Hunting Pegmatites in a Kilt

**Dughlas mor** · 16th September 15, 08:30 PM

Nice to hear from you, Norm. It sounds like you have been having a good summer. If I was going rockhounding, I have to say that a kilt would probably not be my first choice in most circumstances, so kudos to you for pushing the limits. Let me know when you find a pegmatite full of nice fat tourmalines and beryls, and I`ll be there!!

**CMcG** · 18th September 15, 04:45 AM

Tobus lives in Texas, and also enjoys hiking in a utility kilt. He uses canvas gaiters to protect his legs and socks from the pricklies, which you might look into, Norm.

**Norm** · 20th September 15, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by Dughlas mor

Nice to hear from you, Norm. It sounds like you have been having a good summer. If I was going rockhounding, I have to say that a kilt would probably not be my first choice in most circumstances, so kudos to you for pushing the limits. Let me know when you find a pegmatite full of nice fat tourmalines and beryls, and I`ll be there!!

Thanks, Dughlas.... We found tourmalines, but they were needle thin and black. Not exactly facet grade material. I think gem tourmalines are unknown in Arizona. However, there IS gem aquamarine in the Sierrita mountains, southwest of Tucson. Haven't been there, haven't done that.
Bought some high socks to try and remedy the leg scratch issue. We'll see how that works...

**Dughlas mor** · 21st September 15, 08:01 AM

Sounds like fun, good luck.

**Michael Weatherhead** · 23rd October 15, 09:35 AM

Hey, Norm. First, I can't wait to wear my kilt on outdoor excursions, with our scouts, in my kilt. I'm recovering from back surgery, can't do much yet. Second, my heart is in the Bradshaws. My dad's family moved to Crown King, in the 50's, to work in a gold mine. Then, in the 60's, they all ended up in Bagdad, where there were jobs. When I grew up in Bagdad, my dad took us all over the Bradshaws. Driving the back rd from Prescott, to Crown King, on Senator Hwy, is one of AZ's most scenic drives. We've hiked, camped, and explored all over the area. We even met a guy, named Tommy Cleator, in the little town of Cleator (between I-17, and Crown King). Do you know the history of the switchback road, going up the mtn? It was an old rail line. The train would go forward for a stretch, go past the switchback, then back up the next part. It went forward, backward, forward, backward, all the way up the mtn.. Anyway, It's nice to hear about my favorite mtn range. Thanks.

**Norm** · 25th October 15, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by Michael Weatherhead

Hey, Norm. First, I can't wait to wear my kilt on outdoor excursions, with our scouts, in my kilt. I'm recovering from back surgery, can't do much yet. Second, my heart is in the Bradshaws. My dad's family moved to Crown King, in the 50's, to work in a gold mine. Then, in the 60's, they all ended up in Bagdad, where there were jobs. When I grew up in Bagdad, my dad took us all over the Bradshaws. Driving the back rd from Prescott, to Crown King, on Senator Hwy, is one of AZ's most scenic drives. We've hiked, camped, and explored all over the area. We even met a guy, named Tommy Cleator, in the little town of Cleator (between I-17, and Crown King). Do you know the history of the switchback road, going up the mtn? It was an old rail line. The train would go forward for a stretch, go past the switchback, then back up the next part. It went forward, backward, forward, backward, all the way up the mtn.. Anyway, It's nice to hear about my favorite mtn range. Thanks.

My friend that I was with whilst rock hunting told me about the railroad switchbacks and how they would back up and go forward to get up the mountain. If you like mica, that hiking trail is a wonderland; the ground shimmers and sparkles like gold with it. The kilt was awesome for the task but next time I am wearing high socks to avoid leg scratches by the cat claw bushes. Hope you get to do some kilted hiking before winter sets in. My wife and I drove to Phoenix yesterday and I wore my UT Kilts Black Watch tartan utility kilt. Got some good comments. One boy said "wow... a kilt! That is a Scottish thing!" Sharp little dude. He had no trouble knowing what it is. That particular kilt kind of sways and moves a lot nicer than the other utility kilts. Anyhow, hope you get to feeling better....