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Agate 2006 Apache Creek, NMIt was late August and we were preparing for the annual trip to Apache Creek campground in New Mexico. We had planned to get there on Thursday, Aug.31st. Because of being stubborn and holding out for lower gas prices, we found ourselves almost out of gas early that evening. We decided to stop at Buckhorn RV park for the night and get gas in the morning when the store opened in Cliff, NM, 8 miles south.
Apache Creek Campground is located about 11 miles Northeast of Reserve,NM on Route 12, which is in the West Central part of the state, just East of the Arizona border.
Upon arriving at the campground, Friday morning, Sept,1st, we had to tend to the rigors of setting
up. I know most of you that have a travel trailer have done this and perhaps
have an easier time at it than I do. I will qualify by explaining that
at the time I was going through Radiation and Chemotherapy treatments
for Lung Cancer. This was after they had removed a large part of my right
lung. The setup went fine, especially because I could sit or lie on the
ground to get it done.
We spent most of the day enjoying the beauty and serenity of the area. The majestic pines towered above as we relaxed awaiting the return of most of the group who were on a field trip. Some of the rocks and minerals that could be found on any given day included; Agate, Banded Agate, Bloodstone, Bytownite, Calcite, Chalcedony, Crystaline, Fire Agate, Geodes, Golden Luna Agate, Halite, Hematite, Hypersthene, Jasper, Labrodorite, Lava's, Luna Blue Agate, Obsidian, Perlite, Plume Agate, Quartz Crystals, Spotted Agate, And Thunder Eggs just to name a few. Finally the group arrived back at camp. We waited for them to unload and get settled. We then wandered over to meet up with the trip leader, Yonis Lone Eagle. He introduced us to the others, some we had meet a few years before on our first trip to this event.
 We sat around listening to the events of the day and where some of them had been. One of the places mentioned was Lee Russell Canyon. We had been there before and were aware of the Banded and Spotted Agate found there. As we listened we learned of a second way to get there, which was several miles shorter. We were looking froward to trying this new route the next day.
Not all the events of the day ended up being positive, but none the less exciting. A good tip to remember as you imagine the incident one gentleman is describing at his pick truck. Be aware as much as you can about the mountain roads you are on. If not, take your time, especially around blind corners. You can see the back window of the truck has been damaged. He told us he was rounding a sharp turn and realized to late that the road was washed out. To avoid more serious results, he hit the brakes hard and the ATV ,which was in the back, came through his back window. Fortunately he reacted quick enough to avoid more damage or injury to himself. 
We do plan a return trip back to New Mexico in the near future and hope to have continued good luck. I also want to wish you all the best in your rockhounding endeavors and remember...... Be Safe, Fill your holes, Close all gates behind you, and respect the property of others. This will help protect the open access we have come to enjoy in the Great Southwest.
I update frequently with new articles. Information contained in these is from reliable sources and personal experiences with a little humor thrown into the mix from time to time. So come back and visit often! NEW Rockhounds Store
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