I download this really cool overlay map for Google Earth that shows abandoned mine sites, mineral deposits and anything geology related, including access to the actual geological reports as written by the guys in the field. I must say, reading 40 to 60 year old information from people exploring/surveying/mining in my area is really interesting!
If your interested, google the words "ontario geological survey google earth"...you'll be linked to some very useful overlay maps. One of my favorites/most used is the administrative boundary map that shows municipal, township, lot/concession and regional boundaries. Really cool and handy.
So, I went out today, looking for an amethyst deposit near one of my speckie lakes (I call it that but I've never caught anything). There were reportedly two small mining areas (2x20 meters) within a 400 x 400m old claim, an old prospector cabin and some "trails". All this stuff is nearly 40 years old, so the trees/brush were expected to be grown in and trails non-existent. I drove to within 2 kms of the claim and then took it by foot....
...horsefly's SUCK!
I found some areas of general interest, a few cool looking rocks and eventually I saw the cabin!
I was surprised how non-descript the area was. No trails at all, no other markers....but a few cool looking cliffs.
I walked around like a dog sniffing for tracks, another kilometer or so through thick forest...got KILLED by flies....felt like someone drowned me in hot soup and got many scratches. I was completely beat by the time I got back to the cabin, I almost felt like taking a floor nap.
Anyway, I found a few quartz crystals, but no actual amethyst. I don't think I found the actual mining areas...either that or I missed them below the thick carpeting of moss.
Here's a picture of Chaga mushroom growing on a yellow birch tree. This stuff makes a very tasty and super healthy tea.
Not sure what these are... I gotta cross reference with my field guide
Mama partridge with some babies! Next generation!