earthdog
Cave Dweller 
Don't eat yellow snow
Member since June 2006
Posts: 2,731
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Post by earthdog on Jan 19, 2008 16:00:12 GMT -5
Takila and I and Karenfh, want to get a rockhounding trip put together for the middle of September. The two places I am looking at are Buffalo Gap and Custer S. Dakota. I'm leaning towards Buffalo Gap but I have to do more research. Buffalo Gap has,
"The many agate beds, such as the Kadoka and Fairburn beds attract rock hounds, and the beds include such gems as prairie agates, jasper, red carnelian, moss agate, blue chalcedony, puddingstone conglomerate, and the South Dakota's state gem, the highly collectible and colorful Fairburn agate."
Any input on location would be great.
As for the date, I'm looking at Sept. 11th through the 18th.
I'm thinking that date won't be bitchin hot. I looked it up and weather history says highs in the low 70's.
The place I'm looking at for camping has cabins,
"3 rooms - 5 beds
Full kitchen!
(One queen, one double, Bunk Beds, and comfortable couch)
This cabin has a fully equipped kitchen, all bedding, and satellite TV!!
$125.00 per night"
And they have tent camping,
"Common bathhouse with hot water and showers
Camp in the campground or down by the White River!
Quiet and peaceful
Campground area: $14.00 per night/per tent/3 people*
Wilderness areas: $12.00 per night/per tent/3 people* "
Let me know what you think about this trip....
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KG1960
has rocks in the head
Member since August 2008
Posts: 512
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Post by KG1960 on Jan 20, 2008 10:52:59 GMT -5
I just checked Map Quest and they say it's 932 miles from here. That's within my range of possiblities. September would be OK. I would be by myself since my wife is a school teacher and it's hard to take a week off in the school year. I can't say right now 100% certain, but I am interested.
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Post by akansan on Jan 23, 2008 10:25:42 GMT -5
I can't make promises at this moment, but I'd love to go up that way. I have to see how much vacation I'll have accrued and how well the bosses here can handle without me for longer than two days. Their kinda needy when it comes to computers.
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earthdog
Cave Dweller
Don't eat yellow snow
Member since June 2006
Posts: 2,731
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Post by earthdog on Jan 24, 2008 21:55:02 GMT -5
Ok I called this place named The Badlands Ranch www.badlandsranchandresort.com/rock_hunting.htmlThe guy I talked to said we can get the tent sites all together and for the whimpy ones that want a cabin that won't be a problem either. He also confirmed that the temps will be in the mid 70's to mid 80's in Sept. The Badlands Ranch has a place to go rock hunting right on their ranch and it will cost $15 a day per person. He also said there are many places to go rock hunting around the area. I'll post more info as I get it. |
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KG1960
has rocks in the head
Member since August 2008
Posts: 512
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Post by KG1960 on Jan 25, 2008 9:31:15 GMT -5
Looks good to me. Tents OK. This place (from Mapquest) is a 100 miles closer at 826 than my first estimate, even better! My only problem is a certain health condition. The future is impossible to predict, but if I feel as good as I do now, I'll be there.
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2005
Posts: 1,775
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Post by Roger on Jan 28, 2008 12:51:16 GMT -5
I think you guys would have a great time and fill your pockets.I don't know about the Badlands Ranch but I do know the collecting in that area is real good and it is out in the middle of no-where.
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Post by puppie96 on Feb 5, 2008 4:11:32 GMT -5
Roger, would you go on a trip out with the group? I am psyched about this.
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2005
Posts: 1,775
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Post by Roger on Feb 6, 2008 15:00:03 GMT -5
Yes I would.It would depend on the work thing on my end.Let me know when.
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Post by puppie96 on Feb 17, 2008 23:36:24 GMT -5
Joe and I will definitely go. I love SD.
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Post by puppie96 on Mar 3, 2008 0:55:42 GMT -5
Is this idea still alive? I am planning on it, if it is.
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earthdog
Cave Dweller
Don't eat yellow snow
Member since June 2006
Posts: 2,731
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Post by earthdog on Mar 12, 2008 8:28:24 GMT -5
I'm still planning on it. I'll be stopping out at that ranch on June 1st to have a look see and talk with the people in person.
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holdemplyer
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2008
Posts: 418
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Post by holdemplyer on Mar 17, 2008 13:38:16 GMT -5
earthdog, I'm real interested in this, i'm sure i'll have Paid time off that i need to burn off right around that time.
I've actually looked at that ranch before, and thought about it, it's only a 6.5 hour drive for me too!
Alex
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earthdog
Cave Dweller
Don't eat yellow snow
Member since June 2006
Posts: 2,731
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Post by earthdog on Mar 17, 2008 20:06:14 GMT -5
I'll be posting more info when I get back from my trip.
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Post by akansan on Mar 18, 2008 10:25:57 GMT -5
Well, I definitely won't be able to go. Annual Summit is scheduled for September, so I'll already be out of the office for 7-10 days.
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Mar 28, 2008 17:50:08 GMT -5
How crazy! I may actually be the closest person to this trip! I guess there is ONE small benefit from living in the middle of the US in total "nonrock" USA.
I sure hope it works for Roger (Fairburned) to help us out. He's the MAN in that area. And, if the pickin's are slim in our potential area, he could hopefully steer us to other places within the vicinity. (Vicinity is a relative term, once you have traveled over 500 miles, right?)
And yippee skippy, I will have a new vehicle by then! With hopefully room and good gas mileage.
Karen
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WyckedWyre
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2007
Posts: 1,391
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Post by WyckedWyre on Mar 29, 2008 9:50:54 GMT -5
Man, I'd love to go -
Will 4 wheel drive with ground clearance be a necessity 'cuz all I have is the Yaris...or my mountain bike.
:PS
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Rockygibraltar
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2006
Posts: 1,404
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Post by Rockygibraltar on Mar 29, 2008 12:33:13 GMT -5
I've stayed at the KOA right next to the ranch. That ranch should be a very good location with rock hunting locations all around it. Don't forget the pet wood and quartz.
"Will 4 wheel drive with ground clearance be a necessity 'cuz all I have is the Yaris...or my mountain bike."
No need for 4 wheel drive. I was able to go everywhere with my Satern.
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Post by cina on Apr 8, 2008 0:04:12 GMT -5
Is there a weekend in that time? If so I can run up for few it is only 3 hrs from my place  |
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Post by cina on Apr 8, 2008 0:06:48 GMT -5
FYI if you go to Fairburn it is a good plan to have a 4x4  |
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lparker
fully equipped rock polisher
Still doing too much for being retired!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 1,202
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Post by lparker on May 4, 2008 21:08:47 GMT -5
I'm going to keep watching this thread. Never been to SD, never been on a rock run, maybe gas will be below $4 a gallon, and maybe my car will still be running..........
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