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The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 1
O x n a r d G e m & M i n e r a l S o c i e t y
The Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society is a nonprofit organization formed to increase our knowledge in geology, mineralogy and other such related fields in the earth sciences. We classify, cut, grind and polish rocks and minerals for our personal collections and to display at club shows. We learn from each other through club speakers, programs and monthly field trips. We cooperate with other clubs to encourage others to participate in our activity. The Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society is an affi l iate of the California Federation of Mineralogical Society and the American Federation of Mineralogical Society.
Membership Dues: Adults 18 and over, $15 year.Juniors, 12 to 17, $2 year. Pebble Pups up to age 12, free with paid adult.
Next General Meeting Held: November 5th, 7:30 PM Pebble Pups: 6:00 to 6:30 PM
Location: Oxnard Performing Arts Center
800 Hobson Way, (Thousand Oaks Room)Web Address: www.oxnardgem.com
Email Address: [email protected]
Mail: P. O. Box 246 Oxnard, CA 93032
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OGMS.Excursions
2013 OGMS
N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4Volume 52. Issue 11
Award Winning CFMS
The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 2
The OGMS Off i cers for 2014
Appointed Standing Committee Chairs
All Members are encouraged to submit
any articles or advertisements of your
interest.Remember it is your
newsletter too! Articles and Ads can be
submitted by email. The Deadline to submit will be the 20th of each
month.Brian Miller
-OGMS Editor
In This Months Issue...
President Adrian Ruiz 512-3383 [email protected]
1st Vice President (Programs) Kay Hara 525-7634 [email protected]
Co-2nd Vice President (Show)
Miriam Tetreault Cynthia Baumgarnter
642-5779 [email protected] [email protected]
Co-3rd Vice President (Field Trips)
Bob DriskellJohn CookCarolyn HoweLarry Knapton
485-2983 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Recording Secretary Laura Driskell 485-2983 [email protected]
Treasurer O P E N -----------------------------------------------
Corresponding Secretary Laura Driskell (Temp) 485-2983 [email protected]
Displays & Exhibits Brett Allen Johnson 822-3836 [email protected]
Editor The Rock Bag Brian Miller 509-0815 [email protected]
Education Director Donna Knapton 407-3968 [email protected]
Federation Director Louisa Carey (503) 309-6147 [email protected]
Historian Adrian Ruiz 512-3383 [email protected]
Hospitality Jo Martinez 701-1826 [email protected]
Librarian Lee Leighton 647-4594 [email protected]
Member-at-Large Jean pSmith 382-4592 [email protected]
Membership Carolyn Howe 486-1185 [email protected]
Parliamentarian Laura Driskell 485-2983 [email protected]
Pebble Pups Louisa Carey (503) 309-6147 [email protected]
Public Relationship Norb Tackman 647-2538 [email protected]
Refreshments Laura Driskell 485-2983 [email protected]
Scholarship Chair Kay Hara 525-7634 [email protected]
Sergeant-at-Arms Larry Knapton 407-3968 [email protected]
Ways & Means Jo Martinez 701-1826 [email protected]
Webmaster Stephanie Hagiwara 986-2006 [email protected]
www.mindat.org http://www.wixonjewelers.com/education/gemstones/gemstone-guide/#citrine
This bright shining gem has said to be a gift from the sun. The name Citrine, which is French for “lemon,” fits well with its color range of juicy lemon yellow to a bright orangey brown. Most people choose a Citrine based on their personal preference, but some of the most sought-after Citrine gemstones have a clear, radiant yellowish to brownish red color. In ancient times, Citrine was carried as a protection against snake venom and evil thoughts. Today, Citrine is known as the merchant’s stone and is associated with success and prosperity.
Page 3: The Minutes of October 1, General Meeting
Page 4: The Minutes of October 8, Board Meeting
Page 5: The Prez Sez & November 5th Program
Page 6: Calling all Pebble Pups & Educational Corner
Page 7: Show News & CFMS News
Page 8: The OGMS Book Corner
Page 9: Bench Tips for Jewelry Making By: Brad
Smith
Page 10: Upcoming Field Trips
Page 11: Upcoming Shows
Page 12: Camp ZZYZX Registration Form
The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 3
T h e M i n u t e s o f O c t o b e r 1 , G e n e r a l M e e t i n gCall to Order: 7:40 pm. Adrian Ruiz, presiding. Larry Knapton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Hospitality: Twenty-four members signed in, 8 Pebble Pups, 7 guests.
