I recently had the awesome pleasure of taking a trip to Mount Ida, Arkansas with two great friends with the sole purpose of digging for Crystals.
It turns out that Mount Ida is the Quartz Crystal capital of the U.S. We arrived in Mount Ida on Sunday afternoon and for me, just the wonderful opportunity to get out of the city was like a B-12 shot. Where I live is highly populated and the movement and noise never stop.
So to be in an isolated area with a bubbling mountain brook running a few yards from the house we rented was truly a piece of heaven!
On Monday, we set off exploring and wound up on top of the mountain for our first dig. It was SO exciting to find even the tiniest glistening Crystal!
By noon, we were hungry and ready to explore more of the small town, so we came down off the mountain and after lunch, went into one of the shops that looked appealing. The folks were super nice and referred us to a place called Wegner’s outside of town. We had no idea what an awesome find that would be!
We were greeted by this 20 foot tall (or more) hand carved statue of Archangel Michael. Lightning had struck and killed the tree, so Richard Wegner (the owner) commissioned a man to carve this incredible work of art. The pictures DO NOT do it justice.
But, it was the table upon table of gems and minerals inside and out that took our breath away! This is a place I will return to often!
That evening, back at our rental, our good friend, Cactus Mike played some Flamenco music on his guitar.
The next day we went for some serious digging at the Sweet Surrender Mine.
It was hot sweaty work and we cooled off that evening in the creek. And, let me tell you, the water was COLD! So refreshing!
All too soon, it was over and we had to head back to the real world. It is most definitely a place I will revisit again and again. I think my grandchildren would have a blast digging in the dirt, so that needs to be on our agenda.
Thanks for taking this journey with me. Reconnecting with nature was good for my mind, body and soul!
Yes, Vashti! And when you go, make sure you go to Wegner’s!
Thanks for sharing your fun trip with us, Jan! I love crystals, so I’m going to have to put a trip to Mount Ida, Arkansas on my “Bucket List” for sure. <3 xo
You were only about two and a half hours from me! When we first moved to Arkansas, we talked about taking the kids there, but somehow, we never made it happen. It looks like so much fun, though. And that carving is gorgeous. Seems like you had a fabulous time!
Oh wow, Staci! The next time I go back, we’ll have to get together for coffee! It would be a great place to take kiddos, but it’s also a great getaway for adults! 🙂
That would be so much fun!
Wow! What a fabulous trip! Jan, I would love doing this. From the time I was a kid I have been fascinated by rocks, polished stones and crystals. I had a collection when I was a kid and still glom onto a anything remotely similar today. The peaceful setting, that awesome caving of St. Michael, and communing with nature all resonate with my soul. Thanks for sharing such an amazing time!
It was such a wonderful time, Mae! I didn’t know how badly I needed to get out of the city and reconnect with nature until I was there. I too have collected rocks since I can remember. I have Crystals and Gemstones all over the house and use them for energy, clearing and creativity. I can’t wait for the next trip to Mt. Ida! Thanks so much for stopping by.
What a lovely post Jan! Thank you for taking us along through your pictorial illustration of the place. Friends and nature – a superb combination!
I couldn’t agree more, Balroop! Thanks for stopping by!
What a super trip, Jan. I got a feeling that it was quite a thrill to find a treasure in the ground. Thanks for sharing your trip.
Yes, it was, John! Thanks for stopping by!
What fun! I have never dug for crystals, however there is something special about being the first one to feel that energy. Good for you!!
YES, Annette! That is the feeling exactly. Thanks SO much for stopping by!
It was totally awesome, Denise! Thanks for stopping by. YES! That one Crystal is a perfect meditation tool!
What a perfect trip…nature and rocks. I’ve never been but I’m always looking for that special rock–I have quite a collection:) You have some beauties. The one is a perfect meditation crystal! The statue was amazingly beautiful. So mant great pictures and you looked like you had a blast. Thanks for sharing this experience, Jan!
Looks like a great trip. Isn’t there an actual diamond mine there too?
Yes. Just a few miles east and south. When my girls were little, we took them there one summer and they had a blast!
Beautiful and interesting post. I love your photos both of the dig, the crystals and
the fantastic statue made of the tree.
It is indeed a wonder to get away from noise to a place where it feels that the silence speaks.
If you listen carefully. 😊 .
You must have felt excited finding your own crystals. Something new to treasure at home.
miriam
Oh my goodness, Miriam! That first day of digging, I squealed over every tiny find! And reconnecting with nature now and then is vital for me! Thank you SO much for stopping by and leaving such a poetic comment!
Jan- it looks like you & Kay had a blast. What a fun trip. Thank you for sharing. We’ve talked about going to Arkansas and digging before but never have gone. Maybe someday soon. I also want to send my condolences to you and your family. Linda told me about your cousin Sarah’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you both. I Love both of you sweet Ladies.
Thank you, Tonya, for the sweet words. Yes, you and Rob should plan a trip to dig for Crystals! But, not in the summer. It would be miserable hot. Love you!
I’ve heard about Mt. Ida, but I haven’t visited – yet. It was so fun accompanying you, Jan. I love your smiles and discoveries. Big hugs!! ♥
Thanks for stopping by, Gwen! YES! If you ever have a chance to visit, don’t miss Wegner’s!
Jan, what an amazing trip! It looks like a lot of fun hunting for crystals… and as you say just the chance to reconnect with nature. Wow! The tree statue is stunning and what a gift to the town after the lightening strike. As for the tables of crystals – astonishing and I bet you spent a long while looking at these. Thank you so much for sharing your special break! A joy of a post! 😀
Thank you for enjoying the break with me through this post, Annika! It was wonderful and I’m ready to go back!