[Rockhounds] New to the list, howdy!

[Joshua Stiff]

Hello fellow rockhounders!

As said in the subject line, I am new to the list so I thought I'd
introduce myself.  My name is Josh and I Iive in Missoula, Montana.
My fiancee, Cassi, and I have been amateur mineral collectors for a
few years, but rockhounds since we were old enough to play in the
dirt.  We are fortunate enough to live in Montana and both enjoy
rockhounding, so the weekends are just packed.  If anyone is out in
the Missoula area for vacation, or lives nearby and is interested, we
have great knowledge about collecting sites (mainly within a 2 hr
drive or 120 mile radius of Missoula).  We've been to collecting areas
all across the state, but most outside that 120 mi radius are those
you can find in the guides.  Still, it doesn't hurt to ask for advice
if you are unsure where you are going... Montana is huge to say the
least, and it helps to have directions to that spot some 20 miles up a
dirt road.

Cassi and I are headed south to the Challis, Idaho area over Labor Day
weekend to hit some spots in Lanny's guide.  Just curious if there are
any recommendations on places we should visit?  We found some nice
banded agate nodules around the Challis locale last year.  After
seeing how amazing the volcanics and canyons are in the area, we're
sure there are abundant specimens to be found if one had the time to
go prospecting.  I wish we had the time to do just that, but since its
only a weekend trip, any recommendations would be welcome :) Thanks!

A quick side note, for those planning a trip in Idaho, you can see
some of the most amazing geology/country in the US by driving the HW
93 loop from Challis, to Carey, to Sun Valley, to Stanley, and back to
Challis.  I'd say its at least 500 miles in total, but an awesome
drive, and more collecting sites then you could ever hope to visit.

Cheers,

Josh