[meteorite-list] Rock Springs Reporting...or make a good list or OUCH!

From: David Freeman <dfreeman_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:27:46 2004
Message-ID: <3FAEDB65.2090506_at_fascination.com>

Dear List;
After two weeks of snowy weather, I have ran to the wild places to
attempt a meteorite hunt. Knowing that recent snows would hamper
hunting I methodically processed locations where south facing slopes
would offer the chance for bare ground. I decided to also have a
primary rock hunting trip so I would come back with some kind of
specimens even if no meteorites were located. This is always a good
approach, an empty sack is demoralizing.
Off to the wilds with camera, lunch, extra clothes, fuel, firearm, GPS
unit, maps, water and digging tools. The further from town I traveled,
the more snow. After about 40 miles of I-80, then 15 miles of gravel
road, I get to a plateau where I hope to search for meteorites and
oolites containing ostracods. I stopped at the main line of the Union
Pacific Railroad and witnessed a fresh Vaca Murta and thought of my
other meteorite friends that find dead cows.
 There is 6 inches of snow everywhere but the steepest south facing
slopes, which are so slick with fresh mud that there is no traction
there. Still the plan goes forward. No oolites in the good spot, too
much snow, fell in two vacant badger holes that were covered by the
snow. Reminds me of a three stooges film clip. I heard two coyotes
singing the blues over the cloudy day and imminent snow fall. I see
a rabbit, let's have a little hasenpfeffer for dinner, so I enhance my
rock hunt with another hunt. Bang, thumb is ripped open by slide action
of ultimate personal protection device, first time in my shooting sports
life (over 20 years of hand gun shooting, including competition). No
band aids in the van. Bled like a stuck pig....the bed of my thumb
nail is ripped open. Well, I wanted to get out of the house for some
adventure...here we go. Arm feels like it is falling off. Rabbit is
laughing, standing up on his back legs egging me on. I submit to my
stupidity and depart the scene.
I find a small creek bed that has some exposed rocks protruding from the
snow. I collected about 50 pounds of stream tumbled stromatolites and
oolitic chert (with the ostracods, really nice stuff). Cow pies
present, watch my step.
I dilly-dallied around a bit more in a few more locations of top rock on
a couple of small plateau's and did manage to get some serious meteorite
hunting accomplished. I did not get stuck, the road was getting much
muddier as the afternoon progressed. No meteorites but did find a few
cretaceous iron concretions. Now, this was worth the trip, the pain, and
the demoralization. Bare ground to search after two weeks of snow was
good for my meteoritic soul.
I can check off one more location that I found no meteorites at. About
twenty square yards in two spots.
Next trip: band aids, don't mess with the animals, bring companion for
witness to stupidity.
Very best Sunday,
Dave Freeman, Adventurer!
IMCA # 3864
Emperor of Stromatolites
ebay user ID mjwy
Received on Sun 09 Nov 2003 07:27:17 PM PST