On a surface level I find almost anything quite interesting as long as its not to repetative. I am especially interested in geography, the earth, exploration and gems. As for a creative outlet I enjoy writing and have just published the book, "Rockwatching", adventures above and below Ontario". My publisher was Boston Mills. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors and rock related things will enjoy this work. I am almost finished a book on mineral collecting in the north. I hope to call it "Rockhounding, The Experience of the North." My inspirations are the natural world around me, When I see the processes I am invigorated and feel the need to share the wonder. Writing is my medium of expression and it is one of my artistic outlets. My wife, a gifted artist had opened my eyes to creativity and I now realize that it lies dormant in most of us and when frustrated and depressed the harried individual would do well to turn to their creativity.
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Following the release some time ago of my book "Rockwatching; Adventures above and below Ontario", I am pleased to announce the release of my new book "Tamarindo; Crooked Times in Costa Rica". It is a story of opportunity. Edgehill Press is the publisher. (www.edgehillpress.com)Newest Book – 2012 Caving in Ontario
Buy "Caving in Ontario; Exploring Buried Karst"New Book – Tamarindo; Crooked Times in Costa Rica
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Hey there, Mick. My name’s Eric. I found your blog (nice work) from your comment at my Drip and Spew blog.
I was just curious: how did you find the blog?
My main site is at http://www.bingorage.blogspot.com
I’ve got an entry about a trip north of Peterborough to the Wasaw (Warsaw?) caves and the petroglyph site in my March (2006) archives.
Thanks.
:Eric
Hi Mick – You visited my grandmothers farm on the weekend interested in the location of the vanishing river. Although my grandmother isn’t interested in exploring the property, I’m interested in the potential discovery and am interested in helping you uncover the mystery behind the vanishing river at Skinner’s Marsh.
Please let me know what particular information you have on the finding and what specifically you’re looking for and I could look initially and use the findings to pursuade my grandmother otherwise.
Regards
RM
Hi Mick,
Thanks for you message on my blog (Cuda Adventures) and yoiur compliment..
Like you, I am curious about travel and new experiences and I am attempting to improve my english as a hobby..
Your blog is really interesting..keep up the good work
Dave Reilly
http://baracuda.wordpress.com
Where are you? Not SUDBURY? Omigawd another Canuck. I too am reverent about all things rock. I grew up on the Shield. Gawd I miss the rock under my feet. The feel of it and yes, the smell of it. Like rust and iron.
I’m so glad you posted on Hedonistic Pleasureseeker. I followed the link.
I’m gonna sniffle a bit now, and read. Homesick blues…
Thanks for your comments on my Madaraka day blog.
Hey Pony, yes I am indeed another Canuck and like you I love the rock – for that matter I just love the outdoors. I am a gemmologist and have a particular fascination for gem crystals but I love caving and am fascinated by old mines as well. I suppose Tolkien would have classified me as a dwarf or some other dour-rockloving being.
Hiya Mick,
Thanks for stopping by at my blog, which I must confess that hasn’t been update in a while. I find myself doing things in impulses all the time. I would update my blog everyday and twice a day sometimes and some other days it sits for for a month or so. I am really interested in travels and would love to go and tour Canada someday. Good blog!
Hi Mick,
Thanks for leaving your comments on my blog. I’ll pass on your kind offer of the photos of Cobalt as I intend to take a bunch myself sometime in the next year or so, all going well.
My wife, a former membership secretary of the Canadian Gemmological Association, wonders who is your gemmologist friend in Cobalt?
cheers,
Do-Ming
Hello Mickster
It’s your lovely sister Mippy and her wayward mate. LOVE YOUR BLOG mister! Fun, interesting, great! We will visit it more often. Love your slight tendency to choose the sensational as you are of course most sensational.
See you soon
Sensation! ah, I see you have been speaking to mum and dad. Mick
[…] Matt found a pretty cool weblog called Rock Watching. This weblog is maintained by Mick Gordon, who likes to get squished between a rock and a hard place. It’s an interesting read (as far as I have come, with my limited time this past week) and quite inspiring. Geeks love caves. I know I’ll go over this for Dungeons & Dragons inspirations as soon as I get back from my next vacation. Mick, consider yourself blogrolled! :-) […]
hello,
you left a comment on my blog at cindydam.wordpress.com. it’t time for me to pay a visit. seem liked you have an interesting life. yes. when i was about 16, i wanted to join the military. but being an only girl in a asian family, my parents would not let me, and I would scared them to death had I insited being a soldier.
I saw that you use wordpress.com as a hosting site, so it means that you have a free account with wordpress??? How come, you are able to edit the template. I saw flickr bade, links, etc. on the sidebar. I’ve been trying to modify my template, but no luck so far.
