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Post by roswelljero on Jan 31, 2013 23:14:20 GMT -5
WEST TEXAS BLITZ
APRIL 7 - 13 Join us for a rocking good time! Spike and I will be hunting at Woodward Ranch, Marfa & Stillwell... Who knows, maybe this year we'll finally find time to visit (no hounding allowed) Big Bend National Park! I'm still offering a $20 reward to the person that finds my keys on the east side of WWR!We're currently looking into where to camp this year. If you've recently stayed at a campground in the Alpine, TX area that has RV & tent sites, please post your review. That's it for now. Later, jeri
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Post by Condor on Feb 1, 2013 0:05:36 GMT -5
Very good possiblity that I can be there for 2 or days. Let's see how all this pans out about where all will be staying. Looking forward to being out there with you all.
Condor
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sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
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Post by sheltie on Feb 1, 2013 10:35:01 GMT -5
It's been a few years, but we've stayed at the Lost Alaskan in Alpine and their web site says that tent sites are available. We've also stayed at the Woodward Ranch, but Jan only has a few sites, none FHU and none level. Plenty of area to tent, however.
If the invitation is for everyone, I'd be interested in the details. I must have a thing for the desert as I'm leaving Q tomorrow after 11 days here and hope to go to the Black Rock desert this summer. Not to mention all the time I spend in the desert within 100 miles or so of Moab every year. I need to get back to the Oregon coast and see some water! ;D
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Post by roswelljero on Feb 1, 2013 11:10:25 GMT -5
Condor: Sure hope it pans out! Would be nice to finally meet you and see if the legend is true. Uh, any idea if the snakes are usually active by then? I hates snakes. Watching for them would take my eyes off the ground and that's a :nono: when I'm hounding. ;D sheltie: Yes, the trip is open to any and all. WWR does have FHU now. According to Jayson they've made several improvements including a new bathroom & shower! Was the Lost Alaskan a friendly place? It almost looks too 'developed' for rockhounds, if you know what I mean. I'll try to make some calls to other campgrounds today. If anyone is on Facebook, there is a page for the 'Fans of Woodward Ranch' with some great pics. I've posted about the Blitz there as well. Later, jeri
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sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
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Post by sheltie on Feb 1, 2013 13:12:52 GMT -5
Condor: Sure hope it pans out! Would be nice to finally meet you and see if the legend is true. Uh, any idea if the snakes are usually active by then? I hates snakes. Watching for them would take my eyes off the ground and that's a when I'm hounding. ;D sheltie: Yes, the trip is open to any and all. WWR does have FHU now. According to Jayson they've made several improvements including a new bathroom & shower! Was the Lost Alaskan a friendly place? It almost looks too 'developed' for rockhounds, if you know what I mean. I'll try to make some calls to other campgrounds today. If anyone is on Facebook, there is a page for the 'Fans of Woodward Ranch' with some great pics. I've posted about the Blitz there as well. Later, jeri Jeri, I had to laugh about Lost Alaskan being a "friendly" CG. It's in west by Gawd Texas and everyone is friendly there! ;D I understand what you mean however, and I think the best way to find out would be to give them a call and tell them what you're looking for. And yes, snakes will be active by then. As an additional to your comments about upgrading the facilities at WWR, that's good to know. I wonder, however, if they leveled the place because it was pretty uneven. With Alpine being only about 16-18 miles from there, I'd recommend RVs to stay in Alpine. WWR would be perfect for tenters and those who didn't need to level their RVs (because of fridges, etc). I'd also advise those who plan to go that April is a time of high winds (don't ask how I know!) in that region. No problem hounding, but getting seasick in a MH is an experience to remember. Denny
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Feb 1, 2013 15:19:58 GMT -5
I can't go this year. In fact, I still haven't done much with the material I collected last year. Say "hi" to Jayson for me.
Did you lose your keys last year? I had forgotten that.
Yes, Alpine is a much better location than Stillwell. I had forgotten how long those drives can be.
