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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
February 2000.
Table of Contents.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Final preparations are underway for our annual Gem & Mineral show, "Artistry from Nature" to be held on March 4th & 5th, 2000 at Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds. The VGMS needs help from you, your family and friends for the numerous tasks and activities before, during and after the show. Jay Baumler, Show Chairman, is coordinating efforts for this event. Set-up will begin on Thursday, March 2nd. Our general meeting on Wednesday, February 23rd will focus on the mineral show. Please plan on attending.
We are in need of donations for the "Country Store" booth and plants for the "Plant" booth at the show. Shirley Layton will be managing items for the Country Store while Susan Mulqueen will be managing the Plant booth. Nancy Jioras is Exhibitor Chairperson and wants all members to consider entering an exhibit. Please call her if you wish to enter an exhibit and have not yet completed an Exhibitors form.
Don't forget that our meeting on Wednesday, February 23rd, will be held at our new location at the Lexington in Ventura. Our first meeting at the new location went well. Overall, I received good comments regarding the new facilities. If you have some comments or concerns about our new locality, please express them at our meeting or call me by phone.
Susan Mulqueen has assumed the duties of Hostess which involves preparing coffee, punch, etc. for our meetings. She is always looking for volunteers to provide cookies, cake, pie or other surprises. Please call Susan and let her know if you can bring a desert. Susan is also interested in finding a volunteer who will take over the duties of Hostess.
Success is measured by the sum total of all effort given by good people for a common cause. Please play an active role in the success of our Mineral Show, "Artistry from Nature".
Steve Mulqueen,
President.
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PROGRAM FOR FEBRUARY 23, 2000.
1) Show & Tell: Traditionally those who go to the big shows in Quartzsite and/or Tucson share stories and bring some of their goodies to show others. Please, those of you who did go - share the experience with those who were not able to go.
2) Final March Show Planning Session: After hearing about Quartzsite and Tucson it is a good time to build on that excitement and to work on our own show. The VGMS show is the 4th and 5th of March. Work with the Show Committee as to how you want to participate/help. With some advance planning we can reduce the stress on everyone.
Kathryn Davis,
Program Chairman.
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YEAR 2000 DUES ARE DUE!
It's that time of year again! So slide that check into the mail or even better hand deliver it to Sharon Cunningham at our next general meeting! Sharon Cunningham at 42 Sycamore Rd., Oakview, CA. 93022.
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DONATION AWARDS NEEDED!
Clint Berkheiser has had to step down from the job of Donation Awards Chair due to family illness. We were, therefore, unable to obtain the prizes for the show case at Quartzsite this year. If you have anything you would be willing to donate to the case please contact Inez Shakman at 642-4957. Items that seem to attract attention and sales of tickets are showy mineral and fossil specimens, handmade jewelry, small antiques, bookends and other lapidary creations, handcrafts, books that are like new, etc.
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MEMORIES NEEDED.
Sharlyne Holloway and Valli Davis are putting together a memorial to VGMS members who have passed away. Please bring photos of your loved one or friend and a brief biography including their contributions to the club so they can be placed on the memorial board at our show.
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ATTENTION - ATTENTION - ATTENTION.
We are in need of many items for the Country Store and the planning of your plants for the Plant Booth. Now that the holidays are over and everyone is home (more or less) it is a good time to do that closet, garage, basement cleaning and come up with many good Country Store items. The other good source is all those Christmas gifts that you don't know what to do with. No one would know if they appeared at the Country Store! Also all the gifts you love are probably replacing something that would be perfect for the Country Store. If you go to a garage sale, ask if they would like to donate their leftovers!
Our supply is VERY short so far this year, so please check it out and give me a call. You can bring them to the meetings, the board meetings at the museum or to the workshops at the museum. If you need them picked up, give me a call at 642-2683 and leave a message. I will get back to you and we will plan a time. The Country Store/Plant Booth is our biggest income source at the show, so please HELP out. Thanks and we will look forward to hearing from you! Happy New Year.