Hi Mick,
Thanks Mick for stopping by. Your travel tip to visit a ghost-town sure sounds very interesting. One of these days…
Your blog is quite inspiring..but as a “surface” person, I do admire your “tight sqeeze” pictures. That must have been a really difficult shot to set up ! Thanks.
hey mick,
returning your visit.
you have an interesting blog to say the least. not often one comes across a blog devoted to rocks… nice stuff about the caving. i love to climb, and i guess caving is quite similar but in the opposite direction….
thanks for your visit – responded to your comment on my blog, btw.
best,
gg
Thanks for visiting my blog, as well as leaving a comment!
Keep up the good work.
Your comment to my post on Koreans learning Spanish instead of English was “right on the nose.”
Thanks
thanks very much for dropping by my blog… if you’re interested in rocks, Capiz, a province here in the Philippines is one great place to see for gems, minerals and rocks… they got the treasures… well, the Philippines is one blessed country with resources…
where is the recent photo of the rapids taken?
I remember in the 80’s, 4 of my friends and i decended into the ” natures air conditioning ” mineshaft in kirkland lake. Our mission was to smoke some hash inside earths cold womb. But we dropped the hash and our flashlights woere dull as it was frigging freezing 300 ft below> one of the most stupidest times of my life, other than this; writing to you. regards
Hi Mick!
How is your new book coming? Missed you in Cobalt this year. Give me a call or email when you can.
I just visited your blog and read about Paul Shier doing a sculpture for Bancroft. As I collect articles on this sculptor, I would appreciate it if you would let me know if your article was printed elsewhere and if so where can I get my hands on copies.
Also just an update on your rockhound Paul Shier, today at 2P.M. that is November 04, 2006 at Cordova Mines Community Hall, I had the honour of presenting a sculpture that Paul Shier did for the memory of my Father and the Queens Own Rifles, Second Batallion WWII. This sculpture is blue marble from Perth Ontario and is beautiful especially when it is wet. Should you be rockhounding in the Cordova Mines area, drop by the Recreational Centre and take a look. It truly is a remarkable piece.
Sheila-Marie
Hi Mick
I was up in Barrie at a stored called Sojourn looking in the rock climbing section (which I have been passionate about for around 7 years now) when I stumbled across this book titled “Rock Watching”. I quickly glanced through the pictures and saw everything that I have enjoyed over the years of exploring Ontario. The one picture that hooked me the most was the one where you were looking at the roadside cutting of eroded shale on a rainy day with what looked like a camera around your neck. It made me smile because this is exactly something that I do at different rock-cuts myself! I flipped some more and read the blurb on the digging of the Shelburne cave and it was such a good story with great narrative. I then turned to the cover (I already decided to purchase the book) and I saw the picture of you in a pothole examining the rock. I realized that I recognized you because I used to work with you. I immediately recalled conversations we had about rock collecting, climbing and caving, short-lived as they were, since we were at work. I also remember looking over rock & gem samples with you. Anyway, I still haven’t finished your book but I am enjoying it immensely when I pick it up. Because of it I went to check out Limehouse, which for some reason I haven’t been to before, and it was very cool. Just last weekend I went to Rattlesnake with some friends. We started at Mt, Nemo and then went to Rattlesnake to what I think is called “Sheep Cave”. Anyway, I loved it and can’t wait to do more. I came home and started looking at stuff about caving on the internet and found your website. Again, excellent, Mick!
Anyway, I just thought I would say Hello.
An old acquaintance,
Scott Smith
I love everything you have done on this website. All the pictures make me smile. I used to be really adventurous and loved to go to Algonquin park and to my cottage up near Quadeville’s “Beryl Pit”. My health is failing right now even though I am only 21 but seeing all your pictures of caving and nature brings back all of those memories and for a second I am back up there bushwacking and chiseling away at rocks. I have never been inside a cave but it really interests me. When my father was still around we used to go out in the bush together and fish and it was the happiest time of my life. I really miss it. Your work is amazing and it looks like you really have a passion for this Ontario and the nature within this wonderful province. I admire you and wan to thank you for bringing back some memories. I have been close to most of these areas you speak of and it just brings it back. Thank you! Keep up the good work. I love this stuff.
Thanks Tom, to hear that somebody enjoys what I have to say makes it all worthwhile. Hope your health improves – there is still plenty of time to enjoy life. Mick
I too have thoroughly enjoyed looking at your pics and reading through your various blogs. I appreciate your unique perspective and attitude toward nature, caving, and outdoor exploration in general.
I hate to ask but do you have any suggestions as to where I could find information/directions to abandoned mines and/or caves in the Bancroft area and does your book contain such information?
