Hey Rick.
I am out of town and off the grid but I would like to post on the blog an experience I had this week. I will send you some pics for the post.
"Back to my Roots"
While I have seriously collected bottles for 40 years, it is very rewarding to have an experience that reminds me WHY I love bottles so much.
The title of this post has a double meaning. First the amazing history of bottles that I extracted from the ground, and the massive tree roots I had to deal with for this dig.
Got Roots?
While these pontiled bottles are not valuable in dollars, the incredible Gold Rush history is priceless.
While exploring an historic 1850s -60s area of heavy mining activity this week, I located a few square nails in the absolute middle if nowhere with my Garrett AT Pro. Not a building for 50 miles but this area at 6500 feet elevation is well known for it's history and importance in the early days. After determining the perimeter of the site, I gently probed the area in a grid pattern and determined the hard pan and strata. One spot was a bit softer and the probe sank 3 ft vs the 18" everywhere else. I began to dig the spot and almost immediately found small shards of a cathedral pickle, pottery and a few square nails........
A glovely little ink!
Then a green panel from a square as well as an aqua medicine top. Then a crude open pontil umbrella ink popped out! It is whittled and pristine glass! I was stunned to be holding this piece of history. After cutting, chopping and hacking more roots, I saw a huge topped spice sticking out. It came out perfect and undamaged. Next a free blown pontiled wine in perfect condition. The shallow pit was sparse but a nice china bowl came out also in perfect condition as well! As darkness and oppressive heat took their toll on me, I decided to finish the pit next time I go back which will be in a few weeks........... 
Now the gloves come off!
I love to collect the heavy glass but this little group of 1850s glass was more rewarding than any of the "mega bottles" I have handled. Dale M.
Whittle, Whittle, Whittle!
Ahhh....The Spoils
Great dig Dale. Its tough to find em' up in the High Country - rs -