Shirley Layton,
Country Store Chairperson.
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SHOW EXHIBITORS.
I'd like to encourage each of our members to enter a display case in our March show. Entering a case is not only easy, it's fun! If you need help with your case please call me and I'll either help you myself or help you tap into a real wealth of knowledge and experience in our membership. You don't even need your own case.
A suggestion for newer members: If you don't have a lot of goodies to exhibit this year why not join in with others in your same position and enter a joint case? The goal is to have fun and show the public what we do. THERE IS NO JUDGING INVOLVED IN A CLUB SHOW.
If you are planning to put in a case at our show please fill out an Exhibitor's Form to help me keep my records straight.
Nancy Jioras,
613 S. La Luna Ave.,
Ojai, CA. 93023,
(805) 646-7184.
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DEFINITIONS.
Cabochon - to cut and polish a stone or mineral in convex form (as opposed to faceting).
Cobbing - the act of chipping rock with a hammer.
Chatoyant - (cat's eye) changeable luster or color with an undulating narrow band of white light caused by fibers in the stone.
Adularenscence - play of color in transparent or translucent stone due to layers in the material (such as moonstone).
Sciller affect - a bronzy iridescent luster or play of color in stone.
Contributed by:
Greg Davis.
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2000 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.
FEBRUARY 18-27; INDIO, CA - San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society, Riverside County National Date Festival, Gem & Mineral Building, 46-350 Arabia, Hours: 10-10 each day, Don Grisham (909)845-1978.
FEBRUARY 19-20; STOCKTON, CA - Stockton Lapidary & Mineral Club, Scottish Rite Temple, 33 W. Alpine Ave., Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Jim Dunlap (209)478-0747.
FEBRUARY 26-27; NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA - Del Air Rockhounds/Sierra Pelona Rock Club / Woodland Hills Rockchippers, Valley Plaza Recreation Center, 12240 Archwood Street, Hours: 10-5 both days, Web Site: http://www.sites.netscape.net/.
FEBRUARY 26-27; SAN JOSE, CA - Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Rd. Hours: Sat. 10-6: Sun. 10-5, Mark Wartenberg (650)568-6114, http://www.slip.net/~ccox/scvgms/.
MARCH 3-12; IMPERIAL, CA - Imperial Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Gem & Mineral Building, California Midwinter Fair & Fiesta Grounds, 200 East 2nd, Hours: Fri. 12-10; Sat. & Sun. 10-10; Mon. - Thurs. 4-10, Jim Strain (760)356-2361.
MARCH 3-5; HAYWARD, CA - Mineral & Gem Society of Castro Valley, Centennial Hall, 22292 Foothill Blvd., Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Tom Ford (510)792-2223.
MARCH 3-5; PHOENIX, AZ - Maricopa Lapidary Society, Wild Horse Domes Event Center, Wild Horse Pass Road & 48th St. (off interstate 10), Hours: Fri. & Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Doug Duffy (602)973-4291.
MARCH 4-5; ARCADIA, CA - Monrovia Rockhounds, Inc., Arboretum of LA County at Ayers Hall, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Hours: 9-4:30 both days, Mark Carney (626)303-6355.
MARCH 4-5; VENTURA, CA - Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Seaside Park (Ventura County Fairgrounds), 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4, Jay Baumler (661)242-8428.
MARCH 11-12; SAN MARINO, CA - Pasadena Lapidary Society, San Marino Masonic Temple, 3130 Huntington Drive, Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Alex Sergienko (323)258-1394.
MARCH 11-12; TURLOCK, CA - The Mother Lode Mineral Society, Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, Fulkerth Road, Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, Bud McMillin (209)524-3494, Ted Magee (209)571-3185.
MARCH 18-19; VALLEJO. CA - Vallejo Gem & Mineral Society. Inc., 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Hours: 10-5 both days, Dolores (Laylie) Mack (707)644-3035.
MARCH 25-26; LA HABRA, CA - North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society, La Habra Clubhouse, 200 W. Greenwood, Hours: 10-5 both days, Don Ogden (909)589-2456, donogden@aol.com.