All the best and I look forward to reading your future blogs.
hi all you rock hounds..just checking in..update on my favourite Canadian Artist..Paul Shier from Tweed, Ontario…about this time last year he received a prestigious invitation to represent Tweed in Italy at the Biennale Internazionale Dell’ Arte Contmeporanea in Florence from December 1-9 2007. As a result he sculpted three beautiful pieces. Two are out of white marble with the most exquisite veins running through them and the other is out of Rockmanite…man you all got to see this stone…wow is it ever gorgeous…compared to regular soapstone it is a little harder and has a variety of colours and textures in it…red is predominate and greys with yellows and blacks..you can only find this stone in the Tweed area…Paul Shiers piece ” A Canadians’ Vision” is a single stone carved from the inside out. He is leaving shortly for Italy,,,wonder how the marble over there compares to ours here in Canada Eh
Hello to all Rockwatchers and Friends,
I see that on a few of your posting you talk about the Caves and Karst located in Hamilton (Stoney Creek) Ontario, more specifically the Eramosa Karsts.
I just wanted to let you now about a new web site and request your HELP in keeping this ANSI and surrounding area with feeder streams area protected. The Ontario government will be deciding what to do with the adjacent lands and we feel this area need to be protected.
Please check it out at: http://www.friendsoferamosakarst.org
Hello Mick,
can you tell me where exactly the marble caves you visited near kingston ontario located. my husband and I like to visit it sometimes this summer.
Your website is very fascinating.
thank you, Tamaiya
Hi Mick..I noticed the pictures you have posted for the Richardson gold mine in Eldorado,Ontario..This mine is on private property and I am curious as to how you get your pictures and permission to visit the site..I would like very much to visit this site and explore the mines can you provide
the information so I may request a visit.
I had a local guide who had permission from the old owner (Francis).
hey there mick would you be able to let me knowe the guides name and how i made make contact with them so that i can arange a vistist to the mines in eldorado i think that this would be a good day out thank you for your time
I find this quite interesting since I am the owner of the mine and have been for quite some time.I have never given permission to anyone to go into the mine due to insurance purposes and the fact that people for some reason enjoy leaving their garbage behind.In the future should you or any of your readers wish to view the mine, it would greatly be appreciated if you contacted the rightful owner. The old owner[ Clifford] had the place for 30 yrs. Dont know who Francis could be. Feel free to contact me.
Hi,
I bought your book this summer. Thanks for writing it. I have been hiking & caving at Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point many times in the past.
I love the distinct smell of being inside these rocks – the feel of cool in the summer and the warmth in the winter. Aahhh (a moment in my happy place)
We have been in the Mole Cave and the 2 Entrance Cave but have not found the Water (Head) Cave. I would appreciate it, if you could give me directions to this. Or at least a hint of the general vicinity. How far from the face? Which way from the lookout?
Hi …funny thing…I found your blog by googling “dog washing in Guelph” : ) and was interested in the name of the blog. My interest in rocks is somewhat at the other end of the process. I love them when they are cut a polished. I teach wire wrapping locally and I figure you must know of the shop that I teach at. My website is http://www.stix-n-stones.ca . I was wondering if there would be any possibility of creating a listing in your online zine. I can be contacted through my website.
Judy
I am actually a gemmologist in part (CGA) I too love cut stones. My wife used to own beadazzled downtown, now my basement is full of beads.
Hi, I have a gold claim in Boston township, I have been told that there are a few abandoned gold mines in the area, anyone familiar with Boston Creek, Jim
Hi Mick,
Nice blog! I was looking at the cave related posts. I see you have some flooded caves? I am a cave diver and am interested in what you may have up there. Do you have any caves that are flooded year round that have not seen any exploration? If so, what any info. about them would be very interesting!
Thanks!
Jeff Waugh
Hello, my name is Terry. I found an opening to an abandoned mine in Cobalt, Ontario. This mine has been sealed off but there is a second entry point that is open. The mine has 3 levels with a shaft leading to headframe. The shaft entrance is also capped. This is an old silver mine.
If anyone would like to explore this please e-mail me at natureguy24@hotmail.com
It’s nice to see other people who enjoy rocks and minerals. I am not into caving other than to watch others do it,but I have been a rockhound since I was a little girl. My house has rocks and mineral everywhere! I love to pick up a piece and remember where I found it, what the day was like and what else was there
I am much the same about rocks and minerals – it is the experience as much as it is the specimen that you find.
I didn’t see anything in your book or on your blog about these caves in the Elora Gorge, so thought I’d let you know about them:
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/13709862
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/2055874
Great work!
