Brunton pocket compass, why they rock, gifts for students of geology and archeology

©Copyright LillyGrillzit all rights reserved 08.11.10

Before I entered Geology classes, you could say I already had rocks in my heart, and dirt in my veins. I have always been fascinated by the tiniest flecks of fossils, and awed by giant mountain formations. As a child I can recall imagining The Sierra Madre Mountains, and the Mojave places where Giants lay sleeping.

I had no idea that most rocks, and rock formations that we see sitting on the surface of the Earth got there by being pushed up. The pushing can be as gentle as each grain of sand, blowing into the air, flowing into the sea. Or as violent as a complete upheaval; tearing and ripping rock. In Central Arkansas we have Buzzard Mountain. It is an area that is layered with granites, shale's and chert's. The outcrops visible here are proof that the Ouachita Orogeny was in part affected by and created by extreme heat, pressure and sea water. Earth - The first Recycler.

The journey each rock has taken can be measured by it's relationship to the ground. The angle, and 'lean' of a Geologic Formation, is called "strike" and "dip". The Geologic Formation contains hundreds of clues as to its age, where it was 'born', and some of how it traveled to where it rests.

Geologists are the CSI of rocks, and rock or geologic formations. Geologists have been poking around the earth since the first caveman was picking out his first Igneous Bed. As men stopped being cavemen, they became more civilized. No longer finding it acceptable to club their women, they made reasons to leave home for extended periods...this was termed, "exploration." In order to 'prove' what they have been up to,and that they could find their way back, they began mapping where they had been. The first 'pictures' were drawings. Having no Ipod or Google Maps, they needed to show where they were in relation to the Sun, and other astronomical keys. And, they began to connect dots of where the continents were formed.

I am sure the most primitive "compass" was bulky and not so easy to use. Also, the first known compass could only show direction. (See Link - Ancient Compass - 2nd Century). This compass was made of a spoon-shaped pointer, set on a bronze plate. Technology has come a long way!

Today, if you have a Geologist, Rock Hound, Mountain Climber, or Outdoor Person in your life. You love them, but when it comes to gift giving and Holidays you draw a Blank on what to get for them. I will give you some good ideas. One "funny" saying amongst geologists, archaeologists and other scientific types is; "the only reason we have people in our photos is for scale". Okay, since I find that hilarious, you can safely assume, I am one of them.

Make this next holiday season or graduation gift something your outdoor person will Always Love You for ! I can assure you, if they receive one or more of these wonderful products, they will never forget you for it!

If you are a survivalist. Brunton offers many products and goodies to make sure you survive off the grid, and keep you 'on-line' when and if it all goes south. Enjoy!

Gotta Eat!

See where you will go tomorrow, Cook tonight.

Navigate the River

Many of us outdoor types like to stay out in the mountains, at a distant shore, or locked in a desert wonderland. The drawback, is being completely disconnected...

Brunton has answers, no wall outlet required - Pack it in!

Brunton is a leader in outdoor, off the grid and solar technology

 In 2009, I returned to University to start in Geology. It was not required, but recommended to purchase our own field equipment. These Earth Science professors, know their stuff, and have a lot of experience. I ordered my own Brunton Transit Compass and other items I LOVE.

The first day in the field, my Compass came loose from the Jacob's staff (holds the compass for measuring depth of Formations.), fell on the ground, and broke the little viewer piece. The professors, advised to send it in, they could fix it.

This was nothing the manufacturer did, It was my fault. They were unable to fix it. Partially due to the fact the University makes hefty purchases, but because of my dedication and love for geology, the Brunton Company replaced my Compass free of charge. Thanks Brunton. They are great quality, excellent customer service and the company has longevity! 2 Paws Up for Brunton.