Thompson Falls 10:30 am B/2/14

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Thompson Falls is an out-of-the-way scenic little spot just north of the Smoky Quartz Mineral Site which is located in the woods north of Passaconaway Road. If you have hiked or biked on the Marshall Property, the area is to the west of this conservation site and is part of the National Forest.

For your "Fun Facts to Know and Tell" list, Smoky Quartz in the state gem of New Hampshire.

Meet at 10:30 am, ready to ride, at the parking lot at the old vacant IGA in Conway Village, the State Liquor Store Plaza. It is the lot next to Rockingham Electric Supply. This is a ride short in mileage, but it is interesting, well worth checking out the area and a good ride and short hike for a chilly day.

The ride will head out over the covered bridge, turn right and head to Passaconaway Road to High Street, a dirt road that leads eventually to the parking area for the trail to the Smokey Quartz Mineral Collecting Site. Depending on how much single track and walk-bike we want to do, we can opt either for the Mineral Site Trail (more walking, but interesting) or head down Forest Road 379 (more biking).  We will then ditch the bikes in the woods and walk the short loop trail to Thompson Falls (bikes not allowed in this section). On the way back we ride out the Marshall Property's easier trails back to West Side Road. Lots of options here!

BRING WALKING OR HIKING SHOES and bring a lock for the bikes if you have one.  I think a mountain bike is a good choice, gravel or hybrid also good choices. Skinny tires are NOT a good plan for this ride.

There will be only about 13 miles of biking and about 0.5 miles of hiking depending on the route choice. The forest is beautiful in this area,  the falls should have water flowing due to the rain we have had over the past few days. If you have not been in there, it will be worth the effort!!

Remember that a hike is required, so wear shoes that can bike and hike, or bring walking shoes to change into for the walk to the falls.

Info on the adventure:  https://www.conwaydailysun.com/outdoors/the-mysterious-thompson-falls/article_2c298d77-aa51-50cd-bc2f-080290ea7ddb.html

Here is the map:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37913580


So what's the big deal with Smokey Quartz??  Here you go:  https://www.energymuse.com/smoky-quartz-meaning

From witchipedia.com (not a typo)  http://www.witchipedia.com/mineral:smoky-quartz

"Smoky quartz is used to protect against all forms of bad luck and to enhance energy flow through the hands. It increases creativity and intuition and transforms depression and pessimistic thought into joy and optimism."

For the other side of the brain: http://www.quartzpage.de/smoky.html

What does it look like?  http://www.johnbetts-fineminerals.com/jhbnyc/mineralmuseum/gallery2.php?init=&loc=New+Hampshire

From an article in NH Magazine:
"What do these minerals look like in the field at a site like the Moat Mountain mineral site?
It is common to find smoky quartz crystals that are perfectly formed, shiny and smooth to the touch. Scan the ground and look for something dark and shiny. There is a good chance that you will find a smoky quartz that someone overlooked. Pick up and observe the rocks in the area. Even novice collectors should have no problem finding crystals. Do you see any small, dark pyramid-shaped crystals in the rock? If so, you have found a smoky quartz crystal."