Great blog Mick! I am a rockhound & been one for almost 10 years now. Its great to read your articles as i am familiar with most of your mineral collecting sites around Bancroft. I cant’ wait to read your near book Rockhounding: An Experience of the North, when its ready. Please let us know when its published.
Great site!!
You hinted at a story in one of your posts a chinese laundering family that disappeared near Cobalt. I was wondering if you gad more information on that….to be honest, I can’t even find the original post.
In my quest for something to do,my wife and I went to the Bancroft Gemboree,in 2008.There,towards the end of the festival,I was wandering around the booths outside,when I stumbled upon Paul Shier,(who was doing a large carving out of Rockmanite),and there beside hime in another booth,was the miners who sourced the red tinged soapstone.I lost the contact information,but remembered Paul.I found his web page on the net,and called him.He was happy to provide me with the lady’s phone number to get some rockmanite.For the rest of you carvers,here is that contact…Diane Milligan,613-478-5378,Tweed.She had some 15-40lb chunks on hand ,and intended to cut some more.It is of tight grain,and asbestos free.Hope you can use this info.
I enjoyed Michael Gordon’s book “Rockwatching” especially the section on the Dewdney caves in the Bobcaygeon area.
I would like to create a slide-show of sights to see in the Bobcaygeon area for an environmental group visiting the area and would like to get Michael’s permission to use some of the material (pictures) in my slide show. This would be a simple home-made production, not for profit, and not for public consumption. I’d appreciate hearing back from you, and thanks. Mona
Hi, nice to meet you !
Likewise!
I am looking for information on Bats in the caves within the Rockwood Conservation Area boundaries. Have you seen any or many and in which caves are they located.
This may not be of any value,as the only caves that I saw that held bats were at Mt. Nemo, south of Rockwood, just east of Guelph Line.They were only lesser Browns,and regular Browns.
I saw a bat in the main caves several years ago – in the back tunnels, I believe around the same time I also saw bats in Pierre and Richardson caves. I’ts been some time since I’ve been to Rockwood.
It seems we have the same interest in old tunnels as mentioned in your old post “Gloomy Tunnels Under Guelph”
A group of us looked in the same tunnels roughly a year and half after you were there. (didn’t know this blog existed at the time) Got a pic of your tag too…
http://www.aotu.ca/drains/speed-river/royal-prophecy/index.html
Drop me a line so we can discuss
Hey Inavus, I had entirely even forgotten that I had tagged the tunnel – but that is definitely my Kilroy thing.
Hello Mick
I believe we have met. I am a freelance reporter from Guelph and I would love to write an article and shoot some video about your exploration of the hidden rivers under Guelph. If you are interested please contact me at:
troybridgeman@rogers.com
or
519 824-5008
Hi Mick,
I am interested in the use of caves and mines in Ontario by bats for hibernacula. In particular, i am trying to determine which of these caves should be visited to search for the effects of white-nose syndrome (WNS). Could you contact me to discuss this?
Thanks,
Derek Morningstar
Derek: If your interested in bats check out my dvd, float planes,gold mines and bats go to http://www.lakesuperioraboveandbelow.ca tom
Sure – how would I reach you?
dmorningstar@golder.com
Hey mate i just read you article about the shorthills….there are also 2 or 3 very small caves in the area close by. One being my glendale campus and the other by rockway falls. I was born in welland and know these rather well. Currently in Kingston….looking for some leads could you contact me with some possibilites in the area, say within 1 1/2 hr drive…thanx
bgelok@live.ca
ps yes at one point i was a member of TCG and did go on a few trips…franklin WV, Schoharie NY etc.
Hi there, I am camping with my two boys (9 and 13) at Bon Echo from July 24th to 29th and I wanted to bring them on some kind of rock/mineral hunt. I remember going to an Amethyst mine about 15 years ago near Thunder Bay and it was great fun and I also went rock hunting with my geology class not far from Peterborough when I was at Trent University. I was in Anthroplogy but took a geology class. I loved it. I have searched all over the net and am having a difficult time finding someone who might know where we could go in the Bon Echo area. I came upon you and you seem to be a rock guru so I’m hoping that you can help. Thank you.
Suzanne
(We live in Quebec)
the Bancroft Gemboree is on the same weekend ,with guided rockhounding trips…just north of Bon echo
There are a ton of mineral and gem sites all around Bon Echo,like Tweed,Marmora,Bancroft,Tory hill,quadville.Try a search for rocks and minreals in the Bancroft area
mick what are your xmas plans?
Hello,
I am a reporter with the Guelph Tribune. I came across your blog in the process of another story I am working on, and I am interested in talking to you about your experiences under our city. I think they might make an interesting story for our readers. I also came across your photos of the bowels of Guelph and I was hoping you might share them with us for use with the story. Please let me know if you would be available to talk and how I might get in touch with you.
