flmermaid744
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Member since October 2017
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Post by flmermaid744 on Nov 7, 2017 15:55:40 GMT -5
Is that where I saw people had been digging in what appeared to be greyish/white looking clay? Most likely. Well, people dig in the clay in various places because the coral in the clay is usually nicer in color. Often more hollows too. The spot above, you could park 8 to 10 cars on this shelf. It is a big shelf. Cleaning ? I use a pressure washer. A good acid that is mild is oxalic acid. It's cheap and comes in a powder. For some reason it works on rocks. soak for days. I usually saw them, then soak them in water and Dawn, and then pressure wash them. Display the sawn side. that's why you need a saw, hard to beat them sawed. You'll love a saw. The guts are where the show is. I'd come down there this weekend but the deers are rutting and hunters make me stay here.(I live with the deers so I am popular now) Thanks again for the 411. Yes yes I need a saw, and a pressure washer, and a tumbler and...and and lol. Deer, I saw 2 on the with. When you are talking "shelf" is it visible above water level? Hmm I've dug in the clay but only found the white looking coral that I don't particularly care for. Hollow I love, sparkly I love.
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Nov 7, 2017 14:01:13 GMT -5
Jim you have such a wealth of knowledge, can't wait to go back this weekend....I hope if the weather is good. On the right hand side a bit further than half way down to that shoal there is a shelf about 120 feet long in the bank with a spring fed hole about 30 feet round. That shelf and that spring hole has some real nice coral. People got smart to all that a few years back and started digging on that shelf. You may see holes. Is that where I saw people had been digging in what appeared to be greyish/white looking clay?
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Nov 7, 2017 13:53:01 GMT -5
OK lol....I'll take pics of the swamp muck covered coral before I clean then! Are you a coral voyeur? LOL. BOLD FONT DISCUSSION between Floridian's. I think the sulfur water makes you guys feisty. captbob , I believe she bites back. Fair warning Liz, that coral shoal is probably the source of a third of my coral. From the bridge to that shoal probably 2/3 of all my coral. In warm weather you can go just above the shoal like 50 to 200 feet in 2 to 4 feet deep water and simply lift corals off the bottom. No big gators in that area. No need to worry about them there. The bottom of the river above and below that shoal has mega coral supply underwater that most have never collected. It is piled deep. Some of the finest. When that seaweed is not growing on the exposed shoal you can collect these. Many of these are hammer broken from bigger pieces for the tumbler. c1.staticflickr.com/9/8492/8294899562_d91dbb5c1e_c.jpgIt was very low that day and I collected darn near a 5 gallon bucket of these botryoidal chunks in a few hours on that bar. I can tell you the river was at 60 cuftsec that day I did so well, you were there this weekend and river was at 150 cuftsec. I can take my little swamp boat down there with river at 50 cuftsec; that is why I made the boat so lightweight. But your kayak will easily get you to that spot with river at even 30 and 40 cuftsec. That is really the time to go. Kayak #1 boat for the job at low water. Often in Dec/Jan that river is the driest. so do 'no rain' dance About 500 yards upstream in a deep stretch of the river the bottom is covered giant corals ave. 3 feet across. Jim, how do you clean yours up?
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Nov 7, 2017 11:03:22 GMT -5
flmermaid744 There is so much coral in that stretch. And so many varieties. I have little pockets up and down that section. That stretch should keep you occupied for years. The coral in the middle of the river and especially in the shoals has the most color. The fast shoal to the left of that spot(on left looking downstream) has some of the most colorful of all. It is the fast moving river water over 1000's of years that changes it's color. And the coral that has been soaking in the river water for 1000's of years in the center of the river. Jim you have such a wealth of knowledge, can't wait to go back this weekend....I hope if the weather is good.
