My fairburn addiction
In 2001, my good friend invited me to Fairburn to do some rock hunting. I jumped at the opportunity, as I have always liked rocks.
We parked at the gate and walked the narrow road that led into the rock beds. I seen there was serious rock hunting to do when we came onto the massive rock beds before us. At that time I had no idea what I was looking for and for a long time after that and several more rock hunting trips I still did not know what I was looking for. I picked up plenty of pretty rocks and have acquired wonderful rock beds at home. None of course are what I eventually grew to know as the fairburn agate. Then came the prairie agates and I acquired many of those as well to add to the rock beds at home. I was getting close and more determine!
Like most new rock hounds curious to find the perfect rock bed and to learn more about fairburn agates, I went to the Black Hills Institute, the School of Mines, bought Roger’s book, Tom’s poster, attended rock shows, and even bought a bunch of ebay fairburns just to embed the picture of the fairburn in my mind so I would know what I was looking for.
A lot has happened since then. I found my first real beauty almost two years after that first hunting trip. That convinced me it is possible to find these elusive gems and was even more determined to find them. I became a fairburn addict. When I found the agate all that I saw was an eye. The rest of the agate was buried. Another lesson I learned that day was these agates usually are not sitting out in the open waiting to be picked up! A keen eye is required.
I have tried just about everything to become a successful rockhound. Carrying heavy loads of pretty rocks back to the truck came to an end. Trying to break rocks came to an end when I found out the hard way how flying rock chips can harm you. Carrying heavy one gallon pump sprayers came to an end as well. Now hunting light and keeping my eyes open is just about all I need.
For years of living next door to the badlands I have grown to love and respect them as this addiction not only opened my eyes to their beauty but it has also made me realize how powerful they are and not to be taken for granted. Sudden thunderstorms and tricky roads that might change from one day to the next can get you into alot of trouble. They are truly an artwork of our Mother Earth and are constantly transforming.
I have learned much from many of my rock hunting friends. My nephews - Shon, Mike, Troy, Lance and the other Lakota fairburn collectors have taught me that hunting fairburns is not an easy find, but one that takes time and a lot of patience. It was Shon and Troy who thought a website would give us an opportunity to show some of our agates. Since I also like to build websites, photography, and graphic design - we started Lakota Fairburn. It is a hobby site that we want to share with anyone who shares our common interest in fairburns.
Since the website was launched, I have also come to realize that there are many of us who enjoy rockhunting. I have met many wonderful people through this website and attending the rock shows and want to thank all of them for sharing their collections and finds, supporting the Lakota Fairburn rock hounds with all the positive comments made since we launched the site, and making the past few years an experience of learning, making friends and enjoying this addiction