> I walk into the mostly dry creek bed > and shovel up a bucket at a time. Careful! Are you damaging wetlands? Or strip mining without a permit? (this was sarcasm) I get fine granite gravel/sand from a desert wash running through my property. It is excellent for plants in containers. I have to screen mine, though, through 1/4" / 10mm wire mesh. > there was a wonderful flush of golden chanterelle mushrooms too. When in school in San Francisco I would drive north and pick chanterelles to sell to French restaurants in the city. Leo Martin Phoenix Arizona USA