Jessica
519-763-3333, ext. 232
jlovell@guelphtribune.ca
I will call you Monday – but I recall that I had been approached by Troy Bridgeman (Does he still work for the Tribune?)and I forgot to get back to him. I am agreeable to working with either or both of you.
Mick
Hi: jessica your readers may like to view my e book and dvds. It seems that theres an interest in guelph of the underground including old mines,you can view an abridged article from the sault ste maries, sault star.title pit passion,google http://www.lakesuperioraboveandbelow.ca tom
Hi Mick,
Troy Bridgeman doesn’t work for the Tribune. He’s a freelancer for the Mercury. And while I know he contacted you first, I’d love it if you would talk to me first. I have already been talking to a local man who has mapped out Guelph’s underground pathways and I think your story might be the perfect companion to that story. Also, there’s a good chance Troy’s working on something else by now. I understand if you feel an obligation to call him, but please call me also.
Thanks.
Jessica
519-763-3333, ext. 232
jlovell@guelphtribune.ca
I’ll call tomorrow – (Wednesday)
Hey Mick
Are you still interested in taking part in an article on your splunking? Did I spell that right? I would like to join you on one of your adventures under Guelph and shoot some video. I won’t identify you, if you insist on anonymity, and after I write the piece and produce the video I will show it to the Mercury and see if they will publish it. The topic will be fascinating to reader and should make for a great video if we have enough lighting in the bowel of the Royal City.
Let me know what you think.
Troy Bridgeman
Yes I am interested.
Hey Mick,
Will be in Guelph next week. Can you email me your coordinates and I will be in touch.
Hey! I am going to Costa Rica and Peru next month (finalizing plans now) and found your blog while looking for last minute adventures to add in. I’ve gone splunking in Slovenia (Ljubljana) but I’m no pro. Definitely got the ziplines and waterfall repelling covered but I’m missing that “crazy” element.
If you have any suggestions, I’d be very appreciative!!
Katie
possibly Cuevas Venado. I have not been there, but it should not be as big an issue as I had heard it would be. It is on the west coast, just near Palo verde national park. there are also wild cves, but unless you are already an experienced caver I would not try that as there are reports of histoplasmosis from those.
We met this summer at my cottage when you were looking for a cave at C – Lake. I’m wondering if you found it?
Hi, yes, I remember you – the computer guy. Sadly my computer has not been working right for the past month. As for the cave,, we found it, but did not realize it at the time. I hope to return later this year and with the landowner willing – explore the cave. It was not quite where I expected, but it is there.
Was the cave you were looking for on this lake that starts with a C located not far from an abandon mine? If it’s the one I’m thinking of, I explored it many years ago as a young kid and would be interested in exploring it again, worth exploring. I have a cottage in the area.
Would someone help us locate where Dewdney Caves are, as the potential quarry called Dewdney Mountain Quarry outside Bobcaygeon may actually destroy the caves.
Thanks
Ross 905 770 5589
Thanks Alex for the response – looks like Ross has provided a phone number – this is a preferable way of communicating. Please no open discussion of cave locations on this site. Mick
I didn’t remind myself in time about the potential damage that could occur from irresponsible individuals(like what occurred on Bronte creek.I was one of the first to find this small cave,now look at the damage…)You had shown some photos…I was there in the early 60’s.
Thats OK – I make the odd slip too. Good to hear you are of the same opinion. Actually I was at Bronte Creek myself not so long ago – there is little left that would even suggest a cave.
approximately where is this cave on Bronte Creek? I only ask as I recall seeing a cave a youngster near Lions Valley under the old bridge.
basically,without saying too much…between Lowville and Carlisle.The fear is the damage may not have peaked…as this small cave originally was closed except for a small mouth,and had lots of stalactites, flowstone,and calcified moss.But it has been vandalized to the extent that I cannot recognize it.
If the Dewdney quarry is approved will the blasting possibly flood the caves?? and if so we live in the watershed of this proposed quarry and still drink the water…………I am afraid of contaminated water ……………please let us know the location of the caves as this may cause the Township to give more thought before approval.Thank you
Hi
I am the consultat for the interpretive plan for the project of th Chats Falls Regional Park between Quyon and Bristol on Quebec side. I’m curious if you went back to explre more the old Bristol Mine and-or if you may be interested to do it with us during spring and-or summer. We want to take about the geology of the area and any fun fact – curiosity of the area. Also we want to present the “golden age” of the mines in the region (Pontiac) so any informations about the Bristol Mines will be helpfull for us. thanks
Dominique Dufour, ddufour(AT)museogriffe.ca
My fathers recent passing left me with many thousands of pounds of rocks and minerals he has been collecting for almost forty years.
