Spring is coming — eventually. If you've been following along, you know we're a family-run amethyst mine tucked into the bush outside Thunder Bay, Ontario. And right now? There's still plenty of snow out there.
But that doesn't stop us from getting ready.
Still Deep in the Bush
I went on a journey a couple weekends back — way back beyond the mine site, deep into the bush. The photo below doesn't do it justice, but if you look closely, you can spot a windmill rising over the rugged landscape in the distance. And rugged doesn't even begin to describe it.
The snow was still around 4 feet deep in places. When I jumped off the snow machine, I sank right in. You learn quickly to stay on the travelled trail and not veer off — one wrong step and you're waist-deep in snow. The trails are quiet, the air is crisp, and the land out there is raw, beautiful, and full of potential.
There's something special about being out there in the off-season — it reminds you why you do this. It won't be long before the melt starts and we can get back to work in earnest.
The winds over the winter had taken part of the sign down and lots of snow at the gate.
Hand-Painted Billboards — Built From Scratch
One thing people might not realize is that our roadside billboard signs are completely hand-painted and hand-built — by us. No vinyl wraps, no print shop. We source the materials ourselves — 3/4" plywood and 1/2" fir plywood — cut out the letters by hand, paint everything, and put it all together.
Last week, I finished cutting and painting a full set of letters and replaced the 8' × 10' sign at the McKenzie location. It's a satisfying kind of work — physical, creative, and the results are right there on the highway for everyone to see.
Next up: we're working on replacing the letters at the Highway 61 sign, and we're also in the middle of refurbishing the sign at our main gate. These signs are part of our identity out here — they're how people find us, and we want them looking sharp heading into the new season.
Visit Us at Amethyst Country Rock & Gift Shop
While the mine gears up for the season, our shop — Amethyst Country Rock & Gift — is open year-round. We're open by chance or by appointment from November til April, then were 7 days a week the rest of the year so whether you're passing through Thunder Bay or planning a visit, we'd love to see you. Just reach out and we'll make it work.
We're also adding new products to the shop daily, so there's always something fresh to discover. It's the perfect place to browse our current selection of Thunder Bay amethyst and hand-picked complementary pieces before the new season's specimens arrive.
Ordering Products to Pair with Our Amethyst
We've been busy behind the scenes — sourcing and ordering complementary products to pair with our Thunder Bay amethyst this season. Think carefully curated pieces that enhance the natural beauty of the stone and make for meaningful gift sets and collections.
One thing we're especially proud of is the relationships behind the products. We work with amazing local suppliers that we've built trusted partnerships with year after year. We've also made some international connections over the years — relationships built on trust, transparency, and a shared passion for quality. We know where our products come from and, just as importantly, we know the people behind them. That matters to us, and we think it matters to you too.
We're excited to share what's coming this season. Stay tuned.
Maintaining the Equipment
Mining season doesn't just start — it's built. And keeping a mine running means keeping a lot of equipment in top shape — everything from chainsaws to excavators and everything in between.
I'm not a mechanic by trade, so this part of the job involves a lot of research — watching videos online, reading manuals, and making calls to mechanics to talk through what needs doing. Oil changes, filters, belts, hydraulics — the list is long. For the routine stuff, we handle it ourselves. For the tough jobs, that's where the professionals step in and we're grateful to have good mechanics we can count on.
It's unglamorous work, but it's what separates a good season from a great one. When you're deep in the bush and something breaks down, you want to know everything was looked after properly before you left.
Watching the Melt — Road Into the Mine
The other thing we're keeping a close eye on right now is the melt. Once conditions are right, we'll pick a day to plough the road into the mine — and that's when things really start to feel real. That road opening up is the signal that a new season is underway.
It takes patience. You can't rush the bush. But when the time is right, we'll be ready — and we couldn't be more excited for what's ahead.
What to Expect This Season
This season carries a special meaning for me personally. I recently officially retired after 35 years with the Carpenters Union — a career that took me from residential carpentry to fly-in northern projects building schools, nursing stations, and infrastructure, all the way through to industrial work in Power Generation, Mining and Paper Mills, It was a career I'm deeply proud of.
But here's the thing — even throughout all of those years, I was also learning amethyst mining alongside Carol and her father Doug. Long days, creative juggling, and a whole lot of passion kept both worlds going at the same time. Now, for the first time, I am fully dedicated to the mine and our shops — and I don't consider it work for a single moment. It's a passion. I love the outdoors, I love the variety of tasks it takes to keep everything running, and it's right up my alley.
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank Carpenters Union Local 1669, the contractors I had the privilege of working with — especially Skyway Canada — and every person I worked alongside, as well as the friends and family who supported me along the way. It's been an incredible journey, and this next chapter is just beginning.
We're heading into 2026 with more energy, more focus, and more excitement than ever. New specimens, new pairings, and the same commitment to bringing you the finest Thunder Bay amethyst — hand-mined, family-owned, and rooted in this land. We're always striving to enhance and improve all aspects of our business, and this season is no exception.
Follow along here and on our socials as the season unfolds. The bush is calling.