Minutes: Motion by Lee Leighton to accept September General Meeting minutes as published in Rock Bag. Motion seconded and passed.
Treasurer’s Report: We are solvent.
Correspondence: Show and field trip info on table, mail distributed to officers as needed.
Membership: We have 45 paid members, one new adult application tonight, two new Pebble Pups applied.
1st VP, Program: Tonight: Show Meeting, and Nominations. November: John Cook’s presentation on LaBrea Tar Pits, and Elections. December: Holiday Potluck, 6:30 PM, Ventura Room.
2nd VP, Show: Will be discussing show tonight during program.
3rd VP, Field Trips: Larry Knapton reports Bishop trip went well; collected at three sites for blue beryl, garnets, and ammonites. Despite some weather issues, everyone had fun. Upcoming field trips include: October 10-12, Searles Lake, Trona, Gem-O-Rama. October 17-19, Jade Cove. November 20-23 (weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving) Wiley’s Well.
Federation News: Louisa will not attend CFMS Board meeting, but let her know if she needs to forward any concerns there. Nominations for Rockhound of the Year are still open.
Classes: Hooking up equipment, need to get LiveScans done, lockouts done, Fire Marshall inspection.
Education: Preparing for the Gem show, will be sewing rock bags next weekend, stuffing with rocks following weekend.
Library: Books out for perusal, watch Rock Bag for next review.
Refreshments By: Miriam Tetreault and Donna Knapton. Thank you! November volunteer: Brian Miller.
Ways and Means: Door prizes out for guests.
Scholarships: Committee invited winners to attend OGMS Gem Show and December Holiday potluck.
Editor: October Rock Bags on table. Please get articles in by the 20th of the month for November issue.
Announcements: Board meeting next Wednesday, 7:30 PM., including Show meeting at 6:30 PM.
Old Business: None
New Business: Nominating Committee called and spoke to the following group of volunteers for elections next month:
Elected Officers – Adrian Ruiz, President; Adrian Ruiz, 1st VP (Programs); Brett Johnson, 2nd VP (Show); Bob Driskell, 3rd VP (Field Trips); Laura Driskell, Recording Secretary. Miriam Tetreault, Treasurer.
Appointed Officers – Laura Driskell, Corresponding Secretary. Brett Johnson, Displays and Exhibits; Brian Miller, Editor; Donna Knapton, Education Director; Louisa Carey, Federation Director; Adrian Ruiz, Historian; Laura Driskell, Hospitality; Lee Leighton, Librarian; Anne Pierce (volunteer at meeting), Member-at-large; Carolyn Howe, Membership; Norb Tackman, Public Relations; Laura Driskell, Parliamentarian; Laura Driskell, Refreshments; Bob Driskell, Sergeant-at-Arms; (open), Ways & Means; Stephanie Hagiwara, Webmaster; Kay Hara, Scholarship Chair; Louisa Carey, Pebble Pups.
Refreshment Break: T-Shirt sale.
Program: Gem Show November 1st and 2nd
Volunteers needed at Education Booth, and Kid’s Booth. Education booth will have Miner’s Dig, Dino-Dig, and rocks. Rock bags to be made and filled over the next two weeks. Sign up to bring cake or Jello salad, for Friday dinner. Food chair can use donations of lettuce for salads and sandwiches. Raffle tickets and T-shirts are printed and available for purchase now and at Hospitality Booth. Fill out case reservations and get them in by Oct. 15th.
Games booth has shark teeth and arrowheads, needs small plastic bags. Ron Wise and John Cook will bring trailer and silent auction materials to show on Thursday. Set up begins at 9 am Friday. Kay needs donations for raffle drawing case. Security for Friday night, Adrian and Lee Leighton. Security for Saturday night, Ray Q and Steve Grayson.
Adjournment: Nothing further to report, Adrian Ruiz adjourned meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Laura Driskell, Recording SecretaryOctober 14, 2014
Wulfenite & Smithsonite
The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 4
T h e M i n u t e s o f O c t o b e r 8 , B o a r d M e e t i n gOGMS October 2014 Show Meeting 6:30 p.m. Ventura Room, OPACC
Called to order 7:35 PM, by Chair, Miriam Tetreault.