Wanted to share this gigantic auction sale with you and everyone who may be interested.
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/events/286822468115681/
Hello Mick, The Richardson Gold mine in Eldorado Ontario will be open this summer for guided tours. I would like to invite you to explore the site and discover the the entire 40 years of mining history before the site opens. Please contact me. Kim
Sounds like a neat kind of tour
Actually, my mother is a travel writer and she had mentioned that there was some kind of tour with Nick Eyles and a visit to the mines this summer along with other interesting Bancroft locations.
Im sorry but I do not know who Nick Eyles is nor has anyone contacted me to arrange a tour. Could you please forward my information to them so we could make arrangements.
They may have been referring to Bannockburn or possibly other mines, I had just thought that there was a connection between what you had said and what I had heard. Nick Eyles had written the book, “Ontario Rocks” and is a well known geologist in Ontario.
Thank you for your assistance Mick. I have since spoken with Prof. Eyles and
hope to see them in June. This is the first time the Richardson Mine will be available for tours and includes the Eldorado Copper mine, the Medina Goldmining company and the Pheonix gold mine. The last 2 sites unknown
to everyone except those who have read All the reports. I hope you have the chance for a return visit.
I certainly will be passing through and will drop in for a visit on my way.
Hi, I stumbled on your blog as I was doing a bit of research on Ontario caves. I am part of a non profit organization called Global Underwater Explorers. We focus on research, exploration, and conservation. We focus most of our projects on Cave systems throughout the world. I personally travel to Florida and Mexico to help our ongoing efforts to explore and survey caves systems. I am hoping to start a local project in Ontario. I would certainly like to meet and discuss some of the possibilities with yourself and your caver colleagues. Let me know if you are interested. We can exchange contact information.
Regards,
Steve
Hello Steve, I am the owner of the Eldorado Experience in Eldorado Ontario.
This venue is situated on the Richardson goldmine and is a historical hike through the mining operations and old streets of the original town of Eldorado, the Richardson gold mine the Phoenix goldmine and the Eldorado copper mine.
I would like to know more about your group since this location has many caves
open and under water. Some of these under water shafts have the original tools and mine cars still in place.
Regards,
Kim
Hoping you can help.
I raise money for stray animals by auctioning gems and jewellery, all profits going to help animal sanctuaries
It is an interest I have had for some time.
Retired, I would also like to learn about finding my own mineral samples, geodes, etc in Ontario. (geodes have always fascinated me, and I would love to find some of my own)
I live in the country north of Flesherton. ( don’t like cities much. Smile emoticon ) Don’t think there are any sites around here of note, but I am sure there are lots in Ontario!
I want to start this summer promoting my efforts re fund raising. It occurs to me that as I travel around Ontario putting up posters in stores trying to get known I should be able to combine it with a new hobby: rock collecting. I am perhaps a little too optimistic, but I am hoping I can possibly pay my gas and expenses as I travel around by having fun and looking for samples I can perhaps sell.
I am starting from scratch, so I was hoping that you could tell me if there is anywhere i could buy maps and possibly books that would be intelligible to a lay person and would show me where to search.
Take care, and thanks for caring,
Barry
hi mick gord middleton from moira cave area would like to meet with you whenyou do marmora maze i have hiked that area been in a few holes and tunnels pigrims crawl pinches out are the markers i see yours
Hi Mick. Very interested in abandoned mines in Ontario. Was wondering if you could tell me if you know the couple deepest abandoned mines in the province? Thanks!!
Dear Michael, I am a Belgian interested in mineralogy and I cross over for 20 years now to explore the Grenville Province. Do you agree to give me the location of the crystals vug you dig on the roadcut. I have seen your interesting video on the net. to meet you on the field !! Best regards
Ghislain
Hi Mick,
I came across your site looking for information about rocks, minerals, etc. in Ontario. I will look up your book. But am wondering if you have any advice about how to build on my 7 year old’s fascination with “minerals,” whether tours that might be suited to someone his age (I wouldn’t mind traveling some distance for this), economical sources for a variety of interesting stones, etc.? He has a large collection of broken concrete containing little chunks of various sorts that are very precious to him, but I am hoping we can do a little better than that ;-) I would greatly appreciate any advice that you might have! Thank you!
There is a rock collecting site up in Quadeville which is called the “Beryl Pit”. It’s a great place to get a youngster collecting minerals etc. The pit consists of many dumps which are rocks they have dug out of the pit and left on the grounds. You can find all sorts of minerals there. Mineral collectors, rockhounds, schools etc all go up to this pit. It’s quite easy to find. You just have to drive to Quadeville, Ontario, and once you are there, there is a general store called Kauffeldts General Store, and you go in and you tell them you’d like a pass for the Beryl Pit. You pay something like 7$ if you are an adult, and I think it’s 4-5$ for students. You are allowed to take everything you can carry out in one trip back to your car. So bring large napsacks, hammer, chisel, eye protecion, knee pads are very helpful. The Beryl Pit in Quadeville, Ontario is perfect for kids and adults alike! I went up 2 times this year and it was a lot of fun!
