Aragonite and oolitic sand collectiom.
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URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=741
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Topic: Aragonite and oolitic sand collectiom.
Posted By: Jared
Subject: Aragonite and oolitic sand collectiom.
Date Posted: July 16 2003 at 1:42pm
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I'm in need of a bunch of rock and sand and after reading the discussions on this forum, I think it'll be worth my time to collect some Utah aragonite and oolitic sand. However, being in Logan it's a bit of a drive, around 150 miles one way. So I'd like a little advice before I go. First off does any one have directions on exactly how to get there? Also, once there, where is the best collection location? I've heard there are certain rocks to avoid, what exactly should I be looking for? Any advice would be appreciated ------------- Jared Neilsen Lehi, Utah |
Replies:
Posted By: peregrinus
Date Posted: July 16 2003 at 3:38pm
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i would be intrested in any info on these as well... thanxs ------------- In Clearfield Quantum mechanics the dreams stuff is made of. |
Posted By: Ryan Willden
Date Posted: July 17 2003 at 7:12am
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If you call me, I will give you directions to both. Another person to try would be Mark Peterson. My number is 801-824-4598 Ryan Willden |
Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: July 17 2003 at 7:34am
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Also, if anyone has a bunch of rock/sand that they're not using, it would help get me buy untill I have a chance to drive out there. Thanks ------------- Jared Neilsen Lehi, Utah |
Posted By: peregrinus
Date Posted: July 17 2003 at 9:44am
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Hey Ryan could you get the sand from one of the beaches on the island? do you know i only live a few miles from the lake. just wondering. brian
------------- In Clearfield Quantum mechanics the dreams stuff is made of. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: July 17 2003 at 10:09am
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Brad Adams and I are making a collecting trip within a week or so. I have a new 4x4 that I'm dieing to use. Anyone want to hop in the back seat? Call or email me at 801-296-1563 mailto:[email protected]">[email protected] Do a search on this message board and you will find lots of discussion regarding this. Note that those details of where to find it are somewhat outdated. The updated directions are as follows: For the sand take exit 184 Grantsville and go North for about ? miles until you get close to the South end of the mountain (called Stansbury Island) the stop sign is gone but a sign "Broken Arrow Salt" will lead you. About 1/4 mile to the west on the the south side of the road is a football field sized area where earthmoving machinery "stole" The rock is found all over, even on the slopes of Stansbury Island! We initially found it, thanks to Ed Lind an ex- WMAS member, just north of the Aragonite Exit, which is about 30 minutes past the sand exit (184). It can be found lying anywhere and is usually partially buried. Here is what it should look like:
Ed had it checked by his chemistry friends at BYU where he works. The evaulation was aragonite so with that basic info, we started using it and Mr. July Tank of the Month gets to show it off! See the recent posts under "Aragonite" for rock washing instructions. FYI - Exit 184 south is the direction to Sea Base, the fascinating location of our Annual WMAS BBQ. If you havn't seen it check out the natural salt water fish ponds http://www.seabase.net">www.seabase.net |
the Oolitic sand dunes! Fortunately, directly to the north of the road there is plenty of sand. Wash it in tap water 4 or 5 times until it's only slightly cloudy. For best results use 1 to 2 inches Oolitic with 1/2 to 1 inch CaribSea Special Reef Grade Aragonite on top.
Posted By: Brad A.
