Gem Trails of Washington by Garret Romaine
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Book Reviews of Gem Trails of Washington
Book Review: Finally, a good gem, fossil & mineral guide for Washington State!
Summary: 5 Stars
Be forewarned: this is a biased review. I am mentioned in and am the source for quite a few localities in this book. That said, I am generally very critical of rockhounding guides in general (vis a vis the terribly outdated and wildly inaccurate Gem trails of Oregon by James Mitchell, and the unmentionably abysmal GPS Guide which is a total waste of money). I tried hard not to be biased in this review; I have dissed other books for which I was a source of information (listed or merely stolen from).
This book is the best, up to date, and only guide to Washington rockhounding that 95% of casual rockhounds will ever need. The book presents, in exhaustive detail, more sites than one could visit in several summers of nothing but rockhounding. Most sites that I am aware of that contain good lapidary or gemstone material are in this book. Of those that aren't, many are currently or have been under a mineral claim, and some are just plain dangerous to collect or require a strenuous hike or other dangers that the casual rockhound shouldn't be attempting in the first place. In addition, there are dozens of sites that haven't been described in any literature published to date (which, by the way, is a very short list for WA, ALL of which are referenced in the book).
The descriptions of the sites are accurate, at least for the ones I have visited. The reader is constantly encouraged to contact the sources listed for each site for more detailed information and maps, a welcome addition which has never been included in the Gem Trails series to date. And, surprise surprise, the author actually visited each and every site in the book! Something that cannot be said for the author of Gem Trails of Oregon, James Mitchell.
Others have commented that the number of "stream walk" or "tumbler material" sites are excessive. I say, the more the merrier, since "newbie" or "weekend" rockhounds can find something to throw in their tumbler at any of these sites. If you don't want to walk creeks looking for pretties, then don't, it's as simple as that. I don't think the author threw out "digging" sites on order to make room for these.
The maps are decipherable, if a little crude (my bias here; I love topo maps too much!). The road directions are 99% accurate. A few typos are easily corrected by looking at highway or forest service maps, or the Delorme WA book, for instance. The GPS waypoints are incredibly useful and guarantee that you won't get lost if you take the time to input them into your GPS unit before heading out. Nitpicking: I have found a few errors in the waypoints but I am sure if you email the author you can get the corrected waypoints (right, Garret?). Besides, there are other sources of maps and wayponts, all of which are mentioned numerous times in the book.
The information at the end of the book is extremely valuable as a resource on its own, and includes the only complete list of WA state rock shops, gem & mineral websites, clubs, and prospecting clubs that I have ever seen. The list of sources similarly gives the reader a huge number of resources to consult for further information.
Am I really a hoot to collect with, Garret? Did you perhaps mean shoot, boot, toot, moot? Only the Shadow knows... :) And HEY WHERE IS MY FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY??? WAH!!!
Book Review: Sadly Disappointed
Summary: 1 Stars
When I first considered purchasing this book, there were two reviews available to influence my decision. One was quite negative and the other favorable. The negative one seemed a bit over-critical so I opted to buy. Sometimes I fail to show good sense.
We are novice rock hunters. Our first experience in using the info in the book was a site near our home. Neither the map of how to find the site, nor the narrative description of the location and the trail leading to it were anywhere close to accurate. The road number given was incorrect and you can trust me when I say it has not been changed since the book was written last year.
In short, this book does not contain enough detail to help the beginner find the sites described or locate the gems in their raw form. I would doubt that anyone beyond a beginner status could find any benefit from it.
Book Review: Easy to use
Summary: 4 Stars
Rockhouding is easy if the author uses the right words to direct you to the spot. This book had more information than any website. Wise investment for a traveler.Book Review: Incomplete
Summary: 2 Stars
If you want to search stream beds, this is the book for you. If you want to find the higher up burried stuff, this isn't.Book Review: A great field guide
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a well written guide to the essential rock locales in Washington. Most of the locations are family friendly and the maps / directions are easy to follow. I would recommend this to anyone interested in exploring the diversity of minerals in this state.
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