Photo Gallery of Rockhounding

ROCKHOUNDING AND ADVENTURE TRIPS

June 2007

Minnesota Agate Hunting Trip

I have not had the chance to go on a summer vacation since 1993. Between owning the brewpub (1994-2001), and being busy with the museum after that, I just have not been able to get away in June, July, or August. Even though I probably should have stayed home to make more agate products, I decided to take a few days off. Since my friend, Renee, also wanted to get away after a busy year as school secretary, and with her husband down state, we decided to head west.

We spent three days hunting in gravel pits and rivers, along railroad tracks, in farm fields, and on gravel roads. We even spotted a few chippers in parking lots. In one of the gravel pits, we were greeted by an American Bald Eagle. All in all, this was the most successful agate trip we have ever taken. With our mascot paint pot “George,” we drove 1,270 miles to and from Grand Marais, as well as all over northern Minnesota. We decided to be frugal on this trip, so we camped with Renee in the tent and me on a mattress in the back of my Blazer. It was good to get away, even though it was just for a few days.

Agatehunters Eagle George with Agates Gravel Pit Gravel Road Hunting Minnesota River