Lee Leighton, Kid’s Booth: Tumblers are still working, some rocks are slabs, and some are getting oiled. Plenty of prizes for the wheel spin, etc. Random rocks in the bags for variety.
Kay Hara, Raffle Drawing: Need to fill in blanks on raffle form for the Attorney General office.
Cynthia Baumgartner, Demonstrators: The table numbers are set up, and Rob Sankovich requested another table. Miriam recommends that Cynthia collect the wholesale permits from each demo.
Laura Driskell, Food: Setting up early Friday morning. Will pick up the ingredients and save receipts.
Carolyn Howe, Plants: Has plenty of plants, but can use some pots. Miriam has extra pots. Brett has received donated plants from Joan Minster for the show.
Brett Johnson, Displays & Exhibits: Layout is finalized for the dealer room; so far, 45 cases with more coming in. Is working on the case gifts, need to laminate cards to attach the gifts to. Donna Knapton has laminator to use, he can try it.
Diane Cook, Show Treasurer: Need two crisp $50 bills for raffle prizes, and start-up money for the booths. Diane will take the City Business License renewal to the City. She will help Kay with the letters from the Attorney General. Ron Wise has requested that the trailer be lightened. Skirting and extension cords can be removed and stored at Durley shop.
Jo Martinez, Publicity: Posters and signs getting ready, radio and TV spots, and mailing letters for donations.
Brian Miller, Programs: Programs, will have membership applications on the back. Carolyn will bring her receipt book to the show.
Louisa Carey, Library displays: Getting displays and posters into the libraries.
Donna Knapton, Education: Rock bag construction on Saturday, October 11th. Needs a geologist to work with kids on geology books. Brett says Dick and Mary Pat Weber will attend and help.
Stephanie Hagiwara, Club Case: Will be setting up the club case and will put something in to publicize November’s meeting where John Cook will discuss The La Brea Tar Pits.
Discussion of whether first weekend should be reserved for show for 2015.
Miriam will reserve two weekends, penciled in, and we will make the dates definite by the end of the show.
Meeting Adjourned, 7:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Laura Driskell, Recording Secretary
Tourmaline Quartz & Lepidolite
Reminder! Board meetings for November and December will be on Thursday instead of Wednesday.
Thanks,Miriam T.
The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 5
T h e P r e z S e z
N o v e m b e r 5 t h P r o g r a m
John Cook will be giving a presentation all about the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits and the many great exhibits to be seen at the George C. Page Museum of La Brea Discoveries on L.A.'s Wilshire Boulevard, such as the hundreds of dire wolf skulls adorning one panel at the museum.
Diane Cook
Hello OGMS Members,
Its that time again folks, SHOW TIME! Its time to get out your box of goodies and think about what you are going to exhibit. Remember the show theme is Quartz so you may want to find that extra special Mineral to show off. We need max participation from all to help make this years Expo better than our last.
Adrian Ruiz - President
The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 6
C a l l i n g A l l P e b b l e P u p s
E d u c a t i o n a l C o r n e r
Rocks ROCK! Louisa Pebble Pups Coordinator
We will be making a mini mineral collection. We will be checking out some great new specimens and re-visiting some old favorites. Let’s explore the structure, the shape, and the color. Let’s see if we can find why gems take on certain characteristics. Come join us and have some fun!
Newcomers always welcome and never go home empty handed.
The meeting will be held in the Thousand Oaks room of the Oxnard Performing Arts Convention Center (800 Hobson Way, Oxnard) the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm
2013 OGMS
New findings hint at diamond deposits in AntarcticaScientists say they have discovered compelling evidence that diamonds exist in the icy mountains of Antarctica.The researchers have identified a type of rock in the permanently frozen region that is known to contain the precious stones.However recovering any Antarctic mineral resources for commercial purposes is currently forbidden.Diamonds are formed from pure carbon under extreme heat and pressure at depths of about 150km in the Earth's crust.
