What some Rock Hounds are saying about Uma and Dan’s Field Guides:
"As a teen, a dear friend and I found a cleaved marbled rock on a mountaintop on a retreat. We each kept half so that we’d always stay connected. I still have my half! I have always known in my bones and soul that rock energy holds us measly humans together. As a single newly retired lady, Uma and Dan’s rock quests gave me purpose and connection in the early pandemic days where my personal bedrock and foundation were disrupted. The Facebook group and rock finding challenge became a haven of fun and connection that I desperately craved. In fact, it literally rocked my world!"
—Priscilla Merrill, traveler, former nurse practitioner, and Rocks Patch Quest finisher #4
"Ultimately, these books are about family. Dan and Uma have created a rock quest to engage the immediate family (parents and their children) as well as folks defined as family by their common endeavor. Not only is the quest family fun, it’s also highly educational, and when education is fun, we can’t help but learn!"
—Don Soule, another father and Rocks Patch Quest finisher #12
"How fun was it to be merrily sent off on a state-wide quest to visit fascinating rocks by an engaging father and daughter team? This patch quest was a delight because it was so organic and relational, extending Dan and Uma’s love of exploration and discovery to a rock-hound community that now numbers over 2,000+ and who joyfully continue to share their fun discoveries with each other. Looking at rocks for me now is like looking at clouds and seeing all manner of fascinating objects. What a fun journey!"
—Dave Vroom, The Most Splendid and Valorous hiker and rock hound, and Rocks Patch Quest finisher #9
"I'm very thankful that Uma and Dan created the NH Rocks that Rock list! It came at a time when I was undergoing cancer treatment. As an avid hiker, it was hard to have to stop working on the big hiking list I was working on at the time, the New England 67. The rocks list was perfect for my limited ability during my treatment. I was able to explore areas of my state I've never been to before and learned a whole lot of history in the process. Whether one is young or young at heart, anyone can complete this fun list."
—Carrie Ann Gray, hiker, rock hound and Rocks Patch Quest finisher #5
