Rock hunting in Sioux Falls has become a pastime for me, full of laughter, pretty sights, and rocks (naturally). I didn’t fully understand just what I was getting myself into. It’s a dangerous addiction.
Sure, it starts off little by little. In the beginning, it’s a casual stroll through the park and if by happenstance you spot a rock, great. Soon you’re going to the park every day just to find one painted gem. You start to know it’s a problem when you see nothing on your hunt, and the “fun” part of hunting is replaced with disappointment. You start seeing posts on Facebook, of little ones finding two, three or even ten rocks in one visit and you covet their rocks. What a slippery slope indeed.
Rock hunting is not for the faint of heart. Some things are essential to know; however, rarely mentioned in this dangerous hobby.
1. Trees are not your friends.
Recently, while out hunting, I was checking all over the ground in the best of hiding spots, when all of a sudden a very friendly tree gave me a high five. I’m sure this tree had the best of intentions. However, the trees encouraging slap was far lower and without warning, I was given the gift of a high five to the face.
2. Beware of children.
These little buggers will rob you blind if you’re not careful. Soon they swarm your search area and put their hands all over everything. You search your purse for sanitizer and find nothing. You hope that whatever rock you might find will make up for the flu you catch finding it.
3. Danger: The addiction is growing and changing who you are.
You have started painting your very own rocks. Dr. Phil would be shaking his head at this. First, you were a user, and now you’re a distributor.
With a pang of pain, you leave a rock behind for others to find. Upon your next visit, you see that your little gem has indeed been discovered.
You quickly grab your phone and look to see who found your gem baby. Then you find the nothingness. Where’s Falcore when you need him?
4. You start recruiting.
Soon you find yourself convincing your children and husband to hunt with you. You tell them, “It’s fun!” What a cruel thing to do. However, addiction has brought you to this level.
I hope this post has enlightened you to the perils of becoming a rock addict, always searching for your next high.
Moral: Beware rock hunting.
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Article originally published/printed in the Argus Leader on Dec 4, 2017. It can now be found online at the Argus Leader, Published at 7:02 p.m. CT Dec. 3, 2017.
Photograph by the Author Christine Bofenkamp(my first painted rock creation in its new hiding place)
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