Travel tales
A Sun-Splashed Family Adventure at the Old Copper Mine
Rock hounding, treasures, and tiny signs of spring magic
Last weekend we packed our hats, snacks, and boundless curiosity for a family adventure in the rugged beauty of an old copper mine. There’s something wildly inspiring about parking at the gate, stepping out onto the dusty road, and knowing you’re walking into a world shaped by geology, history, and the chance to find treasure beneath your boots.
Sharing the Azurite find.
Walking the Old Mine Road
With backpacks snug and eyes wide, we wandered the old access road — scanning every rocky outcrop, every glint of mineral in the sun. The crunch of tailings underfoot sounded like muted applause, as though the earth itself was greeting us into its secret vaults.
Young and old alike crouched low, brushing fingers over fragments of blue and green, while more experienced eyes traced veins in the rock. We were searching for azurite, the deep blue gemstone that flashes like a lapis dream in the rough.
The Reward: A Burst of Blue
And, oh joy! We found our prize: a chunky, beautiful piece of azurite that made everyone gasp. A couple of smaller specimens followed, tucked safely into pockets like little treasures carried home. Each find felt like discovering a tiny piece of the earth’s palette.
Exploring the Heart of the Mine
The old mine itself invited exploration. Weathered timbers and cement leaned like stories waiting to be told, and the landscape unfolded in sweeping curves of clay and rock. From natural alcoves to bubbling rivulets trickling through rocky beds, the scenery reminded us how wild and gorgeous the world can be when you slow down and truly look.
Can’t wait to go foraging
First Signs of Spring
But perhaps the sweetest surprise of all was nature’s whisper of spring. Tiny mushrooms poked their way through the soil, delicate and brave against the rough terrain. We spotted the first signs of life after winter’s rest — promising future foraging trips, cozy soups, and more family time amid moss and leaf duff.
Spring in the Pacific Northwest does not arrive with trumpets. It seeps in quietly, like the forest exhaling 🌲✨
Here are the telltale whispers locals learn to spot:
Early risers of the forest floor:
• Crocus & daffodils poking through stubborn soil
• Trillium unfolding like origami made of silk
• Skunk cabbage blazing neon green in soggy wetlands
• Cherry blossoms softening city streets
The landscape shifts from winter’s muted grayscale into hesitant watercolor.
Spring fungi behave like woodland confetti:
• Fresh caps pushing through moss
• Morels appearing like little forest riddles
• Entire logs sprouting miniature umbrellas
Moisture + warming soil = fungal fireworks.
Looking Ahead: Rock Rollers Gem & Mineral Show
Already we’re buzzing with excitement for the next big event on our rock-hounding calendar. From March 27 to 29, the Rock Rollers Gem & Mineral Show returns for its 65th annual celebration at the Spokane Fairgrounds — and it always delivers something for collectors of all ages. We’ll be combing tables, meeting fellow rock lovers, and maybe adding some new finds to our collection.
🧰 Beginner’s Rock Hounding Gear List
Tool Kit for Rock Hounding beginners – https://a.co/d/06tZfJWy
If you’re new to rock hounding and want to be prepared for adventures (whether at tailings slopes or gem shows), here’s a friendly starter list of gear you can find on Amazon:
- Rock hammer – For breaking open promising rocks
- Geologist chisel set – Small chisels for delicate extraction
- Shatterproof safety glasses – Protect your eyes from flying chips
- Gloves – Durable gloves for hand protection
- Field bag or backpack – For hauling specimens and snacks
Collection & Identification
- Specimen bags / ziplock bags – Keeps finds organized
- Permanent marker – Label your finds with location/date
- Hardness test kit – Learn Mohs hardness of minerals https://a.co/d/02XH2q2Z
- Field guide book – Region-specific rock and mineral guide
Comfort & Safety
- Kneepads – Handy for ground-level exploration
- Sun hat & sunscreen – For sunny days in the dirt
- Water bottle – Stay hydrated on the trail
- First aid kit – For scrapes, splinters, and spontaneous fun
Extras
- Portable hand broom – Brush dirt away from promising spots
- Small brush set – Clean off finds gently
- GPS or compass – Helpful in remote areas
A Sun-Splashed Family Adventure at the Old Copper Mine
Rock hounding, treasures, and tiny signs of spring magic
Last weekend we packed our hats, snacks, and boundless curiosity for a family adventure in the rugged beauty of an old copper mine. There’s something wildly inspiring about parking at the gate, stepping out onto the dusty road, and knowing you’re walking into a world shaped by geology, history, and the chance to find treasure beneath your boots.