Ice under iceVolcanic eruptions bring the valuable crystals to the surface, usually preserved in another type of bluish rock called kimberlite.The presence of kimberlite has been a clue to significant deposits of diamonds in several parts of the world, including Africa, Siberia and Australia.Now researchers have, for the first time, found evidence of kimberlite in Antarctica.The team found three samples on the slopes of Mount Meredith in the northern Prince Charles Mountains.Diamonds are usually transported from deep within the earth in a rock with kimberlite
"The fact they are reporting Group One kimberlites is an important one as diamonds are more likely to be found in this style of kimberlite eruption," said Dr Teal Riley, a survey geologist with the British Antarctic Survey."However even amongst the Group One kimberlites, only 10% or so are economically viable, so it's still a big step to extrapolate this latest finding to any diamond mining activity in Antarctica."Even if diamonds were plentiful in this inhospitable region, there are still some significant legal barriers to their extraction.The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, added in 1991, explicitly bans any extraction activity relating to mineral resources, except for scientific purposes.However it is up for review in 2041 and could be subject to change."We do not know what the Treaty Parties' views will be on mining after 2041 or what technologies might exist that
could make extraction of Antarctic minerals economically viable," said Dr Kevin Hughes from the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research."An additional issue is that
nations outside the Protocol are not bound by its provisions, including the ban on mineral resource activities."
McGrath, Matt. "Diamond Clues under Antarctic Ice." BBC News. BBC, 17 Dec. 2013. Web. 26 Oct. 2014.
The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 7
S h o w N e w s
C F M S N e w sWEST NILE VIRUSBy Mark Nelson, Safety Chairman
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a concern for rock collectors during field trips and afterwards - as
we store our specimens. Knowledge of the causes and prevention of this illness can help us all enjoy our hobby more fully! WNV is a mosquito-borne disease that was originally found in Africa. In 1999, it was detected in the eastern United States. Since then the virus has spread throughout the United States and is well established in most states. WNV is spread by the bite of a mosquito that becomes a carrier ("vector") when it feeds on infected birds or squirrels. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite. California is experiencing an increase in the cases of this serious disease. In 2007 there were 380 cases in 51 counties, 445 in 2008 and 379 in 2013. For the first 8 months of 2014 there were already 375 reported cases in 38 counties and 15 deaths. In just the second week of September there were 65 cases reported! This is a statewide concern and so far this year cases of human illness have been reported in Butte, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Los Angeles, Madera, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tehama, Tulare, Yolo, and Yuba. This is truly something to be taken seriously. In my local newspaper an article reported the discovery of two Australian mosquitos in Southern California. Rock collectors are cautioned to take precautions now to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate standing water sources to break the mosquito life cycle. The CDC and the California Department of Public Health recommend the “4 D’s”:
DEET - Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 (according to label instructions) on exposed skin when you go outdoors. Repellants keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
DRESS - Wear clothing that reduces the risk of skin exposure to mosquito bites. Wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.DAWN AND DUSK - Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear repellent at this time. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.DRAIN - Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls. If you have a pond, use mosquito fish (available from your local mosquito and vector control agency) or commercially available products to eliminate mosquito larvae. The first three apply to us both at home and while on field trips. The fourth is of concern when storing rock specimens. A common way to store collected specimens prior to slabbing, carving or preparing them for display is in 5 gallon buckets or metal bins or tubs. When water is introduced into the containers by rain or irrigation it becomes a perfect breeding site for mosquitos. After reading this, check your own storage containers. Look for mosquito larvae darting around in the darkened water. Veteran collector Carolyn Duncan of the Pasadena Lapidary Society has a unique solution: Drill several 1⁄2" holes in the sides of the bucket, or container, near the bottom. In a plastic container this can be done with a 1⁄2" spade drill bit.By drilling into the sides you can set the container upright and not block the holes. Carolyn further advises a teaspoon of laundry bleach for those containers that are not suitable for drilling.
You can help track down the West Nile Virus by reporting all dead birds and squirrels, which often die as a result of the WNV infection. To find the WNV reporting agency for your state call the U.S. Center for Disease Control, which was the source of the information contained in this article, at (800) CDC-INFO (232-4636) or go online to www.cdc.gov/westnile.