MARCH 25-26; SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Mineral & Gem Society, Spanish Village & Balboa Park, Al Bahr Shrine, 5440 Kearney Mesa Rd., Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5, C. Everly, PO Box 208, Sun City. CA. 92586.
APRIL 1-2 ANGELS CAMP, CA - Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society, Calaveras County Fairgrounds, Hours: 10-5 both days, Earl Klein (510) 632-9373.
APRIL 1-2 TORRANCE, CA - South Bay Lapidary & Mineral Society, Torrance Recreation Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd., Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5, Leslie Neff/Larry Hoskins, (310) 318-2170.
APRIL 8 ESCONDIDO, CA - Palomar Gem & Mineral Club, Inc., Redwood Senior Center, 13th Avenue & Redwood Street, Hours: 9-6, Don Parsley (760) 745-6181.
APRIL 8-9 HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA - Puente Hills Gem & Mineral Club, Inc., Steinmetz Park, 1545 S Stimson Ave., Hours: Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4, (909) 594-6177.
APRIL 8-9 PARADISE, CA - Paradise Gem & Mineral Club, Veterans Memorial Hall, Elliot & Skyway, Hours: Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4, Charlie Brouse (530) 877-9266.
APRIL 14-16 LAS VEGAS, NV - Las Vegas Gem Club, Henderson Convention Center, 200 Water St. (About 5 miles east of Vegas off Hwy 93/95), Hours: Fri 12-6, Sat 10-6 Sun 10-4:30, Jerry or Lynne (702) 597-5104.
APRIL 15-16 BORON, CA - The Mojave Mineralogical Society, Inc., Boron High School - Multi-purpose Room, Hours: Sat 9-6, Sun 9-4.
APRIL 29-30 SANTA CRUZ, CA - Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Corner of Center & Church Streets, Hours: 10-5 both days, Pat Clarke (831) 479-8759.
MAY 6-7 ANAHEIM, CA - Searchers Gem & Mineral Society, Inc., Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Avenue, Hours: Sat 10-7, Sun 10-4:30, Co-chair George Lux (714) 995-9080, Co-chair Harry Nelson (714) 530-1365, Publicity Beth Pelfrey (714) 774-2754, e-mail BPelfrey@Volt.com.
MAY 6-7 BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern County Mineral Society, Kern County Fairgrounds, Ming and South "P", Hours: 10-5 both days, Gary Paddock (661) 589-3517.
MAY 13-14 RENO, NV - Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Reno Livestock Events Center, Exhibit Hall; 1350 N. Wells Ave., Hours: Sat 10-5 Sun 10-4, John Peterson (775) 849-1522.
MAY 19-21 ESCONDIDO, CA - Palomar Gem & Mineral Club, Inc., Vacant store in the Del Norte Plaza Shopping Center, Hours: 10-6 both days, Don Parsley (760) 745-6181.
MAY 19-21 RED BLUFF, CA - Superior CA Gem & Mineral Assn., Inc., Tehama District Fairgrounds, Highway 99E, Hours: Fri & Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4, Paul Carter (530) 872-1983.
MAY 20-21 NEWBURY PARK, CA - Conejo Gem & Mineral Club, Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Rd., Hours: Sat 9-5, Sun 10-5, Don Pomerenke & Don Bullard, (805) 492-4276.
MAY 20-21 YUCAIPA, CA - Yuciapa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Scherer Community Center, 12202 1st Street, Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5, Henry Cobb, (909) 795-3716.
MAY 27, 28, 29 WEAVERVILLE, CA - Trinity Gem & Mineral Society, 19th Annual Bigfoot Gemboree, Lowden Park, 200 Washington St., Hours: Sat. & Sun. 10 -5; Mon. 10 - 4, Set up May 26 - 8 am to 8 pm.; Tailgaters - Space fee & camping fee., Show Chairman - Jack Jennewein (530) 778-3786.
