Editor, The Times:
I would like to thank the Wells Gray Outdoor Club for organizing and hosting the show provided by Chris Harris about the Motherstone Friday evening, Jan. 20. It was an outstanding show illustrating volcanic features across the province – Wells Gray, Chilcotin, Cariboo and Anaheim.
It was a professional presentation, both very informative and entertaining.
After the show, I was asked a number of questions. Here are two answers:
1. You can find small pieces of obsidian in amongst the small rocks along the rocky/sandy beaches of the west side of the Clearwater River and also up the Mahood River to April Falls. These would be golf ball size or smaller.
The Mahood River originates at Bonaparte Lake and flows to Horse Lake, then down to Mahood Lake, and then into the Clearwater River at the end of the River Road where the old logging road crossed the Mahood to go logging in the Spanish Lake area, which is also a volcano cluster.
The Clearwater River system actually contains Hobson Lake and at a point near the east end of Quesnel Lake, originates in one of the valleys, but is primarily fed by Hobson River which originates near the west side of the divide from the head waters of Thunder River.
So, from both areas, there is the opportunity for small pieces to be found.
2. The orange colored powder or dust in some of the slides is created by erosion of volcanic formations. In our area, it can easily be seen in the winter at the base of Helmcken Falls, on the south side of both the cone and the river, from the viewing platform, but you must be there at least a few days after the last snowfall, since it would otherwise be covered by fresh snow.
If you wish to hike in or fly over Ray Mountain in the summer, the whole ridge area consists of the magical orange rock/powder, and also is the home of the Pointed Stick Volcano.
Lots of opportunity to explore.
Many thanks to Chris Harris and Rita for the very informative and enjoyable evening.
Chuck Emery
Clearwater, B.C.