I want to thank the membership and our guests for exhibiting at our annual show this year. We will have a great turn out of exhibits and displays. There will be many cases filled with Quartz, our 2014 show theme. I am excited to see what will be showcased. Also, I am excited to announce the addition of our Pebble Pup gang to the exhibiting list. Special thanks to Louisa for getting them signed up and helping them with their displays. One last bit of news, next year’s theme will be Pyrite. So, start thinking about how you are going to show off your shiny, golden treasures. Thanks again for exhibiting,
Brett Johnson - Exhibits Chair
The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 8
Hello OGMS,Please remember the following rules when checking out a book or a DVD:
1. You must be a current member with your dues paid, hopefully an active member.2. Up to three books or DVD’s that can be checked out at one time.3. Books & DVD’s can be checked out for one month at a time you check them
out at a meeting and bring them back the next following meeting. If you wish an extension, please arrange with the librarian.
4. Books or DVD’s must be brought back in good shape; any damage must be reported. If a book or DVD is lost, please make every effort to replace it or pay for it. Some books and DVD are very valuable.
5. If books or DVD’s are overdue a week, you will be called and reminded to return them.
6. If Any books or DVD’s you have that are relevant to our hobby and are fairly current, in good condition that you wish to donate to the library, it would be greatly appreciated.
T h e O G M S B o o k C o r n e r
Gem Cutting is a unique book. It helps guide the reader through every type of lapidary work. Each step is described in detail and illustrated with drawings and photographs. Pitfalls are pointed out, and wherever possible, alternate ways of doing the job are shown. For a craftworker, this book is full of hints on how to make homemade equipment, and how to take the money saving shortcuts.
Gem Cutting is for the beginners and the experts alike. It deals with the fundamentals and leads logically into techniques and projects which will challenge the most advanced cutter. There is a wealth of information for everyone.
Check out a book at the next meeting… There is something for everyone.
Lee Leighton, Librarian
Gem Cutting A Lapidary’s Manual
By: John Sinkankas
The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 9
Bench T ips for J ewelry Mak ing By : Brad Smith
SOURCE FOR PLASTIC
We often use plastic in our studios, like for a single part die or for a template. So it's handy to have a small supply along with the rest of your sheet, wire, copper and bronze. But we seldom think to buy and stock any plastic.
The plastics store I go to has a scrap bin out back where they give away small pieces and scraps. I usually opt for the 3/8 and 1/2 inch thicknesses for use as forming dies, but there's always a variety of sizes and colors to choose from including thin sheets that are good for templates.
You can find a shop with Google or the Yellow Pages. Next time you go to your local shop, it's worth asking to see if they have a scrap bin.
-----------------------------------------
SMALL PARTS CONTAINERS
I'm always on the lookout for small containers to use for holding those various little parts and tools we deal with in making jewelry, especially since I go back and forth to classes and workshops. My latest find are some plastic vials about 15 mm in diameter and 75 mm long. Best part is they are free.
The vials are used in hospitals and doctor's offices to draw blood samples. They must be thrown out after their expiration date. On my last doctors visit, I asked the nurse if they had any expired vials. She tried to give me 400 of them. We settled on 200.
The ones I have are called "Vacutainers,” but there are probably other brand names. They are sterile and made of clear plastic with a rubber stopper and a paper label all ready to write on. I find them really handy for small parts like jump rings, prong settings, small drills, nuts & bolts, faceted stones, and precious metal filings.
Also shown are some other handy containers - pill bottles, the old 35mm film cans, and metal breath mint boxes.
Get all 101 of Brad's bench tips in "Bench Tips for Jewelry Making" on Amazon!
http://amazon.com/dp/0988285800/
The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 10
U p c o m i n g F i e l d T r i p sLavic SidingNovember 8th 2014
Hosted by Carolyn Howe
We will entertain the idea of a second day, not sure as of this time.
This will be a full day+ trip to the area between Ludlow and Barstow, on Interstate 40. The roads require a high clearance sturdy vehicle, but 4 wheel drive should not be necessary. Anyone wishing to stay an extra day may be on
their own :)
We will be collecting fine quality Jasper and agate at two locations in the Lavic Siding area. There will be ample material to bring home, so be very discriminating with the material you keep :)
We will meet @ 8:15 at Rte 66 where it meets Hector Rd. At the overpass.
For overnight camping, exit Hector Road and go south to Rte 66. Turn left on 66 and follow it until it crosses back over I-40 about 8 miles east of the Hector exit. Once you get to this overpass, follow the dirt road, Lavic road 45 degrees right instead of crossing the Interstate. The dirt road will curve around to the south, and you will come upon a large camping area on the left hand side. There is no running water or facilities of any kind at this site, so be sure to come prepared.