There are two types of Geological events that are easy to create interest for young children.One is to study evolution,then go look for fossils,and discuss how they got there,in the sediments.The other is to look at plate tectonics.This is most easily shown by baking layer cakes with doe of obvious color differences,then showing the children,the same contrasting layering around Parry Sound,and,Burleigh Falls ,Peterborough.Touchy-feely experiments with coloured sands,mixed with water,and carefully deposited in clear containers,will give them the ideal of how time is traceable in rock formations.Many of our caves are the result of water flowing on sedimentary rock,and the principles of formation can be demonstrated,using layers of colored sand,or layers of dyed ice.Then all you do,is take them to real sites,like the Bruce Peninsula,and relate the same processes.You can gather fossils along the lake huron shore,and then get your kids to identify what kind of fossil,it’s age and probable source.But,the first thing is to arm your children with something they can identify,like corals,snails,hard shelled critters,and show them the prehistoric version.
I appreciate your response, Alex. My little guy loved your ideas and is now researching fossils and looking at layers on his rocks! Those were some great ideas for how to spark his interest in rock formations and demonstrate some of the concepts. It is immensely helpful to have some direction about a topic that I know essentially nothing about; I am not sure where along the Lake Huron shore we would be most likely to find fossils, I’m guessing not the most popular beaches, but I expect an internet search might turn up some ideas! Thanks again!
anywhere that you find rock outcrops,or stoney beaches,you have potential of finding fossils.do not overlook the miniscule ones,ase they can show a lot under a primitive magnifying glass.for an example cut a celery stick across,then add purple or red food dye to the end,and look at how the stalk internal structure is amplified visually.then talk about that ,and discuss the possibilities of that same structure being imbedded in limestone for millenia.
Hi Mick, I’m the Program Director for the Nature Conservancy of Canada in Eastern Ontario and I’d love to have an opportunity to chat with you about a couple of properties we are working on to learn more about the geology of these sites and also to find out if you have contact information for a couple of other experts I’d like to get in touch with.
Gary
Hi Mick! My name is Tom. I left a comment about your Rockwatching site in 2008 and mentioned my cottage was near Bancroft and I asked if you could email me when you finished your book and you said you would but for some reason it never happened. I’m thinking I may have changed my e-mail address and shut down an old one and perhaps it got lost in cyberspace. Anyways, I was thinking of creating a book, and I wanted to ask you some questions about how to go about doing it. I’d also like to ask you about some of the locations around Ontario you’ve been too because I ffind everything you do very interesting! I can be reached at the email address I used to post this message! Thanks so much Mick! Sincerely, Tom W.
Hi Micheal …
I really enjoyed your youtube videos about rockhunting in Bancroft area … my young kids and I are getting ready for our second trip to Bancroft this weekend … I was just wondering since there are so many places to collect, if you would have a couple to recommend? I think based on your videos that the Smart Mine and Grace Lake seem pretty good … do you get permits for those with the chamber of commerce?
My kids are 7 and 9 so I am a bit limited on options if its a lot of digging … but they love it like dad.
Many thanks …
Paul
I live just north of madoc. I dont think their is any caves on my acreage but have you ever heard of the scuttleholes? i have’nt been in years but my mom took us as kids and at that time it was a small provincal park. tons of caves. the story i was told was old man scuttle went in and never came back.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plainfield,_Ontario
http://www.opencaching.com/en/#!geocache/OXZTXNY
the only ones I could think of would be the Warsaw Caves.
there might be a few abandoned surface mines or pits that have fallen off the radar
please don’t dammage any more trees with your mining. It is no longer cool to damage the environment with your mining. Thank-you.
hi!
i have a question regarding you’re book
thanks
Hi I have always dabbled in collecting from the beach and buying crystals from shopps I was curious one day and looked for mines in Ontario so that I could get a better deal on the crystals I love so much., somehow I found Princess mines from there I somehow found your vidios on Bancroft crystal hunting. I am so excited to say that at 50 Years old I am going to Bancroft to hunt for my own crystals you inspired me so much Thank you I can,t wait I am taking my twin 14 Year old niece and nephew and we are going to have an amazing adventure thank you …………. Lori
Are there mineral specimens you would recommend not to collect and keep in you’re living space due to radioactivity or toxicity?
