Now, your typical 90-mile trip is pretty doable, but the difference in this case is that the second half of the way (42 miles to be precise), literally, is nothing but dirt road — a good portion of that being of the washboard variety. That makes for a much-longer-than-you'd-expect journey.

The way out there took us about two and a half hours, and if it wasn't for a plethora of munchies, drinks and good music -- depending on whose opinion you ask -- I'm not sure that we would have made it. Once we arrived, though, we were glad we'd made the drive.

We were accompanied by my sister-in-law's family, who had been there before and knew where and what to look for -- which was a necessity for first-timers like us. We found lots of geodes, which made the trip even more worth it, took lots of pictures, and after an appetizing dinner of smashed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches — Why is it that the bottom of a youngster's foot is ALWAYS drawn directly to the bag of sandwiches? — we headed back home.

This is where the second half of the battle began. We knew what to expect as far as the road conditions after the drive out there, but what we didn't expect was a flat tire only 20 miles into the drive home — just as it was beginning to get dark and the wind was picking up.

Even more unexpected, since we were in a borrowed truck, was not being able to immediately find all of the parts to change the tire. It didn't help that we were out of cell phone range — negating a simple call to the truck's owner and a query of, "Say, where exactly do you keep the special key-adapter that allows you to lower the spare tire?" After much searching, about an hour in the dark with just one flashlight, temperatures dropping steadily and stomachs beginning to growl, the tire was changed and we were on our way once again.

Having to drive even slower with the spare on didn't help much, but we still had a good time. Just make sure you are prepared for anything if you decide to make the journey yourself. And bring lots of snacks!

If You Go
1. From I-15, take the Lehi Main Street exit.
2. Head east on SR 73 (Main Street) for 27 miles.
3. Turn left onto Route 66 (the only direction you can turn) and follow for 13 miles.
4. Turn south on SR 36.
5. After 1 mile, turn right onto the Pony Express Trail.
6. Once the paved road ends, you will follow the dirt road for 42 miles until you reach the Dugway Geode Beds.
7. Follow the roads until you find your "lucky spot." You can dig most anywhere, but we drove for over a mile before we found the main digging grounds.