For those who are Motel campers, there are several places to choose from in nearby Barstow, starting as low as $39.99 a night for 2 queen size beds. We stayed at Motel 6 on the March scouting trip and it was fine.
Keep in mind that it is late-fall, and the temperatures can top 80 degrees during the day, and can get very cold at night.
What to bring:- Rock pick - Collecting bag/buckets- Plenty of energy
The site is a good distance away from any fast food so remember to bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Good sturdy shoes- Maybe long sleeves as it is in the desert- Sunblock- Good coverage hat- Food & plenty of water!
Wiley’s Well November 20th-23rd. CGMC, Field Trip by Robert Sankovich, Chuck Borchart
A Consent and Assumption of Risk Waiver of Liability form must be signed upon arriving at the campsite.
TRIP LOCATION: The Wiley Well District is 10 miles southwest of Blythe, CA and is one of the most popular collecting areas on the Colorado Desert.WHEN: November 20th-23rd, 2014. LEADERS: Robert Sankovich. Chuck Borchart.Please notify us, if you plan on attending. Feel free to email or call us if you have any questions or need more information:Robert Sankovich [email protected] (805) 494-7734.Chuck Borchart, [email protected] (805) 551-9946.DIRECTIONS TO CAMPSITE: From the 10 Freeway, exit on Wiley Well Road and turn south from the freeway, 14 miles to camp. Around a mile or two down the road, the pavement will turn towards the right. Don’t follow that road; stay straight onto the dirt road. Stay on this dirt road past Fire Agate Mine and the Coon Hollow Rd. You will see CGMC Posts along the way to the campground. COLLECTING TRIPS: November 20th, 21th, and 22th. Open to all CGMC, OGMS, VGMS affiliated society members and their guests. Each day we will leave camp at 9:00am and return in the late afternoon. 22nd, Saturday when we will be back in time for our Potluck Dinner at 5:00 pm. Be sure to carry your lunch and water when we go to the collecting sites, we will not come back to camp during the day.20th, Thursday – Petrified Bay Laurel-Iron Wood by Colorado River, AZ we will meet at 9:30am Ehrenberg.21st, Friday, – Pebble Terrace, Fire Agate/Chalcedony. Psilomelane.22nd, Saturday, – Geode and Nodules Beds.VEHICLES: On the 21st, Friday 4-wheel drive vehicle “is” necessary to get to the Pebble Terrace and the Fire Agate . We will make arrangements for those without a 4-wheel drive to ride with those who do. On the 22nd Saturday trip, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is not a “must” for this trip, but is highly recommended. No low-clearance vehicles advised. These sites are remote, so bring food, water and all required supplies. The nearest stores are in Blythe, California.CAMPGROUNDS & FACILITIES: This is a dry camping area, no water, no services, no hookups, no toilets. There is a dump station at the rest stop at the Wiley Well exit off I-10; however, there is no potable water. Blythe has a free dump station and good water 2-blocks south of I-10 at the Lovkin Ave. exit. Blythe is also good place to get food, supplies, ice and gasoline. It is
approximately 25 miles from Blythe to the campsite. There are numerous good motels in Blythe with a wide range of rates. The closest town to the campsite is Palo Verde, approximately 16 miles through Coon Hollow and over the Mule Mtns. There is a convenience store (food, etc.), gasoline, a couple of restaurants and rock shop in Palo Verde, the road is okay for 4-wheel drive vehicles but not 2-wheel drive vehicle.SAFETY CONCERNS: Do not lick the rocks, use sun screen, when needed, stay away from rattlesnakes, use bug spray, be aware of flash floods, be extra careful, team up with a buddy and don't get lost.CLIMATE & WEATHER: We are planning on nice weather—sunny days; cool, clear, star filled nights. But remember it can rain and be windy this time of year so be prepared and plan ahead.MATERIALTO COLLECT: Fire agate, geodes and a large variety of miscellaneous fossils, limestone, jasper, petrified wood, agates and very old Stromatolites, Psilomelane, Black Agates, geodes and nodules.COLLECTING MATERIALS/Tools: There will be surface collecting and the use of sturdy bags will be all you need. However, if you plan on digging fire agates, you need hard rock tools, safety glasses, hat, hand sledge, gloves, buckets and chisels. It may be wise to carry a first aid kit. If you plan on digging for geodes, you need hard rock tools, as well as, picks, shovels, and I recommend a dust mask, as the volcanic ash may irritate your lungs. Sturdy bags, hard rock tools, safety glasses and gloves. It may be wise to carry a first-aid kit and sun tan lotion.CLOTHING: Wear clothing in layers as it can be very warm during the day and extremely cold at night. Bring extra jackets and blankets.DINNER Potluck: 22nd, Saturday 5:00 pm. 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 bring a food dish, salad, not to many desserts, we want to make sure we have food.REMINDER: Please help preserve our deserts and pack out what you pack in. Let’s leave it clean for future Rockhounds. All those attending the collecting trips will be required to fill out a Liability Waiver form.