Chuck
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Post by Condor on Feb 1, 2013 20:44:16 GMT -5
Condor: Sure hope it pans out! Would be nice to finally meet you and see if the legend is true. Uh, any idea if the snakes are usually active by then? I hates snakes. Watching for them would take my eyes off the ground and that's a when I'm hounding. ;D Later, jeri LOL. I really don't believe Jake and his friends will be active. I have been out there at different times of the year and have never even seen one snake in all the years I have collected out there. They are out there however. Condor
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hulagrub
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2009
Posts: 256
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Post by hulagrub on Feb 2, 2013 13:01:06 GMT -5
I would love to come out, but alas, our rock club's spring show is the 13th-14th. Darn!
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Post by roswelljero on Feb 5, 2013 12:19:17 GMT -5
Hard Rock Cafe - You and your daughter will be missed! Did her cactus survive?... Yep, after you left the last day, we drove to the 'end' of the East side (about 3 miles in). I hunted an area about the size of a football field. When I got back to the truck, my keys weren't on the clip. Didn't have time to look for them because we had to get back to the office before it closed. Damn good thing I always give Spike a set of keys! hulagrub - Darn the timing! I think I've found where I want to stay this trip...KCs RV Park 2303 East Hwy 90, Alpine TX 79830 432-837-5497 This is behind KC's Quick Mart. As you enter Alpine from the east, it's before Sul Ross State University. There are 4 hotels nearby for those that don't camp. Toilets, showers, pet friendly (leash required). No campfires unless the burn ban is lifted. Charcoal grills allowed. RVs: $20.00/night - 34 sites, 60 ft max RV length, pull thrus, full hookups, electric, 30/50 amp, water Tents: $10.00/night for 2 people... $20.00/night for 2 people with electricThey don't have a website that I could find, but here's a map and an old review: plus.google.com/109276640132358345894/about?gl=US&hl=en-USWhat do you think? Later, jeri
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sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
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Post by sheltie on Feb 5, 2013 19:55:22 GMT -5
I couldn't find it on www.rvparkreviews.com, which is my bible for campgrounds. Price is scary good, though.
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Post by roswelljero on Feb 5, 2013 20:57:16 GMT -5
Here's a review by USA Today... traveltips.usatoday.com/rv-parks-alpine-texas-31494.html"KC's RV Park Open year-round, KC's RV Park consists of 34 sites for recreational vehicles. The 20 feet by 60 feet sites are on gravel, and 24 of them feature a pull-through design that eliminates the hassle of having to back an RV into the site. Full electric, water and sewage hookups are provided at 24 of the sites. For campers' comfort, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities are available on-site. A convenience store sells basic groceries, snacks and RV supplies as well as gasoline and propane. Although there are no recreational activities at the park, the campground is less than a mile from Kokernot Park and Sul Ross State University, which is home to the Theatre of the Big Bend and hosts live performances throughout the year. Pets are welcome. KC's RV Park 2303 U.S. Highway 90 Alpine, TX 79830 432-837-5497" I figure it's worth trying for the price. As long as the restrooms and showers aren't health hazzards, I'm good. Later, jeri
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Post by rockmanken on Feb 5, 2013 21:54:19 GMT -5
And, McDonald's is close by. I'm loving it. LOL
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Post by roswelljero on Feb 5, 2013 23:41:43 GMT -5
And, McDonald's is close by. I'm loving it. LOL Thinking about joining us again Ken?
