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Post by roswelljero on Feb 1, 2011 20:49:41 GMT -5
Digforcrystals, thanks for the info!  |
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Post by Condor on Feb 1, 2011 23:11:50 GMT -5
You know what folks? I'm going to pass on the Blitz. Ed, I'm sorry about this because you were counting on me for the trip out there. From everything I've read here, a lot of people are unhappy with the way the WWR is being run. I don't have an opinion on that. What I do know is that Jan and Trey have been personal friends of me and my family for close to twenty years. I cannot see myself staying somewhere else then going to their ranch just to collect rocks. Even if no one were to go there, I still would not feel comfortable being out in the area knowing that that is where the Blitz all started. Heck, I'd still feel weird knowing that the Hobbit will not be there after she is the one who did such a great job organizing the first one. Instead, I am going to stay with my plan of having a reunion with an old USMC buddy whom I have not seen in about twenty-five years.
Knock yourselves out rockhounds and have a great time where ever you may end up at.
Condor
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Post by NatureNut on Feb 2, 2011 6:12:14 GMT -5
Okay... wow, my heart is breaking for those who have experienced WWR from it's beginnings and hold a love for it in their soul. It's not easy when such great times change. Jan (and Trey, I guess) have a business to keep afloat, and we know that the economics since the downturn have probably hurt their bottom line. The rates are the rates, for reasons known only to them. For those of us who have been dying to attend a Blitz and are now finally able, it seems we are happy to day trip, this is a whole new experience for us. I can sympathize and accept the decisions of the die-hard Blitzers for whom it just wouldn't be the same. It makes me sad because I really wanted to meet you all, and experience the ranch with you first hand, but I guess I gotta accept whatever decisions you each make. I just want to make it clear that Bill and I didn't choose to stay elsewhere because of any reason other than when Bill heard that he probably wouldn't be able to get on the internet, he balked. (I was trying to slip it by him, LOL) So, at Dan's and Jeri's suggestion, I was looking at Stillwell as an alternate and then would have met up with everyone one or two days. (and I'm still working on him to talk him into it, shhhh...  ) Whatever decisions are made, I'm okay with it. It saddens me to see the hard-core WWR people not go because things might change, for whatever reason, just when I might be getting to meet you all. But... I'm a big girl and I respect that you each have to be true to your hearts. On the other hand, it does make me feel better when I hear that some are coming no matter what, and that makes me happier. Just my thoughts... Gonna keep following this to see what you all decide. Jo |
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WyckedWyre
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2007
Posts: 1,391
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Post by WyckedWyre on Feb 2, 2011 11:04:15 GMT -5
Gil, it's got nothing to do with the way the Ranch is being run. The Woodwards have to make a living, too...Trey has always been more than fantastic and hospitable to us and Jan has even done Texas Bar-B-Q for us a couple of years. I consider them to be friends, too. Unfortunately, for the $ she now wants to charge to tent camp at the Ranch one can stay at a motel in Alpine. I love the Ranch but I honestly felt like I was going to be electrocuted every time I took a shower, not to mention the black widow spiders behind the toilet. I see nothing wrong with staying somewhere that has RV hookups, Wifi, hot showers and spending some time hunting Woodward, as well as Stillwell and any other sites. Jayson charges a daily fee for hunting as well as per pound for rock and it is still $ in their pockets. I hope all who decide to go this year have a fantastic time. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and there are many treasures to be found. I have thoroughly enjoyed Woodward for the last 5 years and I highly recommend the experience. I am gong to sign off now because every time I open my mouth I manage to stick my foot in it...  |
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damammy
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2009
Posts: 697
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Post by damammy on Feb 3, 2011 15:37:31 GMT -5
I really hate the thought of not meeting some of you because we are not staying at Woodward. I have no problem paying the money to camp but I in return want electric at site, a nice shower and bathroom which even the worst camping parks provide. I will spend at least one day at WWR and I am sure they will get $$ from me. Driving all that way I am looking forward to rock hunting other places also.