Please let us know if you are going to go on the field trip, weather changes. If we don't know your going on the field trip, we won’t be able to contact you if the field trip is canceled. Even if you might not go, still contact me for the information and maps. Don't wait until the day before, sometimes I leave days before the field trip and I won't be able to reply to you. Rob has a White Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4x4 truck, with CGMC signs on it.
E-mail us for maps.
For more info contact CGMC Field Trip LeadersRobert Sankovich, [email protected] (805) 494-7734Chuck Borchart, [email protected] (805) 551-9946
The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 11
U p c o m i n g S h o w s f o r 2 0 1 4 November 1 - 2: CONCORD, CAContra Costa Mineral & Gem SocietyCentre Concord5298 Clayton Road (near Ygnacio Valley Rd).Hours: 10 - 5 dailyContact: Harry Nichandros, (925) 289-0454Email: [email protected]: www.ccmgs.org/gem_show
November 1 - 2: OXNARD, CAOxnard Gem & Mineral SocietyOxnard Performing Arts Center800 Hobson WayHours: Sat. 9 - 5; Sun. 10 - 4Contact: Miriam Tetreault, (805) 642-5779Email: [email protected]: www.oxnardgem.com
November 1 - 2: RIDGECREST, CAIndian Wells Gem & Mineral SocietyDesert Empire Fairgrounds520 S. Richmond RoadHours: 9 - 5 dailyContact: John DeRosa, (760) 375-7905Website: www.indianwells.weebly.com
November 8 - 9: ANAHEIM, CAAmerican Opal Society, Garden GroveThe Phoenix Club - Festhalle1340 S. Sanderson Ave.Hours: Sat 9 - 6; Sun 9 - 5Contact: Veronica Purpura, (714) 501-9959Email: [email protected]: www.opalsociety.org
November 8 - 9: SACRAMENTO, CASacramento Mineral SocietyScottish Rite Temple6151 H StreetHours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4Contact: Alyssa Mesiznger, (916) 205-4441Email:[email protected]: sacgemshow.com
November 8 - 9: YUBA CITY, CASutter Buttes Gem & Mineral SocietyYuba-Sutter Fairgrounds - Franklin Hall442 Franklin AvenueHours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 4Contact: Kartie Slightam, (530) 673-9649Email: [email protected]: www.sutterbuttes.net
November 14 - 16: EUREKA, CAHumboldt Gem & Mineral SocietyRedwood Acres Fairgrounds3750 Harris StreetHours: Fri 9 - 6, Sat 10 - 6, Sun 10 - 5Contact: Diana Reed, (707) 839-2079
November 15 - 16: APPLE VALLEY, CAValley Gem Gem & Mineral ClubVictor Valley Museum11873 Apple Valley RoadHours: Sat 9 - 5; Sun 9 - 4Contact: Cyndy Mandell, (760) 243-2330Email: [email protected]: www.vvgmc.org
November 22 - 23: SANTA CRUZ, CASanta Cruz Mineral & Gem SocietyWinter SaleLive Oak Grange Hall1900 – 17th AvenueHours: 10 - 5 dailyContact: Julia Cornblatt, (831) 687-0509Email: [email protected]: www.scmgs.org
December 12 - 14: RIALTO, CAOrange Belt Mineralogical SocietyAcross Street from Rialto City Hall105 South Palm AvenueHours: Sat 10 - 5; Sun 10 - 3Contact: Ken Gard or Jessica, (909) 887-5507 Shop (909) 381-0089Email: [email protected]: OBMSrocks.yolasite.com
The Rock Bag November 2014 Volume 52. Issue 11 Page 12