Desert Messenger

12 www.DesertMessenger.com December 7, 2016 TOOLS TOOLS TOOLS & TARPS & TARPS & TARPS VENDOR SUPPLIES • Canopies • All Sizes of Tarps • RV Supplies • Tools • Table Legs • Hand & Power Tools Open 9am-5pm - 7 days a week LOCATED AT TYSON CENTRE #1 121 W. Kuehn, Quartzsite K & B "The place with the stuff!" "If we don't have it, you don't need it!" Ladies Stuff, too! We‛re Honored to have Received the 1st Town of Quartzsite VENDOR APPRECIATION AWARD! Go outside and play in the dirt! ADVENTURES WITH ROCKS ™ www.RocksInMyHead.com It's that time of the year here in the desert. Summer has passed and it is cool outside, but not really cold. Our friends are arriving in Quartzsite from frigid locations across North America, bringing 4 wheelers, trucks, and other toys to go out in the des- ert and play. And there is so much to do here, in our beloved Quartzsite desert. There are ghost towns and petroglyphs, stone cabins, and, of course, lots of opportunities to pros- pect for rocks, minerals, and gold. When prospecting, whether for rocks, minerals, gold, or other treasure, many people have the tendency to rush out and expect to fi nd the mother lode. Given the many TV shows these days depicting gold prospecting and meteorite hunting, it is understandable that folks have a distorted perspective about prospecting. But it is important to approach prospecting with a more casual and practical attitude. Like gold, rocks and minerals are also found in specifi c places for specifi c reasons. A basic understanding of geology is helpful in any sort of pros- pecting. Even if a person has no ge- ology background, books and maps offer insights into local geology that is easy for a beginner to master. It's benefi cial to learn a little about the area where you want to prospect. Ge- ography can be helpful, as well. Of- ten times, old place names refl ect the wealth (or lack thereof) of a location. Places like Crystal Hill, Copper Basin, Gold Point, and Wonderstone Moun- tain give a prospector clues as to what they might fi nd there. Maps that show topography and land use are also helpful. It is important to know what type of terrain you will be traveling through to get to the prospecting location, as well as what type of vehicle will be needed. Is the site in the mountains, or in a wash? Do you need 4-wheel drive, or will a standard car be able to access the site? In addition, maps that show land use boundar- ies are important. Is the site near or on a National Park, State Park, Reser- vation, or private property? Where is the border of the Military Base in re- lation to the pros- pecting location? This information is important to avoid unnecessary con- fl icts and problems. It is also important to prepare in ad- vance for any excursion. Check the weather several times before heading out into the desert, including right be- fore your trip. Take into consideration, also, what the weather had been in the days prior to your outing. For example, lots of rain can have adverse affects on roads, trails, and washes, but could also be benefi cial in exposing fresh ma- terial at collecting sites. Bad weather can also be dangerous if a person is not prepared. Armed with this informa- tion, you can plan a trip accordingly to take advantage of certain situations and avoid problems with others. Advance planning will help you to prepare tools and supplies for your excursion, as well. Having time to think about what tools and equipment to pack will ensure that you take ev- erything you might need. It can be discouraging to fi nd out that in the rush to get out the door, you left an important tool behind. Or you can take extra things that you may not think are important at fi rst, but then are glad you had once you're out at the site. Another reason to plan ahead and prepare is to be sure you have enough food, water, and emergency gear for all involved. The desert can be decep- tive. Warm, sunny days can change abruptly into less pleasant conditions. Nights are cold. The dry air can de- hydrate a person quickly despite cool temperatures. The unexpected can happen. Even short distances out of town can be dangerously far away in the event of an emergency, especially if the problem is with your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to always be prepared with enough food, water, clothing, and gear for an unexpected overnight stay out in the desert. Finally, go out to have fun. By plan- ning ahead, alot of the stress and potential problems of an excursion should melt away. Go out to enjoy the desert, the fresh air, and the sun- shine. Approach your outing with the attitude of excitement and adventure, but keep expectations low. Go out to fi nd rocks, minerals, or gold, but don't be disappointed if you don't fi nd anything. Take your camera and just enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. Happy Prospecting! For information and locations of prospecting locations in and around Quartzsite come to Rocks In My Head, Space A37, at Rice Ranch. We also have lots of rocks, minerals and fos- sils from local area as well as all over the world. We are open from 10-5, 7 days a week, and online 24-7 at www. RocksInMyHead.com, and our phone number is 605-376-8754.

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