Thunder Eggs

Bud has wanted to dig for Thunder Eggs since... I don't know. Seems like FOREVER. So, for his birthday, we gave him a pair of gloves, a small shovel and a piece of paper that talked about digging for Thunder Eggs.

I think that he got the idea that we were going digging!

Thunder Eggs are the "state rock" of Oregon.

You have to work to get them chipped out of the ground with a pick axe (one should wear protective eyewear, but mom's sunglasses will work in a pinch!)

We went to a "fee site" where there were dig areas that were regularly excavated and turned so that you didn't have to dig so long to locate a precious "gem." (I could NOT resist the pun. Sorry for that.)

Bud gets his rockhound blood honestly... he didn't fall too far from the tree!

Some people just like the "ting ting ting ting" the pick ax makes on agate.

EVERYONE. I repeat - EVERYONE wanted in on the action!!!

It was time to head out and Pops dealt the ultimate blow... ONLY 3 Thunder Eggs per person to take home (we had filled 2 large blue buckets FULL).

This story will continue with some pictures of what the haul turned out in the end. Stay Tuned! (I have to take everyone's pictures with their precious items!!)