Raft River Rockhounds, together with BC Lapidary Society, hosted Rendezvous 2012 on the Victoria Day weekend in the Sportsplex.
Rendezvous 2012 began with registration on the Friday afternoon, with approximately 170 people signing up. People came from all over B.C. and Alberta for the event.
Activities began Friday evening with a potluck dinner for members of the 36 clubs in B.C.
Early Saturday morning the field trips began with a trip to Dunn Creek and Dunn Lake Road, looking for geos and fossils. Wagon masters were Kyle McCracken, Elmer DeBock, Debbie Dixon and Michelle Hayes.
The second field trip started a little later and went to Birch Island and nearby mines in search of quartz, galena and drill core. Wagon masters were Gary Wolfer and Bob Slingsby.
The third field trip was to Eakin Creek with gold panning on Dan Arnold’s claim. Wagon masters were Dan Arnold and Fred Roach. Unfortunately the creek was too high due to the warm weather.
The fourth field trip was into beautiful Wells Gray Park (home of the waterfalls) and was called “Falls, Fossils and Volcanoes”. Wagon masters were Dave and Jan Cooper.
A mini show was held on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Participants included Sharon and Arn Hamelin with books, Kamerovich Originals from Calgary, Imperial Metals with information about its proposed Ruddock Creek Mine, and Lynsay McCracken with a photo layout she built for Raft River Rockhounds. The demonstrators and the display cases were well received.
Saturday evening finished off with a rock auction with help from Harley, Livia and Walt from the Richmond Club. Unfortunately, there was a power outage in the North Thompson Valley and so Walt moved it from the Sportsplex to outside.
Sunday morning started off with more field trips. Rendezvous participants then went on to a bucket raffle auction and dinner, which was held at Clearwater Valley Resort and KOA. It was a fabulous dinner buffet, thanks to Dave and Anna. Guest of honor was town councilor Barry Banford, who welcomed everyone to Clearwater.
A great breakfast at Clearwater Valley Resort and KOA on Monday morning finished the Rendezvous off.
The Raft River Rockhounds club is only two years old and members are very proud of what they accomplished with the contributions of many. Wagon masters Irene Roach, Marj Sunderman, and Joan Slingsby were at the Sportsplex for the whole weekend. All of the baking that was donated from the club and local businesses. District of Clearwater donated a portion of the rental of the Sportsplex, and staff worked the long weekend. The KOA gave great rates on camping.
Club members are now gearing up for their Canada Day Club Show, July 1. It is going to be a multicultural event, with a Spirit Bear village, numerous vendors, food from around the world, gold panning demonstrations, rock paintings, find the treasures, silent auction, live music and much more. To book a table or for more information, please call Fay 250-674-2700 or email raftriverrockhounds@gmail.com.
– Raft River Rockhounds