Copper Country Mineral Retreat©
August 2 to 9, 2009

Recommendations

to help you have an enjoyable week.

Safety is always first!

All collecting requires safe practices and use of common sense. At all times maintain awareness of yourself and your physical surroundings. Stay off the steep slopes and loose rock. Follow instructions of the Field Trip Guides. Be mindful of others collecting in your area . Safety glasses and supportive footwear are required. Work gloves and full-length jeans are a good idea. (The rock chip that gets you may come from your spouse who is 40 feet away.)

A rock hammer and 5 gallon plastic bucket are essential items. In addition, to the rock hammer a chisel comes in handy too for breaking rocks. The bucket is an easy way to carry your specimens, but an old backpack will work too.

Bring a metal detector or arrange to rent one. With the prepared rock piles the newly exposed rock is very dirty. We strongly recommend you have a metal detector.

Water for cleaning specimens is a good idea as newly exposed rocks are coated with “muck.” A small spray-bottle of water can be useful, but a larger container of water and a small bucket works even better.

Carry drinking water with you on EVERY field trip. Plan your water containers before you leave home. Bring more than you think you will need, as rock piles can be quite hot.

Bring a variety of clothing unless you believe the weather forecast. In the past, we've had variable weather from sun and with near perfect temps around 75 degrees to sunny and extremely hot 90-105 degrees to foggy and raining with cold temperatures of 40-50 degrees. Weather is affected by Lake Superior and is never a sure bet. If it does rain, at least it will wash muck off of the newly exposed rocks. Field trips proceed as scheduled, rain or shine.

Black flies and mosquitoes are not usually a problem by August, but a can or bottle of insect repellant in your vehicle should be sufficient. Should the unforeseen occur, bug nets and jackets can be purchased locally.

Sun should be a concern as most rock piles have no shade - anywhere. Sunglasses, a head covering, and sunblock are recommended. Again, remember to always have sufficient drinking water with you, not just stored in your car. We know that you're going to be intent on specimen collecting, but please be aware that reflected heat off the rock pile can sneak up to ruin a great trip.

Bring or plan on purchasing packing materials to get your treasures home intact. Gift wrap, paper towels, toliet paper or dry cleaning (plastic) bags work well with finer, delicate specimens. Newspaper is good for larger specimens. Plan on boxes to store your specimens.

You should dress informally for everything from the speakers to the banquet.

If you attend and have more tips please do let us know so we can help Enjoy your collecting in the Keweenaw!

Updated August 11, 2008