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flmermaid744
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Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Nov 7, 2017 9:05:29 GMT -5
OK lol....I'll take pics of the swamp muck covered coral before I clean then! Are you a coral voyeur? LOL. BOLD FONT DISCUSSION between Floridian's. I think the sulfur water makes you guys feisty. captbob , I believe she bites back. Fair warning Liz, that coral shoal is probably the source of a third of my coral. From the bridge to that shoal probably 2/3 of all my coral. In warm weather you can go just above the shoal like 50 to 200 feet in 2 to 4 feet deep water and simply lift corals off the bottom. No big gators in that area. No need to worry about them there. The bottom of the river above and below that shoal has mega coral supply underwater that most have never collected. It is piled deep. Some of the finest. When that seaweed is not growing on the exposed shoal you can collect these. Many of these are hammer broken from bigger pieces for the tumbler. c1.staticflickr.com/9/8492/8294899562_d91dbb5c1e_c.jpgIt was very low that day and I collected darn near a 5 gallon bucket of these botryoidal chunks in a few hours on that bar. I can tell you the river was at 60 cuftsec that day I did so well, you were there this weekend and river was at 150 cuftsec. I can take my little swamp boat down there with river at 50 cuftsec; that is why I made the boat so lightweight. But your kayak will easily get you to that spot with river at even 30 and 40 cuftsec. That is really the time to go. Kayak #1 boat for the job at low water. Often in Dec/Jan that river is the driest. so do 'no rain' dance About 500 yards upstream in a deep stretch of the river the bottom is covered giant corals ave. 3 feet across. Lol I'm feisty that's for sure, I'm Scottish what do you expect. When I collect I actually do collect from what is in the water because I figure dry land is more picked through. I noticed more red/orange color in the ones I found down that way. Have them soaking in bleach water right now but really need to put some muriatic on them. I wanted so badly to snorkel around but seriously when I'm by myself that place is a tad bit creepy. I'm actually like a fish in the water but not when I'm alone in water I'm not familiar with. I plan on going back sometime this weekend, just will depend on the weather. I have Friday off if ANYONE wants to join me I'd be thrilled to have the safety of company and others with more knowledge. I was in AWE of how much coral there is in that area, I was about to hyperventilate lol. I just was in a tizzy not knowing where to start and hard a very difficult time making myself stop to paddle back before dark. At least this is a good addition
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Nov 6, 2017 15:38:38 GMT -5
whaddya get? means ... PICTURES !!! OK lol....I'll take pics of the swamp muck covered coral before I clean then! Are you a coral voyeur?
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Nov 6, 2017 14:27:12 GMT -5
Coral lol. Actually I don't know, I'm a novice and I just picked up "pretty" things and some swamp mud looking stuff. I got home late, unloaded and will have to wait until I can go through and clean. Thanks to Jim I found more spots. I'm truly amazed at the different coral in different spots. I noticed a lot more red color yesterday where I was at. Busted my tail twice, it was not pretty lol.
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Nov 6, 2017 13:24:27 GMT -5
I'm new to this site and new to collecting. Someone recommended this to me. Right now I'm obsessed with agatized coral and have about a ton of it. Now needing to learn. Withlacoochee coraling was awesome yesterday. Anyone wanting to meet me there let me know but you will need a kayak because it's low.
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flmermaid744
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Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 31, 2017 13:29:18 GMT -5
You're killing me, I am going to figure out when I can go down there. I at least MUST see that fence if nothing else. You gotta get down in that creek and haul out 5 gallons please. I could find that fence by using Google Earth, it was north and slightly west of that creek. You need to find the fence and get permission to collect that New River flowing thru his property. He is a serious orange grower. I collected only at the bridge easement at his property line, found some of the darndest corals. I know they are there. So does one need to physically dig with a shovel? Is it mostly dense coral? I can't remember what you said about the colors other than outside is more white. Serious orange grower well I might could use my southern Florida native charm lol.
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 31, 2017 10:14:23 GMT -5
OMG what a fence!!! What part of the country is that in? North of Zephyr Hills. Close to this creek which crosses under Handcart Road. Creek full of fine coral. Area has fine coral but but lack of exposures. Hope you will visit this creek on your next visit to Zephyr. I did not secure or try to get permission where that coral gate is. My bad. Coral vein begins where charcoal colored clay meets white clay and deeper. You're killing me, I am going to figure out when I can go down there. I at least MUST see that fence if nothing else.
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flmermaid744
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Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 31, 2017 7:35:21 GMT -5
I can meet anyone anytime just about. My work is fairly flexible as long as I have a few days notice. Heck I still have 12 vacation days left for this year. On those hot days when the river is low it takes little to twist my arm. Suwannee/Withlacochee/Pasco county Never got a chance to ask permission from this orange orchard owner. New River flows thru his property. The small corals in this area are world class in color and patterns. OMG what a fence!!! What part of the country is that in?
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 30, 2017 7:57:37 GMT -5
Told ya you would like this site Liz. You have distinct advantage of doing day trips. Ann will keep right up with you on expeditions, gals a trooper. Bob will set you up tumbling. Really helps to have someone show you in person. Hard to describe in words at times. I go and stay for several days, day trippers sometimes meet me at the river or I just go alone. I can meet anyone anytime just about. My work is fairly flexible as long as I have a few days notice. Heck I still have 12 vacation days left for this year.
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flmermaid744
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Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 30, 2017 7:56:02 GMT -5
Really like that tumbled Botryoidal. In most case the tumbling really sets it off especially if the original has a dull finish. I have been throwing more of my West Texas stuff in the tumbler along with Pre-forms and about 2 to 3 pounds of Pea Gravel which I suspect helps get grind and polish all of the bubble recessed areas. What time of year is the best for collecting the Coral? In my opinion anytime lol. Right now is good but cold. Spring is good but depends on the rain amount that makes the rivers too high. I'll be going this coming weekend if there is no rain....to Withlacoochee, Suwannee is still to high from Irma.