JUNE 3 - 4 GLENDORA, CA - Glendora Gems, Goddard Middle School, 859 E. Sierra Madre, Mark Thompson (626) 335-3814.
JUNE 3 - 4 WEST HILLS, CA - Rockatomics Gem & Mineral, Boeing Recreation Center, 8500 Fallbrook Avenue, Hours: 10 - 5 both days, Harley Rogers (805) 495-6184.
JULY 8-9 CULVER CITY, CA - Culver City Rock & Mineral Club, Culver City Veterans Memorial Complex, 4117 Overland Ave., Hours: Sat 10-6 Sun 10-5, Brad Smith (310) 472-6490.
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AFMS REGIONAL SHOWS.
SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION (SCMS):
May 5, 6, 7, Ft. Worth, TX, Ft. Worth Gem & Mineral Club, Will Rogers Exhibition Hall, Virginia Brotherton, 2512 Barnberry Dr., Ft. Worth, TX 76133-5816.
NORTHWEST FEDERATION (NFMS):
June 23-26, Monroe, WA, Marysville Rock & Gem Club, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Linda Averill, P.O. Box 710, Maryville, WA 98270-0710.
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION (CFMS):
August 4-6, Riverside, CA, [Gold and Gem Show], Valley Prospectors, Riverside Convention Center, Bural LaRue, P.O. Box 1657, Rialto, CA 92377.
MIDWEST FEDERATION (MWF):
August 18-20, St. Louis, MO.
COMBINED AFMS/RMFMS:
October 13-15, Moab, UT, Points and Pebbles Club, Moab Valley Inn, Dean Richardson 801 595-6750, 1223 North 1500 West; Moab, UT 84532.
EASTERN FEDERATION (EFMS):
September 16-17, Harrisburg, PA (tentative), Zembo Temple.
MIDWEST FEDERATION (MFMGS):
Not yet scheduled.
SOUTHEAST FEDERATION (SFMS):
Not yet scheduled.
Table of Contents.
EXCERPTS FROM PAT LARUE'S MESSAGE,
CFMS PRESIDENT.
Field trips have long been considered an important activity of our clubs. Future field trips must out of necessity include a field safety component which includes the leader being responsible for enforcing safety rules in the field. Clubs need to get serious about putting their policies in writing and not being afraid to enforce them even if it means telling someone to leave after fair warning goes unheeded.
CFMS Safety Chairman, Chuck McKie is developing a CFMS Safety Manual which will include a section on field trip safety.
Jim Strain and Isabella Burns are to be applauded for the efforts undertaken to assure continued access to some of our prime collecting areas. Jim recently brought about agreements with the BLM to establish a Historical Rock Collecting Area at the Hauser Beds. A few years back Isabella succeeded in having sections of the Cady Mountains reopened to collectors. This could be just the beginning of what open dialogue and cooperation with the regulatory agencies can accomplish.
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FACETER'S SYMPOSIUM 2000.
There will be a faceter's symposium in conjunction with CFMS show in Riverside Convention Show August 4, 5 & 6. Admission fee is $70.00 per person. If you are interested contact Glenn Klein, 24001 Muirlands Blvd., Space 799, Lake Forest, CA 92630. The fee is full registration for three days.
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FIELD TRIP NORTH,
By Steve Ivie.
During the year we will try to make a couple of trips, address safety issues, and share ideas. The first trip will be one arranged by Steve Blockage (which was rained out) to Stone Canyon. The trip will be held in May at the request of the ranch. No specific date has yet been set.
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CFMS FIELD TRIP REPORT
By Richard Pankey.
Starting in January on the CFMS web site is a field trip page. The purpose is to announce field trips that the sponsoring society is willing and able to share with others. Don Ogden, Web Master, is finalizing details for the layout and content. Steve Ivie will be working with Richard on this.
Because of space restrictions the field trip announcement flyers will not be posted, just pertinent information and the name, telephone and e-mail address of the person to contact for more information and to sign up for the trip.
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AMERICAN FEDERATION.