Hi Michael, Bought your book, “An Experience of the North”. Read it from cover-to-cover and loved it.
Your book inspired me to plan a rock hunting trip with my 2 sons and was hoping I could get in contact with you to ask a few questions.
Was planning on possibly the Eganville area but the book left a few questions unanswered.
Hi Mick,
I work with a travel adventure series based in Toronto. We wanted to do a segment on caving in Ontario and get our host exploring with someone knowledgeable. It might be great to go off the beaten path and away from the tourists. Please email me if you might be interested — we do offer compensation for people we film with.
Thanks!
Hello. I would like more information about your club and having people accompany in your cave travels. You can email me at msrenk@rogers.com
Thank you
Melanie
Hello Michael
Ive been watching your youtube videos for some time on youtube and have gotten to explore some of the sites youve shown with some results im pretty excited about which id like to show you and discuss if you dont mind. Samples in question are a 3x terminated apitite crystal that has a hornblend core between the 3 crystals, what i believe is apitite but its only 1/2 inch thick and about a inch wide and like a amber color so not the traditional hexigon shape but still has 6 sides. Also i did some reasearch into bear lake which you might find really usefull.
Best regards and good hunting
I look forward to hearing from you
Ps. Would love to join in on some of your adventures if you would have me tag along
Hi Mike, I’m Roy from Vermont (Not too far away from you) I like to travel to Gore Mountain of North Creek, NY to find garnet..it’s in the rocks everywhere! I hear VT has great huge samples of Garnet too. Whenever I travel I always check out the local gemstones. Some of my favorite are the opals of Nevada, and gold of California. (Found gold dust in the American River near Placerville.) Now I’m spending winters in Costa Rica. I understand this is very young land formed from volcanoes and recently connect the Americas (in geologic time frame…recent is relative) Anyhow, do you think this is why no gemstones are found here…no time for them to grow? Why not diamonds and gold from the deep earth brought to the surface by volcanoes? Some gold IS found here but not very much….just like in Vermont…enough for weekend prospectors but not enough to mine. Did you find anything in CR during your trips, or were you not sleuthing on the vacation? I’m thinking my best chance to find anything here would be to buy a metal sector and scan the beaches. What do you think? ~Retired Roy looking for a hobby
Generally speaking,gemstones are formed over a longer period of time,under immense pressures(as in folded strata of mineral bearing semi-fluid igneous or metamorphic(re-heated) material.As an example, the Grenville plate,displaying many tectonic pressures.It is not found where pressure is being released(as in volcanic material). Usually,you find gems,where the mineral bearing matrix has been physically eroded and exposed.Monolithic masses,do not usually present themselves as gem bearing.You might find more geode type bearing crystals in CR.
Hey,
I”m from Guelph too. Would like to get together with you and chat about some rockventures. Have you gone to Rockwood caving yet? Call or text me 519-831-4191
Thanks, Rob
Hi Michael. I am very interested in speaking with you and hoping very much to obtain directions from you to check out the old uranium mine at Crystal Lake. My daughter and I are planning a camping and rockhounding trip for the next couple days. Hope you get this and reply soon. 😉 I am hoping in the future to be purchasing your books as I understand there are directions in them to various locations however I am unable to afford them at this time. We have been watching your videos on over the summer and want very much to get mire involved in collecting. So far we have only visited the Miller Property and Tory Hill. Learning a lot and hoping to connect with yiu for further direction. Please email me as soon as possible. Thanks so much for your time.
BearKatz (Jenny)
Hello Mike
My name is Rob.
I have made a huge discovery. I have found a cache of fossils. In my opinion each one was mined by early man. stone cut-marks are on each one. Each fossil is marked by its owner.. all have been partially cut to show the fossil. Some have what looks like diamonds, gold, silver and other things that sparkle with cut marks so the minerals stand out,. At the location, every rock one picks up is a fossil and is a stone cut with a owner’s mark. I have found Rapter toe claws, skulls, spines, teeth. I have a baby skull in a rock smoothed to look like a chicken egg.. I have several eggs. I have a 6 inch quartz toe claw. I have fossils with many bones piled on top. I thought I was hallucinating until I showed a family member. There are rocks from very far away. . please advise
hi mick wish you could get us into new cave in montreal gord middleton
I foubd a boulder, maybe 8 tons in the Lanark Highlands On Canada tgat has sandwiched lattes of what looks like blue quartz, maybe 1000 lbs of whatever it is but is blue and crystallized. Rubies were foubd in the area, I dont think it’s blue corrundum, Maybe blue quartz? It’s a shitst
Hey Mick
Been watching you on you tube..as.a.newbie been learning so much from you! Have your books.on order. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Off on our first dig tomorrow