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Post by roswelljero on Feb 10, 2013 23:55:14 GMT -5
A couple people have asked me how much this trip costs. It's not an easy question to answer because we drive to Alpine & share expenses. I'll try to give you some idea though. Gas is the biggest expense: We're staying in Alpine, TX. Here are approx. distances to places we'll probably go: Double these for round trip. 20 miles to WWR (+ driving around the ranch); at least 2 trips = 100 miles 30-40 miles to Marfa; 1 trip = 80 miles 90-100 miles to Stillwell/Big Bend; 1-2 trips = 200-400 miles (+ driving around) So once you get there, you're looking at about 400 - 600 miles of driving (unless you catch a ride with someone which is normal). We're staying at KC's. See above for the rates. Right next to KC's is a Best WesternThen there's the Oak Tree InnDirectly across the street from KC's is the Sunday House InnNext to it is a Holiday Inn ExpressThey're all within walking distance of the campground. For those 'wobbly' nights. Food: Most of the time we cook group meals for breakfast and supper. Lunch is whatever, whenever. It's best to pack a lunch so you can eat without driving back to camp. We usually 'eat out' at least once for supper, nothing fancy or expensive. Rockhounding rates from last year: WWR charged $5/person/day (unless you camped there) + $2/pound for most rocks (opal & labradorite are $2/gram, I think). No credit/debit cards. Cash or check only. The Marfa trip was a flat $40/person + membership in their club. Club membership was $10(?) per family(?). CASH ONLY. No additional charge for 'unlimited' rocks. You can keep as much as you can haul out. Last year Hard Rock Cafe picked up about 100 pounds! Stillwell charged $0.50/pound for rocks and no hunting fee. Cash, check or card. Later, jeri
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spikeict
fully equipped rock polisher
Alba gu bra! In Promptu
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,413
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Post by spikeict on Feb 11, 2013 22:26:53 GMT -5
Gill, there is a bluff off the road a bit on the east side where every time I was there we found some good flower garden agate. When the keys were lost I got one my phone to mark the spot on my topo app and found there is another bluff on the other side of the road. Have you ever hunted in that spot? That is my goal this trip. I had hurt my back the night before and my time of walking was over by the time the keys were lost so didn't go look at it.
Yeah all are welcome, the only other "have" to for me is a Mexican restaurant over by Highway 118 that goes to the ranch. I think Chuck can attest it is worth stopping at.
Mark
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Post by Condor on Feb 13, 2013 8:49:28 GMT -5
No, I haven't been there at that area. At least I don't think so. I've been to so many places throughout WWR, but that second bluff just doesn't sound familiar. Might have to give it a try.
Condor (Gil)
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spikeict
fully equipped rock polisher
Alba gu bra! In Promptu
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,413
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Post by spikeict on Feb 13, 2013 20:14:06 GMT -5
The second one can't be seen from the road, I found it only because I marked the lost keys spot and saw it was there, I looked over and completely understood. I think that is a untouched spot (the bluff) there was always great flower garden found in the area between the bluff and the road so this spot has to be the jackpot. I am going to skip the red plume ravines (or did I say that already) to spend more time there. Hope you can make it
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Post by stoner on Feb 14, 2013 18:16:43 GMT -5
Well Hell, it sounds like a party and I ain't one to pass up a party-especially with friends like these. Hey Gil, save me a seat in the new Green Burrito. They still sell "Diesel Fried Chicken" on the way to WWR? Let me know if you can pick me up at the El Paso airport, I'll see if I can swing the finances. It sure would be good to see everyone again.
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Feb 15, 2013 7:45:27 GMT -5
The Mexican restaurant is pretty darn good. We ate there last month when my son and I went to WWR. Huge plates, mild spices, friendly people. Be aware it is CASH only. I had to make a red faced dash to the nearest ATM - which was a 15 minute round trip.
I am currently working through the 50lbs we collected and looking forward to the next trip out. One of the rocks my son and I found were the little 1/4" diameter round agates. We picked up a few of them. Next trip I want to get a lot more. They actually tumbled out nice and when I get them drilled out, should make interesting necklaces/bracelets/earrings.
Sounds like a great trip..I wonder if it is too soon to go back lol
Also be aware the nearest gas stations, atms / ice , etcetera to WWR are IN Alpine. Stock up before you head out. There is also a full time border patrol station between WWR and Alpine which stops 100% of the vehicles passing through.
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Post by roswelljero on Feb 15, 2013 12:08:48 GMT -5
Wow! Condor and Stoner! Sure hope you both make it! One of the rocks my son and I found were the little 1/4" diameter round agates. I call them 'eggsess'. Love them! Found some my first trip, 2010, but forgot where. Sounds like a great trip..I wonder if it is too soon to go back lol NOPE! ;D There is also a full time border patrol station between WWR and Alpine which stops 100% of the vehicles passing through. Did they stop you going south? Later, jeri
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