The American Federation will hold a fund raiser for the American Federation Endowment Fund along with the AFMS Convention and Show in Moab, Utah October 13, 14 & 15, 2000. Grand prize is an amethyst necklace and ear rings. Second prize is an ocean picture rock picture by Howard Carter of California. Third prize is a calcite sphere. Drawing will be held on Saturday.
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EDUCATION THROUGH SHARING.
January 21, Ray Meisenheimer gave a tour of the museum for 8 and 9 year old students from Holy Cross School from Ventura. There were fourteen youngsters and six adults.
January 24, Ray had another group through the museum from Grace Lutheran Christian Church in Ventura. There were thirteen students and three adults. The children were also in the 8 and 9 year old group.
These articles were contributed by:
Florence Meisenheimer.
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MINUTES OF VGMS BOARD MEETING,
January 6, 2000.
The regular monthly Board meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, January 6, 2000, at the VGMS Museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Road, Ventura, California.
From Steve Mulqueen: Fliers for Quartzite and Tucson were distributed. Copies of articles on Wyoming jade were available. Copies of the instructions and drawings of the cases built and used by the Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society were available for those interested. Also, OGMS had a good response to the tri-club meeting held in December. VGMS members were reminded that the next regular monthly meeting will be held at the Bijou room of the Lexington retirement complex, on Ralston St., in Ventura.
From Jay Baumler: 1200 new tickets for the donation awards have been printed and some will be mailed along with each January bulletin. Donation award tickets will also be promoted at the Country Store during the show. A list of donation award prizes and door prizes will be listed on the web-site. Fliers will be printed for members to display in their car windows, and for posting in businesses, libraries, etc.
From Shirley Layton: The current stock of items for the Country Store is quite low and much more will be needed for the show. There will be a pricing session at 7:00 p.m. on January 18; and the museum will be open on Saturday, February 12, from 9:00 a.m. to noon to accept donations.
From Florence Meisenheimer: It was m/s/c to approve the expense of a CFMS newsletter subscription for the club treasurer. CFMS also has a new pin for past club presidents - a golden bear with a gavel. The cost is $16 per pin. On January 31, 2000, a new rockhound park will be dedicated at the Hauser Geode Beds. It was m/s/c to mail a check in the amount of $333 for CFMS membership for the club. Five hundred pounds of Arizona agate has been donated to the club. Florence suggested that the agates be put on sale for 50 cents each at the game booth; and the better ones could be put into the silent auction.
From Richard Bromser: It was m/s/c to pay personal expenses submitted by Richard Bromser. It was m/s/c to grant honorary membership to those members in rest homes. At this time that would include Bill and Marian Vient, and Bertie Rains. It was m/s/c to approve payment of checks #630-643. Finally, it was suggested that there be a special day at the shop for Pebble Pups which would include special tours and lapidary classes. Pebble Pups should also have their names in a special place on the roster; and they should be listed in the bulletin.
From Richard Jioras: Perhaps the Petrochem model excavated from Bruno's office could be used as a display for the Union Oil Museum with a theme such as fossils to fossil fuels. In the mean time the model has been returned to its plexiglass case in the VGMS museum. Soon other uses for Bruno's office will be considered. One suggestion might be a space/classroom for cleaning fossils. (Bruno mentioned that another microscope has been donated.) The tri-club meeting brought out 22 representatives from the three clubs. Topics for discussion were: field trips, programs, mutual help at shows. (See the tri-club minutes in the January bulletin.) The next meeting will be held some time in April.
From Sharon Cunningham: Year 2000 dues are due. To date there are seven paid families.
From Dave Mautz: The following is the Ways & Means report for 1999:
| Revenue: | Expenses: | Beginning Balance 2000: |
|---|---|---|
| $370.00. | $315.00. | $25.00. |
It was m/s/c to appropriate $55.00 for badge drawings for the year 2000.
From Bonnie Demianiw: Bulletin articles are due by the 10th of the month, no later than the 12th.
