WyckedWyre
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2007
Posts: 1,391
|
Post by WyckedWyre on Nov 17, 2009 12:57:15 GMT -5
March 13th - March 21st, 2010.
Be there or be square.
8-)S
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Nov 17, 2009 23:06:12 GMT -5
Got any more info for those that haven't been to a WWR Blitz before?
Do I need a 4WD?
What's the closest airport? (I don't want to drive 20 hrs. to get there.)
Can someone recommend a nearby hotel?
What's the weather like that time of year?
Do they rent tools?
Etc......
Later,
jeri
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Nov 18, 2009 12:42:22 GMT -5
Here's some info I got from emailing the Woodwards:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The large cabin (full kitchen) is $175 per night. It sleeps up to 7 people. On holidays there is a minimum two night stay.
The new cabin sleeps up to 4 people and is $125 per night. There is no kitchen but there is a microwave, coffeepot and toaster. On holidays there is a minimum two night stay.
RV sites have full hookups and are $25 per night for two people. Tent sites have water and electric and there is a rest room nearby with shower. Tent sites are $25 per night for two people.
If you are staying here, either cabin, rv or camping, the fee for hunting agates/gemstones is $2 per pound for what you choose to keep. If you are here for a day hunt only, the charge is $5 per person (no charge for age 6 and under) PLUS the $2 per pound for the stones you choose to keep. We will take you through our rock shop and show you how to recognize the gemstones out in the field. When you return we will go through your collection with you and tell you the different kinds that you have. If you have collected rocks that are not agate/gemstones you may keep those at no charge if they are 'calling your name!'
AND this in regards to people not staying at the ranch...
We are closing on Mondays and Tuesdays as of DEC. 16. If you are coming out Dec. 16 or later then those new hours would be in effect. It's just my husband and myself doing everything here, as we have done for years and years. We just have to close for a couple of days a week now that we are getting older. We would love to have you come out Wednesday - Sunday, but we won't be able to accommodate you on Mon. or Tues.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later,
jeri
|
|
WyckedWyre
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2007
Posts: 1,391
|
Post by WyckedWyre on Nov 18, 2009 13:33:07 GMT -5
ANSWERS:
1. 4WD drive is needed to get to the best collecting areas.
2. Can't answer the airport question. Maybe one of our Texans can...
3. There are hotels in nearby Alpine...about 17 miles from The Ranch. Tent camping at The Ranch is $25 a night. VERY primitive.
4. Weather can vary from HOT to SNOW. We go in March because the snakes aren't out yet.
5. Digging is frowned upon and, in fact, Mrs Woodward will confiscate geopicks and the like if she catches you with them.
:)S
|
|
Silver Lass
spending too much on rocks
diagonally parked in a parallel universe!
Member since March 2007
Posts: 395
|
Post by Silver Lass on Nov 18, 2009 15:07:08 GMT -5
The airport is in Midland or El Paso? This will be our 4th trip to the ranch.
So come on down.
Thanks wycked wire for the ans.
If you (Roswelljero) do come try to bring a tent and it would be best to drive. Hook up with some one coming to the Ranch.
SilverLass(Dorothy)
|
|
Silver Lass
spending too much on rocks
diagonally parked in a parallel universe!
Member since March 2007
Posts: 395
|
Post by Silver Lass on Nov 18, 2009 15:10:23 GMT -5
OH Ya, Stay out of the rock gardens. Mrs. Woodward will yell at you big time.
Right Cosmic Cowboy!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by akansan on Nov 22, 2009 11:42:37 GMT -5
Midland/Odessa or El Paso would be the closest airports. El Paso is larger than Midland/Odessa, so you'd probably get a better price to there, but I think Midland/Odessa is a bit closer.
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Nov 22, 2009 22:26:57 GMT -5
Thanks for the info.
This would be my first 'organized' hunt with other rockhounds. So I have bunches of questions. :blush:
Only surface collecting is allowed? (Not that I'd want to dig a pit or anything.)
What kind of tools should I bring, if any?
You just pick a spot and walk around looking?
Does everyone go together or take off in different directions?
Later,
jeri
|
|
|
|
Post by akansan on Nov 25, 2009 22:17:35 GMT -5
I've only managed to make it there one year (yeah, yeah...I know! This year I'll be back!), but in the past, the Woodwards have let us hunt on basically closed grounds. Surface collecting is more than enough there - the winter pushes new agate up each year, and you can find more than your fill of good stuff just hunting surface. The first year, we tended to travel in small packs, with evenings spent enjoying company.
Some of the group who've been there more recently might jump in here, but basically you need something to haul the rocks back to your vehicle in and then regular camping/traveling supplies.
