Family Time – Quest for Dobe Diamonds

It all started in mid winter, when finally the winds stopped blowing and the threat of snow was far from happening. Our family suffered from a bad case of cabin fever.

Living 60 miles from the closest small city and over 100+ miles from any major city, we decided to go out and explore the countryside. Although my youngest, age 3, was excited about going anywhere, my 11 year old was skeptical. Both my husband and myself had it in our minds to just enjoy the calm day. We decided to head up to Judith Mountain to find a little known rock called the “Dobe” Diamond.

The road up starts out paved and ends up as deeply pitted dirt was a bit daunting.  Its still early and the sun hasn’t melted all of the snow. The snow that has melted turned the dirt into some monstrous mud-holes.  Traversing fallen trees and scouring the roadside on the way up, we finally found a spot littered with Dobe Diamonds. It was just a few hundred yards from the mountains’ peak on a steep slope where the road widens.

Everyone poured out of my husbands 4wd truck and started our daunting climb through the rock and rubble.  Our dog, Haus, had no problem and continued his everlasting quest to protect us from anything that may move.  Dobe Diamonds, in the rough, appear to just pop out of the earth. They lay on top of sand and sedimentary rock.  I found a complete specimen and the challenge was on.  These rocks are six sided and literally diamond shaped, with a wider middle. Dobe Diamonds are often a smoky gray color, but can be found in other colors.  We found handfuls at a time and compared them to each others. We were on a quest that we had not intentionally started. For the next four hours, we razzed each other and laughed. When all was said and done, we had collected nearly 10 pounds worth of Dobe Diamonds.

On our journey back home we were a little worn, yet we were so excited about our finds. We talked about all of the slips and slides we incurred on our quest for the biggest Dobe Diamond.  Nothing but smiles all around!

For the last two weeks we have been cleaning and polishing the dobe diamonds to find their true form and brilliance.  We still have no idea what it really is, but what does it matter?

It warmed my heart to see us all so happy and content with one another. From that point forward, we were in agreement to continue our outdoor quests.  For only the cost of gas we enjoyed each other’s company. I am basking in the closeness it has brought to my family.