Date Posted: July 19 2003 at 9:52pm
| That is totally sweet rock! |
Posted By: Ryan Willden
Date Posted: July 19 2003 at 9:59pm
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Brian, I DO NOT, and repeat DO NOT recommend collecting the oolitic sand from anywhere but from where Mark gave directions. Doing so will surely compromise your tank, and it's inhabitants. If you don't want to make the drive, then buy some from the LFS, but I must emphasize again... please do not collect it from the beaches of the great salt lake. |
Posted By: peregrinus
Date Posted: July 19 2003 at 10:08pm
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ok thanks for letting me know. ------------- In Clearfield Quantum mechanics the dreams stuff is made of. |
Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: July 20 2003 at 8:57am
Quote: Originally posted by Ryan Willden on 19 July 2003Why? Have you or anyone you know used beach sand and had problems? ------------- Jon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing... |
Posted By: SSpargur
Date Posted: July 20 2003 at 10:16am
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I don't know about potential problems, but I have heard that it is illegal to collect the sand from the beaches on the island. ------------- Sean Spargur West Valley, UT |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: July 20 2003 at 1:11pm
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Perhaps this persons experience will help others that want to go exploring: -- Previous Private Message My reply: I'm very positive that rock you collected from a ravine on Stansbury Island is partly aragonite and will work okay because I've had no problems using less porous rock from out that way, but if you want the more porous stuff, I recommend looking for it around the I-80 Aragonite Exit. Many of the Utah Aragonite rocks that I've collected have a smooth river rock(s) cemented to the bottom. In half the cases a tap with a small hammer on the upper edge of the river rock while holding the entire rock in your other hand, will dislodge it from the prize. |
Posted By: waterboy55
Date Posted: July 20 2003 at 1:18pm
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This seams to be a very debated subject here on wmas. I recently converted over to a dsb of 6" and everything is doing very well I have some sensitive inverts that wouldnt tolerate any levels of copper and nothing has died it has been several weeks now still early maybe I would use caution also. I collected mine at salt air very near there after reading this article on RChttp://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=82289">http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=82289 I dont know if the guy who started this thread is on wmas or not but would be curious to know. I drove right to the collection site I have a f-350 4x4 with 35" tires though and I had a little fun getting there so I wouldnt try it with a car sand is very easy to get stuck in. I would like to hear some cons to the use of gsl sand according to dr ron it is very good sand I dont know what kind of tests he performed on the sand but he liked it. It may be illegal to take sand from the beach I dont know that for sure there are no signs indicating this. I didnt have a algae bloom and the sand settles very fast no sand storm and is very pleasant in texture and color imo. ------------- I love the smell of metal halides in the morning |
Posted By: RTaylor
Date Posted: July 20 2003 at 3:51pm
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Hey Mark, after striking out today, If you make your trip on a Sunday (my only day off) I would love to tag along. I have my own truck that I could just follow you with. THANX P.S. see post under "Location?"
------------- RT |
Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: July 21 2003 at 10:49am
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Mark, when you know when your next collection trip will be please let me know. I'd love to tag along. ------------- Jared Neilsen Lehi, Utah |
Posted By: peregrinus
Date Posted: July 21 2003 at 11:40am
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i would love to tag along as well. ------------- In Clearfield Quantum mechanics the dreams stuff is made of. |
Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: December 28 2004 at 7:30pm
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I live in Colroado Springs, CO. Is anybody planning to drive to my area (Denver, C Springs, Pueblo) anytime soon who can bring as much aragonite sand or rock as possible? I'd be willing to pay to help offset your cost. Dan |
Posted By: Will Spencer
Date Posted: December 29 2004 at 11:27am
| If memory serves correctly I believe that the sand on the beaches of Antelope Island was trucked in to make the beach so tourists would want to come. That is why it is illegal to remove it. That probably also means it is not the kind of sand you are looking for anyway. |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: December 29 2004 at 12:47pm
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Hey Dan. There are always people out collecting. But it may be cheaper and easier for you to drive out here with a truck, and have someone like Mark take you out. Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: Jamison
Date Posted: December 29 2004 at 12:50pm
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I'd love to get some Utah rock. Let me know if anyone is heading out anytime soon. If anyone has any smaller filler pieces or rubble for glueing frags, let me know. Thanks! Jamison ------------- Educate. Inspire. Conserve. http://[email protected] |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: December 29 2004 at 10:51pm
Jamison, I have plenty of it right now.  When are you going to stop by (Call the number below)
Dan, What are you willing to pay for shipping? What size tank is it going into? I need to make a road trip! 
