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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Apr 2, 2019 8:38:37 GMT -5
This past weekend was my 4th annual "spring" trip to rock hound Lake Huron up in Alpena with Jugglerguy. The weather had been pretty nice all week and Rob had been checking the beach to make sure the ice had melted enough to walk in and pick rocks. The weather reports for Sunday did not look too bad so we agreed that would be the day. I live 250 miles south and two days before the trip we had a 65 degree day. When I went out to load the car Sunday morning at 5:30 AM there was a fresh blanket of snow and my car doors were frozen shut. Not a good sign when you are about to head north where the weather is generally colder. As I got closer to Alpena I started to question the plan. A 5 mile beach walk is not what comes to mind when I see this. We were both prepared and dressed for the weather so we did not let the cold stop us. The actual temperature was 21 degrees but there were 10-15 mph constant winds and 20-25 mph gusts all day so more like 8-10 degrees with the windchill. I think we spent about 4 hours walking. I did not take many pictures during the walk so I stole these next two from last years trip to show the nice rocky beach. I love this picture. The shimmering water makes every gray rock look like a Petoskey stone. When we got back to the car our waders, rock buckets and rock scoops were all coated in ice from being splashed on. I hand picked a few of the really good keepers for this picture. Despite the cold it was a great trip. Walking the beach and talking rocks with Rob is always fun. Any rocks that are found are just a bonus. Thanks again Jugglerguy. Thanks for looking Chuck
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 2, 2019 9:21:15 GMT -5
You guys are brave AND determined! But, it looks like it paid off. Those are some really great petoskies. (sp?)
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Post by MsAli on Apr 2, 2019 9:40:47 GMT -5
I always say that is the best time to go. Not very many people would be out and you have the whole beach to yourself.
Those Petoskeys are great
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Apr 2, 2019 10:16:30 GMT -5
Wow, brr! Looks like a fun adventure though, and bonus - rocks! Thanks for taking us along.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Apr 2, 2019 10:23:51 GMT -5
I always say that is the best time to go. Not very many people would be out and you have the whole beach to yourself. Those Petoskeys are great Yep, Did not see another person on a five mile beach walk. Chuck
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Post by miket on Apr 2, 2019 10:46:27 GMT -5
Nice, thanks for sharing. Oh, and brrrr!
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Post by nowyo on Apr 2, 2019 11:06:42 GMT -5
Good on both of you for toughing it out. Nice looking rocks.
Russ
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Apr 2, 2019 11:23:16 GMT -5
Nice, thanks for sharing. Oh, and brrrr! The good thing about cold is that you can dress for it. I really think hounding in desert heat with no shade all day would be worse then hounding in zero degree temps. Chuck
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 2, 2019 15:08:02 GMT -5
I really enjoyed the day, despite the cold. Chuck didn't mention that it was 21° when we got there and didn't warm up too much. There was also a 20 mph wind with gusts up to 30 mph. I'm pretty sure we were the first ones there though.
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Post by manofglass on Apr 2, 2019 15:25:43 GMT -5
To cold for rock hunting
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Apr 2, 2019 17:10:55 GMT -5
I think most folks would agree with that. Chuck
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Post by wigglinrocks on Apr 2, 2019 21:10:43 GMT -5
Toughing it out paid off with a nice bunch of rocks . Beats sitting in the house and whining about the weather
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Post by Garage Rocker on Apr 2, 2019 21:23:00 GMT -5
Good for you guys, I like it! There should be very few things that keep you from doing what you want to do.
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Post by fernwood on Apr 3, 2019 4:55:11 GMT -5
Nice finds. The patterns are great on the P's. Like the shimmering water photo.
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Post by orrum on Apr 3, 2019 6:04:52 GMT -5
Hey thanks for the pics and story Chuck. Love it!!!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,680
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Post by Fossilman on Apr 3, 2019 9:43:35 GMT -5
SCORE! What tool did you use to break the ice from the rocks, they had to have been frozen to the ground - right?
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Apr 3, 2019 10:17:57 GMT -5
SCORE! What tool did you use to break the ice from the rocks, they had to have been frozen to the ground - right? The waves keep the first few feet of rocks on shore thawed out. It was pretty nice there all week prior to my trip so. Just got a freak cold day when I went. The next day was supposed to be 15 degrees warmer. Chuck
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Apr 3, 2019 10:19:07 GMT -5
There should be very few things that keep you from doing what you want to do. Great statement!
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Apr 3, 2019 10:21:20 GMT -5
Beats sitting in the house and whining about the weather Couldn't agree more. Well said.
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