My electric coffee pot is a must so Ken and I will pay for RV site.
Looking forward to meeting everyone! Donna
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Post by roswelljero on Feb 7, 2011 13:02:30 GMT -5
Well, I've probably started to reply 5 or 6 times... Guess I really don't know what to say, but I'll try... Condor... Hope you have a blast with your USMC buddy! I was really looking forward to meeting you.  NatureNut... Ditto everything you said... Can't wait to hang out with you!... AND find some awesome agates! ;D WyckedWyre... I was so looking forward to spending time with you and your gang again... It just won't be the same without Fergie, Dobby and Tila snuggled in our coats. damammy & rockmanken... Glad you're going! We live only a few hundred miles from each other, but I guess it takes a 1000+ miles trip to finally meet. LOL Looking forward to finally meeting you! Spike and I may arrive a day late... We've got some people to see on the drive down. And I honestly want to spend at least 1 night at WWR. It may be a lot of trouble to set up and break camp for 1 night there, but I think it's worth it. So we may be 2 days late getting to Stillwell. This is where I think we are... Going... damammy & rockmanken (Come hell or high water) me & Spike (ditto) NatureNut & Bill Maybe... Sabre52 Not going... Condor WyckedWyre Blarneystone Stoner Robert (Probably not) Haven't heard from... Silver Lass & Cosmic Cowboy To the Hardcore Celtic Rockhound Crew: You made my first trip to "The Ranch" magical... From the second I got there, you made me feel like we were old friends. I've never bonded with a group of total strangers like that before... You took this relative newbie and turned me into an eagle-eye in a matter of days! ;D... I wish there was something I could say to change your minds about this trip. I'm really bummed  that the HCRC won't be there to share your knowledge and expertise this time. When I walk the roads, climb the hills and gullies of WWR, I'll be sad you aren't with me and remembering the people that made my first time so AWESOME! Love all of you. Later, jeri Edited to move Stoner into the "Not going" list. |
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on Feb 7, 2011 18:06:48 GMT -5
Jeri - I'm torn up that I won't be going this year. It was a very difficult decision for me but my (1st) family comes first so I'll have to meet up with my 2nd family next year. This year, it's your turn to make the newbies feel welcome and show them what to look for in the field. I know you have the eagle eye now, you're the only person I know that has found Citrine there.
Tell Jan and Trey I'm sorry I couldn't make it... give Jan a wink, a smile and a hug too....
Y'all have a great time!!!
Dan
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Post by roswelljero on Feb 7, 2011 19:32:26 GMT -5
Dan... I know it wasn't an easy decision for you... I understand and hope my post didn't make you feel any worse. Such was not my intention... Just wanted to express my feelings for the HCRC... give Jan a wink, a smile and a hug too.... Um... There isn't much that I wouldn't do for you, but I think that's probably one of them! 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 7, 2011 21:01:17 GMT -5
"give Jan a wink, a smile and a hug too.... Um... There isn't much that I wouldn't do for you, but I think that's probably one of them! Later, jeri Lmao, a couple Guiness and she will step up I'm sure. Oh and for those not there you will be the subject of warm stories, toasts, and me remembering your laughter, just warning you. "the other Mark" Spike |
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Post by roswelljero on Feb 7, 2011 21:52:00 GMT -5
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on Feb 8, 2011 9:37:46 GMT -5
Dan... I know it wasn't an easy decision for you... I understand and hope my post didn't make you feel any worse. Such was not my intention... Just wanted to express my feelings for the HCRC... give Jan a wink, a smile and a hug too.... Um... There isn't much that I wouldn't do for you, but I think that's probably one of them! Later, jeri No worries Jeri.. ...and if you don't want to hug Jan for me then at least lick a rock or two. Dan |
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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 8, 2011 21:39:20 GMT -5
Stay tuned, we are going. It's just taking a little time to work out some details like when and where to arrive and when we have to leave. Looks more like leaving a little early rather than arriving late now but will figure it out.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Feb 9, 2011 13:58:21 GMT -5
I'm coming back to this thread late because I didn't think I would be able to go. Things have changed and I may be able to go for a couple of days because I'll be in Dallas for business.