Call me at the number below. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: December 30 2004 at 10:00am
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Where are you driving to? Dan |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: December 30 2004 at 12:42pm
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Your house! ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: December 30 2004 at 2:25pm
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Note: I was asking if anyone was already coming to Colorado for another reason. I could offset some of your cost if you were already coming here, but to pay for gas, lodging, etc. both ways would be more expensive than to buy at my LFS. Are you already coming through here? Dan |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: December 30 2004 at 2:45pm
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All I said is how much are you willing to pay for shipping. I was thinking of going for a long drive and if there was enough in it for me, I'd do it. I'm not saying that I'd need some sort of expense account! Sheesh! ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: December 30 2004 at 4:12pm
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Cool. This is why e-mail, etc. is not my favorite communication medium. Things get misinterpreted all the time. I guess the reimbursement would be relative to how much aragonite rock/coral and sand you were willing to bring. I may be able to get some other locals to pitch in to offset more of your expense. As a veteran of too many cross-USA drives, I just can't imagine anyone wanting to just get out and "go for a long drive". I think it's just over 600 miles each way. I actually considered driving back to my folks' place in Mich where Southdown Sand is still available at Home Depot for $7 per 50# (but not for long--Southdown/Cemex isn't receiving the sand anymore, thanks to the closure of the Caribbean island to mining. I called Southdown. The on-hand stock is all there ever will be). The problem is that it would still cost me 50 cents a pound that way, when gas, lodging and other expenses are accounted for, not to mention the 4-day round trip (I have a near-zero vacation balance). So anyway, let me know how much you think you could bring and what you want for it. Dan |
Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: December 30 2004 at 4:15pm
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I just can't imagine anyone wanting to just get out and "go for a long drive". I think it's just over 600 miles each way. Meet Mark... he's your huckleberry ------------- Jon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing... |
Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: December 30 2004 at 9:31pm
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Jon- well said. Adam ------------- Come to a meeting, they�re fun! |
Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: December 31 2004 at 8:54am
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I missed something there. What's a Huckleberry?
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Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: December 31 2004 at 6:13pm
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I missed something there. What's a Huckleberry? Ever see the movie Tombstone? I was just saying that if there is anyone around here that would drive some sand and rock 600 miles cross country, it's Mark Peterson ------------- Jon https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing... |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 01 2005 at 9:36am
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Yep, I'm willing to fill my Blazer with about 500 lbs. of sand and rock and drive it to Colorado Springs for $400 Cash C.O.D.
Whatayasay? I took a drive out there yesterday and there are some really sweet pieces just waiting for delivery if you give me a call at the number below. As usual, anyone can call and come pick up these pieces that are on my driveway and in the back of my Blazer. Sand too. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: January 02 2005 at 11:23am
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I'd be willing to go maybe $300 for a minimum of 1,000# of mixed rock and sand. Dan |
Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: January 03 2005 at 10:08am
Mark's a nice guy, but I don't think I'd be willing to shovel 1000 lbs of anything for $300. ------------- Jared Neilsen Lehi, Utah |
Crit21 wrote:Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 03 2005 at 10:56am
 ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
|
Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: January 03 2005 at 12:00pm
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Well, you said you needed "to go for a drive". I figured you meant it, and would be willing to offset some of your cost by delivering sand/rock. Most large pickups get ~15 mpg, which equates to about $150 over 1,200 miles. You'd come out way ahead on gas, as well as seeing some beautiful countryside. Never mind I guess. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 03 2005 at 1:18pm
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Maybe it's not just the drive to CO, but also the drive out west (150 miles round trip) and the time and effort to collect it off of the mountain and place it carefully in the vehicle so it doesn't break on the trip home. Did you think about that?
I almost drove to CA this weekend to visit the ocean but stopped at Lakeside and went collecting LBTR instead. 
If anyone needs free sand and LBTR including some sweet large pieces for a 100+ gal tank, call me rather than post or PM. Thanks. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: January 03 2005 at 1:48pm
| I give up. |
Posted By: jbruse
Date Posted: January 03 2005 at 2:26pm
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Hahaha to funny it would cost that much to get a load of topsoil and rocks for landscaping my yard and thats buying it just down the road from my house. ------------- -=J=- |
Posted By: Adam Haycock
Date Posted: January 03 2005 at 2:52pm
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1000 lbs of live rock shipped ; $3,000-7,000 1000 lbs of FL/HI aragonite shipped $1,000-2,000 1000 lbs of dry utah rock shipped $????-????