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Nov 26, 2009 0:19:25 GMT -5
Thanks akansan... Camping...  Can't remember the last time I slept on the ground... Since I'll probably fly part of the way (I have a friend in the DFW area that may come), bringing camping gear is out of the question.  Anyone know where I can rent a 4WD RV? Is there even such a thing? LOL Later, jeri |
|
|
|
Post by llana2go on Dec 17, 2009 0:38:12 GMT -5
I might actually be able to go this year. I get my first social security check March 17th and am thinking as soon as it hits the bank, I am going to hit the road!
Already got everything I need to make the trip and with that extra SS money, I'll be able to afford it!
|
|
|
|
Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Dec 17, 2009 13:47:20 GMT -5
Wow, I'd love to go, but I just got done telling my wife that I have enough rock. I spent a half day there a couple of years ago and was allowed to dig, provided I filled the holes. The Woodwards are great people and their rocks are fantastic, which makes this a really nice trip. They might arrange a trip out to collect pompom agate if you coordinate it in advance.
Chuck
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Jan 14, 2010 19:56:35 GMT -5
Well my friend in Dallas can't make it. If I arrive by myself, does anyone want to split the camping fee with me? $25/night for 2 people. I'll probably just sleep in the car since I'm flying. Speaking of flying, here are some airports (code) - miles to Alpine, TX - driving time (H:MM) according to Google Maps: Midland/Odessa (MAF) - 163 - 3:43 El Paso (ELP) - 229 - 4:23 Lubbock (LBB) - 301 - 6:49 San Antonio (SAT) - 376 - 6:27 Austin (AUS) - 449 - 7:40 Dallas (DAL) - 503 - 8:58 Later, jeri |
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Jan 29, 2010 0:37:42 GMT -5
Hmmm, I just checked Yahoo Maps. They've got a different route and travel time from Midland/Odessa (MAF) to Alpine.
:help: Anyone know the best route?
Later,
jeri
|
|
|
|
Post by llana2go on Jan 29, 2010 13:55:16 GMT -5
I would go from Alpine to Monahans to Ft. Stockton to Alpine. It's about 150 miles - flat, mostly straight roads. I always use Mapquest for directions and distance. They are usually pretty on target. Here's the link:
[a href="http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=El%20Paso&1s=TX&2c=Alpine&2s=TX#b/maps/m:map:5:31.024546:-105.081117::::::1:1::::/l::[100-199]+E+Midland+St:Odessa:TX:79761:US:31.83355:-102.358305:block:Ector+County:1:::/l:::Alpine:TX::US:30.358299:-103.660599:city:Brewster+County:1:::/io:1:::::f:en_US:M::/bl:/e"]http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=El%20Paso&1s=TX&2c=Alpine&2s=TX#b/maps/m:map:5:31.024546:-105.081117::::::1:1::::/l::[100-199]+E+Midland+St:Odessa:TX:79761:US:31.83355:-102.358305:block:Ector+County:1:::/l:::Alpine:TX::US:30.358299:-103.660599:city:Brewster+County:1:::/io:1:::::f:en_US:M::/bl:/e[/a]
Dang, didn't know it was SOOOOOO long!
|
|
|
|
Post by llana2go on Jan 29, 2010 13:58:10 GMT -5
I would go from Alpine to Monahans to Ft. Stockton to Alpine. It's about 150 miles - flat, mostly straight roads. I always use Mapquest for directions and distance. They are usually pretty on target. www.mapquest.com |
|
|
|
Post by akansan on Jan 31, 2010 13:00:38 GMT -5
I've basically driven the Monahans, Ft. Stockton, Alpine route, as I used to live about 1 hr. north of Monahans. (Follow that yellow line up into NM to Eunice and wave at my parents!) The roads are fast - speed limit is 75 or 80 mph (can't remember) once you get out of the city area. The last little bit of road is pretty hilly, and the ranch is about another 20-30 minutes south of Alpine (if I remember correctly).
The Google route takes you through more pretty country, but it's also hillier and curvier...and longer. Yahoo and Mapquest have the better, faster routes here.
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Jan 31, 2010 20:09:58 GMT -5
Thanks for the guidance!
Later,
jeri
|
|
aunuts
fully equipped rock polisher
Some days are gold, some are rocks. Either is cool.
Member since March 2006
Posts: 1,110
|
Post by aunuts on Jan 31, 2010 23:08:15 GMT -5
Is there any hope of getting a care package for those of us who can't make it?
Sounds really wonderful. Wish we could be there.
Jo
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Feb 3, 2010 0:21:30 GMT -5
This is my first ever week long rockhound trip, so I don't know if care packages will be sent. I think the Ranch charges for the rock. Hopefully someone that's been on this trip before will know.  I've been wondering if anyone from RTH has contacted the Woodwards to let them know we're coming? Do each of us need a reservation or is it a group thing? Does anyone know what the policy is for late arrivals? Do they lock a gate? Will I be able to get in after the office is closed? Later, jeri |
|
Can't remember the last time I slept on the ground... Since I'll probably fly part of the way (I have a friend in the DFW area that may come), bringing camping gear is out of the question. 
Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
