Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Map to meeting place for next Field Trip

Below is a map to go with the previous post. You can double click picture to enlarge!


Next Field Trip...Information From Bob

Our December 7th Field Trip will be to the Chambless Area for Garnet in Epodite, Trilobites, and Petrified Algae and Chrysocolla. We will meet at Cadiz Road and Route 66 at 8AM local (California) time. This should take all day as there are several sites to visit. 4WD will be necessary for both sandy conditions and clearance. Everything is within walking distance of where we will park with float in all the areas so just bags to carry it out.

The change was necessary because I did not confirm the leader for the Artillery Mountains could make that day.

We will have a field trip planning meeting on Monday December 8th to lay out the remaining trips. Again in need some input as to where you would like to go.

Bob

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Photo from Burro Creek Nov 22


Too bad I didn't remember to take pictures when everyone was there and we were having lunch. Photo from Kathy Sporre! Thanks Kathy

Forwarded to me from Linda Chandler

Taken from LA Rocks

Hi Rocknuts,

For those attending the CFMS Wileys Well Thanksgiving outing....the weather situation is fluid (pun intended). While the week looks wet, different computer models show varying degrees of rain, mostly still staying under 50% with some showing as low as 20%. Temperatures still show in the low70s with 40s at night. This fluid situation may affect some outings which would be substituted with other sites in the area. We'll know on a day by day basis. This is because of some ravine crossings and intensity of rain. Mostly, forecasts on a daily basis show periods of wet followed by periods of dry. Total amounts should remain light however.

Dress accordingly. 4wd vehicles is always the preferred method and we will accommodate as best as possible. Towards the more popular geode beds this may still not be necessary. It will be an adventure.For those camping at the main camping area please follow the red OBMS signs/flags.What rain there is is a mixed blessing. Those familiar with the area know how easily dust blows. Rain may also make some specimens easier to spot.Be prepared and be cautious.

See you all there.Shep

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Field Trip Saturday Nov 22


We will meet at US Highway 93 and Burro Creek Crossing Road (which is on the east side of 93) at 8AM local time (7AM CA) on Saturday November 22, 2008. It is 8.8 miles south of Wikieup, which is the last chance for gas.

The campground is 17 miles south of Wikieup or 8.2 miles beyond Burro Creek Crossing Road.

If you have questions I can be reached at 928-768-7150 (Home) or 928-575-6488 (Cell).

Bob

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Linda just sent this (from Shep at LA Rocks)

Subject: [LA-Rocks] CFMS THANKSGIVING REMINDER

WHERE: Wiley Wells


WHEN: November 24th - 30th. There will be folks camping all week. Collecting trips: November 27th, 28th, and 29th

Open to all CFMS affiliated clubs members and their guests. Each day we will leave camp at 8:00 am and return in the late afternoon except on Thanksgiving Day when we will be back in time for our Feast at 2:00 pm.

27th - Pebble Terrace/Fire Agate.

28th - Paisley Agates, Black Agate and Nodules.

29th - Geode Beds. 4WD is not a "must" for this trip, but is highly recommended. No low clearance vehicles advised. 4WD "IS" necessary to get to the fire agate and Pebble Terrace. We will make arrangements for those without 4WD to ride with those who do. These sites are remote, so bring food, water, and all required supplies. The nearest stores are in Blythe, California.

DIRECTIONS: From the I-10 freeway, exit on Wiley Wells Road and turn south from the freeway, 14 miles to the camp. Around a mile or so down the road, the pavement will turn towards the right. Don't follow that road. Stay straight in the dirt road. Stay on this dirt road past the Fire Agate mine and Coon Hollow. You will see a sign for the Imperial County Line. The camp will be just past this sign on the right hand side. We will have O.B.M.S. (Orange Belt Mineralogical Society) field trip signs along the way to the campground. If you get lost call Adam at (909) 489- 4899.

MATERIAL: Fire agate, geodes and a large variety of miscellaneous fossils, limestone, jasper, petrified wood, agates and very old stromatolites. Also, we will search for paisley agate, black agate and nodules.

TOOLS: Sturdy bags, hard rock mining tools, safety glasses and gloves. It may be wise to carry a first aid kit. I also recommend a dust mask as the ash may irritate lungs.

CLOTHING: Wear clothing in layers as it can be very warm during the day and very cold at night. Bring extra blankets and jackets.

DINNER: Thanksgiving - 3:00 pm; O.B.M.S and C.F.M.S. will host a potluck dinner for all those willing to contribute. Please bring your own plates, utensils, drinks and chair. We welcome everyone.

If you plan to join us for dinner, here are the guidelines to follow: If your last name begins with A, E, I, M, or Q - please bring a main dish If it begins with B, F, J, N, R or V - please bring a starchy food If it begins with C, G, K, O, S, W, or X - please bring a vegetable or salad If it begins with D, H, L, P, T, Y or Z - please bring a desert

REMINDER: please help preserve our deserts and pack out what you pack in. Let's leave it clean for future Rockhounds. Please bring firewood if planning on campfires. All those attending the collecting trips will be required to sign a Liability Waiver form.

For further information please contact: Adam Dean@ 909-489-4899 or email at theagatehunter@verizon.net or Shep Koss @ 661-248-0411 or email at freudonetoo@yahoo.com

UPDATE: please be aware that many sites require long walks or hikes, notably the Thumb Peaks area will require up to a 5 mile round trip hike due to Wilderness designation.
__._,_.___

Next Club meeting


NEXT CLUB MEETING

Nov 17 at 6:00 p.m. PST

First Baptist Church
1421 Commercial St.
Mohave Valley, AZ

Usually 3rd Monday of each
month, Oct-May

BOARD MEETING
30 minutes before Club
meeting each month

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Great Field Trip












I understand...that five vehicles carrying twelve rock hounds went to the desert on Sunday and had an awesome time, snow and all! I haven't received photos yet, but will post upon their arrival.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Photos from Geode Cutting - Peddler's Fair

Today club members had a great time cutting the geodes that people purchased! As you can tell by the pictures, I was "behind" most the time, staying out of the way!













Quote Babara: Actually it looks like you are coming out of that truck and plan to "kick some butt."


Corinne More, Needles Gem and Mineral Club member, shows off some of the handcrafted items club members will be selling at the Peddlers' Fair this Saturday, Nov. 1. She is wearing an obsidian pendant wrapped in 14K gold; others are made with fire agate or petrified wood. More is also holding up a geode, mandela, and a wooden bead/tumbled stone necklace. Shoppers may pick out a geode and have it cut open for them at the booth. The annual fair will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 2020 J St. in Needles. MARJ DARIO/Needles Desert Star

Source: Column by NORMA MURRAY NEEDLES DESERT STAR-

Saturday Morning

Hope to see all of you at the Peddlers Fair today, where the rock club has a booth! Geodes which are cut and polished while you watch and many more items from our talented members.

Don't forget to go off Day Light Saving Time tonight! (Fall back, spring forward)

The November Issue of the Blue Agate Newsletter is available on the sidebar. Be sure to let Barbara Wiggins know how much you appreciate her hard work as editor!