Winter at the Crater

 

By Margi Jenks

 

Winter can be a great time to visit the Crater if you come prepared. So far this late Fall and early Winter we have had some beautiful sunny and 50-60 degree days.  Temperatures at the end of this next week are again supposed to reach into the 60’s.  Coming to the Crater in the wintertime is especially nice for those who like to avoid the crowds, because our visitorship does slow down in the winter. 

 

If you decide to escape whatever nastiness winter is bringing to your area, here are a few things you might want to add to your plans.  Be sure to bring those outside clothes so you can bundle up, wear lots of layers, and perhaps even toss in your long-handled underwear.  Even if it is a bright and sunny day, any breeze will bring the temperatures down pretty fast.  But I have found that several layers keep me warm, and can be taken off when the temperatures climb in the afternoons.

 

Gloves are a must, but you might want to throw in a pair of rubber gloves that are big enough to wear over another pair of warm gloves.  We don’t heat the water in the wet sluicing water troughs, and some frosty mornings they do have thin layers of ice on their surfaces.  So, if you decide to do the wet sifting method, then you will be prepared if you have rubber gloves.  A waterproof jacket or a plastic apron will also help to keep your clothes dry while you work at the wet sluicing troughs.  Finally, throw in a thermos of cocoa or coffee, and you will be warm from the inside out.

 

Come on down!  Our regular winter hours are 8:00AM to 5:00PM, seven days a week.  We will be closed next Saturday, January 1^st.  But, we will always have a warm welcome waiting, even if the temperatures are chilly!

 

Search area last plowed:  October 15, 2010; Trenching began on October 13, 2010 to move the East Drain farther to the west

Most recent significant rain:  November 29, 2010 (1.58 inches)

Total diamonds found in 2010: 597

Diamonds registered for December 19 - December 25, 2010 (100 points = 1carat):

December 19  and 20- No diamonds registered

December 21 - Kaleigh Wren, Aberdeen, MS, 2 pt. white; Curt Bork, Arbela, MO, 2 pt. white, 7 pt. brown, 10 pt. white; Dianne Freiwald, Clinton Township, MI, 2 pt. white

December 22 - Eric Elkins and Crystal Burgett, Dayton, OH, 56 pt. brown

December 23 - Kenny and Melissa Oliver, Rosston, AR, 6 pt. white, 6 pt. white

December 24 - No diamonds registered

December 25 - Crater of Diamonds State Park closed