It was a typical SoCal June day – here we call it “June Gloom” – a little overcast as we hit the road bright and early!
The drive from the OC to the Pala area is a quick (just over an hour) and really nice one – it is a good reminder of just how much open space there still is in SoCal!By the time we got to the Oceanview Mine Dig the sun was starting to burn through and it ended up being a beautifully sunny day…and there is no better place to spend a sunny day than on the top of a rise overlooking the California Toumaline Mines (and ghosts of mines past).
With an expectation of 40 participants – the reality was that about 22 Federation participants dug next to the Oceanview’s regular gem hunters…lots of sun, mud and fun!
Peter (Mine Manager) gave a great overview of the rules and techniques for finding gemstones!
Lots of big quartz crystals started showing up immediately and within just a few minutes of industriously moving dirt – some color started showing up!!!
We had people from all over the US – Utah, Idaho, Missouri, Northern California and all of us locals…and a great time was had by all.
Both Travis and Peter worked with the Washburn’s from the Mid-West Federation, trying to convince Julia they were willing to help her carry buckets…yep – she insisted on pulling them on the cart!
They left happy even with their tired bones, due to a growing pile (they were looking for material for their Jr program) and some really great finds…like this sweet pink tourmaline!
The Oceanview had changed their routine from my last visit and instead of taking tours into the mine they offered us a “Tour of the Mine Area”. Well as someone who is claustrophobic (I know, how ironic ;-p) this was a fabulous offering!The knowledgable Travis loaded us into the ATV/Cart and we traveled the sides of the mountain. Aside from the glorious vistas he pointed out the various shafts of the Oceanview and in the distance the ghosts of other historic Tourmaline mines in the Pala District.
With our gem booty carefully stowed we left the Oceanview and headed to the Lake Henshaw Resort. This is about a 20 minute drive but so much fun seeing the Orange groves, Bison, Llama and Cattle grazing in lush fields.
You can’t miss the Henshaw – there is the stunning Lake Henshaw on your left and the resort on your right. So we all met up front – paid for our site (some people opted for cabins – some for camping) and caravaned up to a spot just past the trailers (on the right) that we had already scouted on an earlier visit.
I love this spot: - this site had full coverage from several giant oak trees – since it would still be daylight for 5 hours once we arrived.
- restroom – yep – I am a girl! …the restrooms have 2-3 showers, 3-4 toilet stalls and LOTS of changing room.
- privacy – while I realize that this is an open campground – I loved being able to be able to have just our party on the site.
Of course there was the obligatory “Show & Tell” from the days hard work…lots of big quartz crystals – you can see green tourmaline crystals growing in the bottom of one.
There was color, some spodumene and a really clear sage green crystal that was probably my favorite of the day.
So once we were set up – there was a good hour of tent assembly and showers and introductions.
Once we rinsed half a mountain off, cabin dwellers and campers alike met for dinner at the Round-Up BBQ Restaurant on the campsite. I don’t know if it is just that every time I have eaten here I am beat and hungry or if the food really is just amazingly good – either way – it never dissappoints!
Great food from local farmers and ranchers – and as you can see Charli thought dessert (Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream) was the BEST!
We all rolled down the stairs to the parking lot and headed back up to the campsite! After a brief show and tell of the days finds, the guys started a campfire just in time to ward of the evening chill.
Thanks to Nikki and Charli the marshmallows and chocolate came out and s’mores assembly started – it was the perfect end to a fun day with great company!
If you want to re-create this trip with your family these are the important links:
Oceanview Mine Dig http://digforgems.com/
Lake Henshaw Resort http://www.lakehenshawresort.com/
Himalaya Mine Dig http://highdesertgems.com/
Photo credits are shared by me, Robert Thirlaway and Janine Arp
Robyn Hawk
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