From Greg Davis: Since the tri-club meeting Greg has been in contact with field trip chairs from both other clubs. Conejo already has a six month schedule set which they do not want to alter. They also have some dates for other club functions they do not want to change. VGMS and OGMS are welcome on any of their field trips.
From Ray Meisenheimer: Ray has a school tour of the museum scheduled for February 16 which will consist of approximately 100 +/- children and adults. He requested help from members for that day. Ray also provided A.L.A. applications and information on camping in Quartzite.
Finally, Steve Mulqueen asked that some members come early to the regular meeting so they can show other members where the meeting will be held.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Jioras.
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MINUTES OF VGMS REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING,
January 26, 2000.
The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Steve Mulqueen at 7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, January 26, 2000, at the Bijou room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
Sharlyne Holloway reported one guest, a man named Rod, from the guest home. Three Pebble Pups were present.
Richard Bromser reported interest income for the month of January. Copies of the annual financial report were made available. Richard also had copies of a list of official mineral names which would be very handy for labels in display cases. Those interested could purchase a list for $1 from Richard Bromser.
Jay Baumler reported that donation award tickets are available. The next show meeting will be held on February 16, at 7:30 p.m., at Inez Shakman's house. It was noted that exhibitors were needed for the show. Country Store items are also needed and can be dropped off at the museum on Saturday, February 12 from 9:00 a.m. - noon, or Shirley Layton can make arrangement to pick up items that cannot be delivered to the museum. Inez Shakman offered preprinted postcards for members to send to friends as a reminder for the show.
Steve Mulqueen reminded members that a show chairman will have to be appointed within the next 2-3 months. If none can be found the duties will have to be divided among members.
Kathryn Davis, who was not present at the Christmas party, was installed as 2nd VP and given her pin.
Steve Mulqueen mentioned that he had just received a letter from member Sunny Cross stating ideas for the club. The letter will be discussed at the February Board meeting. He also noted an e-mail from a Mr. Goldstein in Camarillo who is liquidating his deceased father's lapidary workshop.
Sharon Cunningham reminded members that their dues are due!!! Information on current members is necessary in order to print a new membership directory for the year 2000.
Richard Jioras asked for comments on the new meeting location. It was pointed out that transporting the rocks for the silent auction could be a problem. Also some presenters, like the flint knapper, might not work out well in the new location. There were no objections to trying the location for a few months before making a decision. Steve pointed out that this is a mutual trial period for the Lexington administration and residents as well as VGMS. Finally it was noted that the meeting address on membership brochures and show material should be changed.
Greg Davis announced that there will be a field trip to Faria on Sunday, February 13. Attendees should meet at the far end of the public parking lot at 9:00 a.m. He also informed members that the Conejo club has a six month schedule for field trips to which VGMS members are invited. The schedule will be published in the bulletin. Since the show is in March, the next field trip will be in April to Calico. This one could turn into a camp out.
Wayne Ehlers will start a new cab class on Monday evening, March 27. Sign-up sheets will be available at the show.
After the drawings, Richard Jioras gave a slide presentation of their trip to Cozumel, an island off the Yucatan Peninsula, in 1982. The meeting was adjourned to refreshments and social hour at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Jioras.
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BIG ROCK SALE.
(We mean big, large, very large. From 5 lbs. to 50 lbs.)
These rocks are suitable for landscaping, architectural, interior decorating, lapidary work.
Materials include jade (nephrite, jadeite), with one jade from Jade Cove weighing about 75 lbs., about 3' long, marble, jasper-agate, mariposite, feldspar (large xtl), red & green imperial jasper, multiple-colored obsidian (rainbow, velvet, golden sheen, etc.), Luna agate, crystal plates, turquoise, chrysocolla, lepidolite on quartz, rose quartz, fluorite, Clear Creek minerals (serpentine with demantoid garnet, other garnets), rhodonite, & others I've forgotten to name.
Velvet obsidian & imperial jaspers in smaller sizes, in bulk.
Slices, slabs, cabs of some of the above.
February 25, 26, 27 2000 - 10:00 am. to 4:00 p.m.
