Roadtrip ~ A Rock Star

The Pikes Peak Historical Society has a free monthly program called a Chautauqua. Hubby and I try to attend as many as possible, no matter the weather. The guest speaker of a recent one was Richard Fretterd from the tv show, Prospectors, which airs on The Weather Channel. 

Rich lives in the area and has generously donated many mineral samples to the PPHS Museum. He has been prospecting for many, many years and has a whole treasure trove of interesting tales to tell. 

A smaller smoky quartz crystal donated by Rich Fretterd

At a recent Chautauqua, he spoke of what it was like making the show, Prospectors. As well as finding the pocket of elusive pink topaz which he had spent years looking for. Rich brought a nice sampling of topaz specimens and several smoky quartz crystals with him to the afternoon talk.

Afterwards we all relocated to the PPHS Museum for the dedication of the two enormous smoky quartz crystals which Rich had donated to the museum. The two crystals are nicknamed The Brothers - after Rich and his brother, Vincent "Scruffy".

This photo is referencing the smoky quartz crystal
on the left side of the photo above.

The two Smoky Quartz Crystals were found a few miles north of the town of Florissant and are some of the largest smoky quartz crystals in North America. The Brothers were found in the Holy Moses Pocket of the Godsend Claim.

A person can only wonder what other treasures are waiting to be found ....

September Giveaway ~ Crystals

September is a magickal month - cooler temperatures and lengthening shadows mark the beginning of Autumn. The trees begin to adorn themselves with glorious colors in celebration of the season. Leaves will be dancing in the street to a rhythm and beat orchestrated by the wind.

First color of Autumn found on August 26th

And in celebration of this enchanting time, I am hosting a GiVeAwAy! 
Hubby and I recently went to a gem and mineral show in nearby Woodland Park. 

Pikes Peak is the tall mountain seen in background on far right

It was a beautiful day set against the gorgeous backdrop of Pikes Peak and its surrounding foothills. There were many treasures to be seen and I found some wonderful items there. And I would like to share a few with three lucky readers. 
I am giving away a Quartz crystal cluster, a Citrine crystal, and a Smoky Quartz crystal.
***the pictures here don't do the crystal specimens justice - I will try to get better pictures very soon!***

A Quartz crystal cluster

A Citrine crystal

A Smoky Quartz "window" 
this is a smoky quartz rock which has had a slice cut off one side & the cut side polished to a high gloss. The dark shadow that appears in the picture is the reflection of trees in the window.

All people who enter must  (1) leave a comment below stating which rock you would like. I will try my best to accommodate the winners with their chosen specimen.  (2) All entrants must be a Follower of this Blog.  (3) Giveaway limited to American and Canadian followers (my apologies to everyone else)

August Blue Moon 

And here's a glimpse of what you have to look forward to this month - a few more Random Roadtrips, some history and tidbits about Pikes Peak, and ramblings about various things like energy, ley lines, trees, and well, whatever may pop into my head.

The three winners will be announced on September 21st. So stay tuned! And Good Luck!