north bank of one of my favorite places.
What you find is always dependent on what the surrounding mountains have given over the years so it's always exciting to try out new areas. You never know what you'll find.
This was a nice bunch of petrified wood that I found in one specific area at a reservoir I go to frequently.
Needless to say, my entire house is filled with treasures I have found over the years. While I try not to overdo my taking sometimes its hard to say no to the majestic gifts nature has to offer.
While everyone may not have a reservoir in their area, there are often places to go rockhound. Check for recommendations online from other rockhounds in your area and go see what you can find. If nothing else, you are getting out into nature and enjoying the day.