Walking the Old Mine Road
With backpacks snug and eyes wide, we wandered the old access road — scanning every rocky outcrop, every glint of mineral in the sun. The crunch of tailings underfoot sounded like muted applause, as though the earth itself was greeting us into its secret vaults.
Young and old alike crouched low, brushing fingers over fragments of blue and green, while more experienced eyes traced veins in the rock. We were searching for azurite, the deep blue gemstone that flashes like a lapis dream in the rough.
The Reward: A Burst of Blue
And, oh joy! We found our prize: a chunky, beautiful piece of azurite that made everyone gasp. A couple of smaller specimens followed, tucked safely into pockets like little treasures carried home. Each find felt like discovering a tiny piece of the earth’s palette.
Exploring the Heart of the Mine
The old mine itself invited exploration. Weathered timbers and cement leaned like stories waiting to be told, and the landscape unfolded in sweeping curves of clay and rock. From natural alcoves to bubbling rivulets trickling through rocky beds, the scenery reminded us how wild and gorgeous the world can be when you slow down and truly look.
First Signs of Spring
But perhaps the sweetest surprise of all was nature’s whisper of spring. Tiny mushrooms poked their way through the soil, delicate and brave against the rough terrain. We spotted the first signs of life after winter’s rest — promising future foraging trips, cozy soups, and more family time amid moss and leaf duff.
Spring in the Pacific Northwest does not arrive with trumpets. It seeps in quietly, like the forest exhaling 🌲✨
Here are the telltale whispers locals learn to spot:
Early risers of the forest floor:
• Crocus & daffodils poking through stubborn soil
• Trillium unfolding like origami made of silk
• Skunk cabbage blazing neon green in soggy wetlands
• Cherry blossoms softening city streets
The landscape shifts from winter’s muted grayscale into hesitant watercolor.
Spring fungi behave like woodland confetti:
• Fresh caps pushing through moss
• Morels appearing like little forest riddles
• Entire logs sprouting miniature umbrellas
Moisture + warming soil = fungal fireworks.
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🧰 Beginner’s Rock Hounding Gear List
Tool Kit for rock hound beginners – https://a.co/d/06tZfJWy
Looking Ahead: Rock Rollers Gem & Mineral Show
Already we’re buzzing with excitement for the next big event on our rock-hounding calendar. From March 27 to 29, the Rock Rollers Gem & Mineral Show returns for its 65th annual celebration at the Spokane Fairgrounds — and it always delivers something for collectors of all ages. We’ll be combing tables, meeting fellow rock lovers, and maybe adding some new finds to our collection.
🧰 Beginner’s Rock Hounding Gear List
If you’re new to rock hounding and want to be prepared for adventures (whether at tailings slopes or gem shows), here’s a friendly starter list of gear you can find on Amazon:
Tool Kit – https://a.co/d/06tZfJWy
- Rock hammer – For breaking open promising rocks
- Geologist chisel set – Small chisels for delicate extraction
- Shatterproof safety glasses – Protect your eyes from flying chips
- Gloves – Durable gloves for hand protection
- Field bag or backpack – For hauling specimens and snacks
Collection & Identification
- Specimen bags / ziplock bags – Keeps finds organized
- Permanent marker – Label your finds with location/date
- Hardness test kit – Learn Mohs hardness of minerals https://a.co/d/02XH2q2Z
- Field guide book – Region-specific rock and mineral guide
Comfort & Safety
- Kneepads – Handy for ground-level exploration
- Sun hat & sunscreen – For sunny days in the dirt
- Water bottle – Stay hydrated on the trail
- First aid kit – For scrapes, splinters, and spontaneous fun
Extras
- Portable hand broom – Brush dirt away from promising spots
- Small brush set – Clean off finds gently
- GPS or compass – Helpful in remote areas
Exploring old mines, finding hidden gems, and watching the earth whisper signs of a new season — these are the moments that make family adventures unforgettable. We can’t wait to share what we uncover at the Rock Rollers show and on future hikes and foraging journeys.
Here’s to curious eyes, eager hearts, and the treasures waiting just beneath our feet. 🌄🔦🪨
Rock Rollers Gem & Mineral Show
From March 27 to 29, the Rock Rollers Gem & Mineral Show returns for its 65th annual celebration at the Spokane Fairgrounds
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