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flmermaid744
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Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 30, 2017 7:53:43 GMT -5
Ah dang it I know I need a tumbler along with a saw etc... so suggestions on a first tumbler that won't break the bank. I didn't get to go this past weekend but maybe this coming I will.
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flmermaid744
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Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 30, 2017 7:52:26 GMT -5
If you go and want company let me know I'm about an hour away from the with. Nice!! Just an hour makes it an easy day trip. Takes me a solid 7+ depending on Atlanta traffic. Will definately reach out to you when we go. jamesp gets to go way more often than I do and he likes the company (although he may deny it LOL). Withla requires some sort of vessel. Took a kayak the first time we went. Jim took pity on us and fashioned a tow rope and pulled us back up stream at the end of the day. I bought a flat bottom boat and mud motor this summer, just haven't gotten it wet yet. Super busy between work and home. Have you ever hunted fossils in the Peace River? I still need to find a nice Meg tooth for my bucket list. Told my husband that I wanted to do the Peace for my birthday next spring. I only have a kayak but it works for me, I just am a bit limited on how far I can go because then I'm loaded down and have to paddle back lol. Yes, I've hunted on the Peace River, found bones and some microscopic sharks teeth. There are PLENTY of teeth here in Gainesville. A friend of mine found a 6" meg right here. There are creeks to look in. Google Rattlesnake creek, possum creek, Hogtown creek, or just shark teeth in Gainesville, FL. I have found a lot but only pieces of megs. A nice meg is on my list too.
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flmermaid744
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Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 26, 2017 13:52:56 GMT -5
There is not a lot of coral field collectors here Liz. You and I may be the show. You being a hale and hearty kayaker is key to collecting coral. Coral is basically an agate. More like petrified wood, except it is petrified coral. No matter, it is still a fine lapidary material for making cabochons and tumbled rocks out of. Certainly fine specimens. World class botryoidal specimens. The two above are called botryoidal, with the booby formations for a lack of better word. I traded with Arlen radio . A member here. A bunch of botryoidal pieces and look what he made for my wife OMG I have traded coral for cabs made. These are a few www.flickr.com/photos/67205364@N06/sets/72157634810917906I think you will want to consider getting a 14 inch lapidary saw eventually as a starter saw. You may think about a rock tumbler. Coral is fun rock for the tumbler. Rock clubs in your area of course. Oh wow I love that the coral looks like that polished up. I especially love those bottom 3. I'm more on the abstract side .... in more ways than one lol.
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 26, 2017 13:43:18 GMT -5
welcome from California! Glad you are here Someone needs to keep jamesp in line Just a little note of posting procedure - when quoting someone else's post it's best if you type your new information after the final quote brackets. This way the reader can easily see what you have added and doesn't have to look into the quote to try to see what new info you have added. Hopefully this makes sense. Just as a point of reference, I edited your post above so you can see your comments are now outside of the box that indicates what is being quoted. Liz a breath of fresh air. enthusiasm galore Tommy. An excellent addition to the forum. I have lots of enthusiasm and you know I'm obsessed
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 26, 2017 13:42:19 GMT -5
from Tennessee!!! Love collecting coral too. Just haven't gotten away to do it in a few years. Will definitely be hitting Withla in 2018! Ann If you go and want company let me know I'm about an hour away from the with.
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 26, 2017 13:39:34 GMT -5
welcome from California! Glad you are here Someone needs to keep jamesp in line Just a little note of posting procedure - when quoting someone else's post it's best if you type your new information after the final quote brackets. This way the reader can easily see what you have added and doesn't have to look into the quote to try to see what new info you have added. Hopefully this makes sense. Just as a point of reference, I edited your post above so you can see your comments are now outside of the box that indicates what is being quoted. Did I do it right this time? Lol I have no clue, I've never been on a thing like this before.
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flmermaid744
starting to shine!
Member since October 2017
Posts: 49
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Post by flmermaid744 on Oct 25, 2017 14:06:18 GMT -5
I found this coral On Handcart Road in a little creek right in your back yard, Zephyr Hills. Home of some of the finest coral. I will tell you where the creek is, hopefully it is not posted yet. I wish you would go charm your way onto some of the land owner's property over that way north and northwest of Zephyr Hills. a long haul for me. It is often found in the deep irrigation ditches in the orange groves. guessing the New River is full of it. From Handcart Road. Heat treated it and sent it to our master carver in Hong Kong Kurt kk . It is a bat hanging upside down for upcoming Halloween. Orange and black motifs. I've been to Zephyrhills years ago. You know I'll be googling it now that you mentioned it. Can't believe the coral is so far in land. I will be down that way during Christmas time to see my mom so I had already planned to go try my luck at Honeymoon Island again. Hey, what does the outside of coral like this look like? I'm sure it doesn't look like the withlacoochee stuff.
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