Dan, if you're looking for a cheap alternative to live rock that is reef safe, try hirocks.com http://www.hirocks.com/Our_Products.html - http://www.hirocks.com/Our_Products.html ------------- 
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Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: January 03 2005 at 3:21pm
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Well, I guess I'll just have to make do with the rock I have on hand for the moment. My 120g has at least 250# of live rock, 100# of which came from my 55g tank last month. Every square inch of the old rock that was exposed to light is 100% covered with beautiful coralline, mushrooms, leathers, polyps, featherdusters, etc. I guess I may have to drive to UT to find my own rock and sand if I want more. I'd ask y'all for the best locations that an average SUV can get to, but i don't think I can afford the directions. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 03 2005 at 3:57pm
And that would have been true a year ago when I was keeping the location pretty secret except to paid WMAS members. Since then we have discovered that it's all over the place in Utah. We collect most of it at Aragonite and Lakeside about an hour west of Salt Lake on I-80.
Truth is, less than a week before you posted, a WMAS member made a trip to Grand Junction. I don't know if you would have wanted to meet him there, but don't give up, someone might be going your way again. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Kevin
Date Posted: January 03 2005 at 4:03pm
| There have been directions posted all over this forum. Plus if you drove out here and went to a meeting mark would probably give you some (not 1000 pounds though). Often times members go out togeather to find some rock. If you were comming up and needed people to go with I am sure you could get people to go with you that want some rock for themselves and it seems that Mark usually heads up those expiditions (for free). If there wasn't anyone that was willing to go just bribe them with a coral frag or two. Trust me, Mark isn't trying to make money off of this stuff, its just that 1000 pounds is a heak of a lot of work, and Colorado Springs is a long drive. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 03 2005 at 4:19pm
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And looking at the size of those 1 ton "totes" on Hirocks.com (thanks BananaTropics) I would guess that I was planning to bring you a half ton of Utah sand & rock. I guess I just don't realize how fast it adds up to 1000 lbs.
Over the years, I must have personally collected more than four tons of sand and rock. Wow! ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: nick
Date Posted: January 06 2005 at 1:48am
| I would also like to tag along I have a four wheel drive, and room for any one willing to come along for the drive. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: January 06 2005 at 8:54am
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The reason my phone number is in my signature is twofold. First, to let anyone call for immediate help with their reef aquarium and second, to let people call to ask about rock and sand. I have plenty of both at my home/office which anyone can come get almost anytime. Just call to arrange a visit.
Oh and I have frags of soft corals 4 sale too. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: nick
Date Posted: January 06 2005 at 10:19am
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I will see you at the meeting. Hi thanks a lot Mark.Lunch on me. SAT OR SUN. |
Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: February 01 2005 at 5:05pm
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GRAND JUNCTION???!!! ARGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!
Dan ( mailto:[email protected] - [email protected] ) |
Yes, I'd have been willing to meet him halfway. If any of you plan to come to Colorado, give me a heads-up and I'll meet you halfway. I'll take all the Utah aragonite rock and sand you can haul. Let me know what you'd like in return for it.Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: February 01 2005 at 5:25pm
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If you really want to make this happen, you need to call me. I'll be inclined to help if I hear from you so that there is at least a voice to place with the posts. And this kind of thing will most likely have to come together quickly and that's best done by phone. When we hear of someone going that direction we might have to load them up within a few hours and be able to call you.
Prior to that we also need time to make the trip out to collect etc. I have at least 300 lbs of rock and sand at the side of my house right now. I can increase that easily (possibly this weekend) but I need to know that you are serious. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: February 01 2005 at 10:44pm
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Yes, I'm serious, but on Superbowl weekend? I'm in no particular rush, so if you have advance notice, email me at mailto:[email protected] - [email protected] .
Dan |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: February 03 2005 at 12:31pm
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Dan, you have email. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: February 03 2005 at 1:21pm
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Got it. reply sent. Thanks
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Posted By: Crit21
Date Posted: November 03 2005 at 9:42am
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Hi. Still looking for anyone who has existing plans to drive to Colorado, and is willing to bring a bunch of aragonite along (all you can drag along). I'd be willing to pay for what you bring. I'm not asking you to make a trip just to bring aragonite though. I can't afford to pay for an entire trip, but I can offset some of the cost you'd have incurred anyway. |