I've been to Stillwell Ranch to collect. There is _lots_ of flint. I also found a 20 lb. palm bog root. I found some agate, but not much. No doubt there is more there as the ground is covered in rock. Digging is allowed. You pay only $0.50/lb. It's definitely not a fancy place and the store was no great shakes. Keep your expectations low and you may be pleasantly surprised. The owner had a big (20"?) HP in back and boxes of rough.
It is every bit of an hour between WWR and Stillwell. The shortest way is through Big Bend and you're limited to 45 mph, as I recall. It may be a horse a piece going north to Alpine and down. Don't even think about speeding; there were lots of Texas Rangers around looking for illegals. There is a rock shop south of WWR before you get into Big Bend. Big Bend is definitely worth seeing.
I'm glad Rodney posted the info. on Teri. I met her at the Alpine Antelope Lodge, which has a pretty nice display of rocks/minerals in the lobby, but could not remember her contact info.
Jan and Trey were very nice to me and my family when we went. Only a half day, so we didn't get to collect much and I didn't have much luck with the biscuits. We were allowed to dig, provided we filled the holes. Sorry to hear things are what they were.
Chuck
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Post by roswelljero on Feb 9, 2011 15:58:46 GMT -5
Chuck... Did I read that right? You may be able to join us?... That's great! Hope it works out! I sent an email to Teri Smith asking if we could go on a tour one day the week of March 13 - 18. I also resent the email to Nan at Stillwell about the rates/reservations for tent sites with electric. Chuck reminded me of something... On 118, between Alpine and WWR there is a Border Patrol stop. (Does anyone know if there's one on 385?) It's no big deal, they pretty much just ask if you're a US citizen and maybe where 'home' is. They look over your vehicle and send you on your way. Just thought I'd mention it. 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 9, 2011 16:26:42 GMT -5
"They look over your vehicle and send you on your way." Uh, unless you are driving a old buick with your and a buddies weeks worth of rock in the trunk making it sag almost onto the tires, then they look a "little" harder. LOL
Chuck said the magic words for me "Pet Palm" love it.
Spike
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Feb 9, 2011 17:33:05 GMT -5
No, I don't think there is a border patrol stop on 385. At least I don't remember one. Be careful with having exposed rock in Big Bend. Collecting is prohibited, so you'll want to have receipts for what you bring through. Spike: that was the only piece I found, but it's a nice one! I just checked the weather. Avg. low is 39 degrees, so it's going to get chilly at night. Anybody have a dog I can borrow for the night? At least the avg. high is 71 degrees... Chuck |
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on Feb 9, 2011 17:53:26 GMT -5
Chuck - Last year it was snowing on the day we broke camp and headed home. For the last three years the temps dipped below freezing on many nights.
Y'all bring plenty of warm clothes and blankets!!
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Feb 9, 2011 18:14:48 GMT -5
That's good to know. I may have to ship my tent, sleeping bag, etc.
One more thing: don't drive with your headlights on during the day. You become a Ranger magnet.
Chuck
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Post by roswelljero on Feb 9, 2011 19:53:40 GMT -5
Hmmm, my truck has daytime running lights... Look just like the headlights, but can't turn them off. I'm bringing a small electric heater for my tent... Stillwell is supposed to be warmer than WWR (due to the elevation difference), but no way am I gonna chance another 26 degree night! 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 9, 2011 21:06:05 GMT -5
Then again it could be quite warm, this from the first trip. Stoner took it, and laughed the whole week about it.  |
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that the HCRC won't be there to share your knowledge and expertise this time. When I walk the roads, climb the hills and gullies of WWR, I'll be sad you aren't with me and remembering the people that made my first time so AWESOME! Love all of you. 
Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
