The Herkimer Diamond Mines wasn't all that rewarding for me. You pay a fee and they give you a hammer ... then you go out into the hot sun and bust rocks for however long, and get to keep these little tiny gems (that aren't even really diamonds) for your efforts. I was there for a few hours, and the only "diamonds" I found were ones that were sitting on the ground, as if someone had dropped them there ... busting the rocks to find the hidden gems was WAY too strenuous. I was panting and out of breath within the first twenty minutes ... I'd say that I'm just out of shape, except that pretty much everyone there was having the same reaction I was. However, I must say that it's fantastic exercise, and it sure beats a walk around the block!
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