March 3, 4, 5 2000 - 10:00 am. to 4:00p.m.
Weekdays by appointment.
PAUL NOLAN,
135 Sierra Vista Rd., Santa Barbara, Ca, 93108, (805) 969-4393, nolan@silcom.com.
Also: 20" flat top, 14" Highland saw, table.
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WHAT'S OVER THE NEXT HILL,
A ROCK HUNTING VACATION
By Red and Nancy Jioras.
Part 5:
In last month's chapter, Nancy and I had finally made it to Wyoming and decided to rest up and clean up in a Rock Springs motel. We were a day early in our planned arrival in Wyoming, so rather than heading into Farson and perhaps not finding anyone at the rock swap site, we opted for a visit to see the area for the Blue Forest petrified wood. Following the directions in our "Rockhounding Wyoming" book, we headed west on Interstate highway 80 out of Rock Springs to exit 83 just west of the town of Green River. We turned north after exiting Highway 80 and went 23 miles on Wyoming 372 to the intersection of Wyoming highway 28. Highway 28 is the east/west highway that takes you to Farson, Landers and points east. Heading east on highway 28, the book said that we should turn north again on CR 8. Not knowing what "CR 8" meant, we traveled the prescribed 8 miles and stopped, and wisdom was revealed to us. "CR 8" is the abbreviation for "County Road 8" (we felt so much smarter!).
Within a mile of turning north on CR 8, we encountered what was to become a common site and menace on the back roads of Wyoming: antelope. These animals are beautiful and abundant and they seem to like racing with motor vehicles. The only problem is if the vehicle is going to win the race, the antelope has a really bad habit of running in front of your car or truck. Not only is this disconcerting, it is almost impossible to stop on a gravel or dirt road. After the first encounter, you have a tendency not to race and give the swift antelope as much space as possible.
After winding our way through the back roads of southwestern Wyoming while following the directions in our book, we finally arrived at the designated area. There was no question that we had found the spot, because there were already 4 or 5 cars parked at the site with people up to their waists swinging picks and shovels. Another identifying feature of the Blue Forest Petrified Wood area is the multitude of holes left from past diggings. The area truly resembles a battle field with craters all around.
Seeking information about the process, we talked to a number of people about where to dig. There were local folks, as well as people who had traveled all the way from Oklahoma, and as with most rockhounds, everyone we talked to was very helpful about locating and digging the beautiful petrified wood. We were directed to one hole where an older couple had been digging since early in the morning. They enthusiastically showed us the 5 inch limb that they had been chasing.
Wanting to see more of the area before jumping into a hole, we jumped back into the truck and drove the many roads and trails in this fairly flat, sage brush country. Stopping at sites that had been worked in the past, we found many small, but beautiful limb rounds that had been discarded by the rockhounds presumably in their search for larger pieces. Encouraged by these small pieces, we decided to return to the group of people and start our efforts in earnest.
Although the weather was still rather hot, we had a strong wind blowing which cooled us a little and kept the bugs away. The wind also taught us that at least half a shovel full of dirt would be blown back into your face, no matter which way you threw it. When they describe digging for Blue Forest Wood in "Rockhounding Wyoming" they advise that you "bring a lunch". We soon found the significance of that statement. When the wood fell in this once ancient bog, it was soon covered with algae. Not only did the wood petrify, but the algae did as well. Now, the wood is opalized and most of the time there is a wonderful layer of blue chalcedony between the wood and the algae. This blue layer gives the wood it's name. And as far as the algae is concerned... well, it is very, very hard.
Digging through the top soil, you'll hit a large, hard object. It doesn't look like wood, and it is not wood, it's the algae. Now, based on our discussion, if there's algae, there's wood. So, with great vigor, you attack this two foot hard ball that you've just unearthed. Because your algae ball is very large, you envision the half of a tree that must be inside. Striking the very large lump of algae, you begin to "peel" way layers of petrified algae just like layers of an onion. Layer after layer drops off as you begin to work up a good sweat and your muscles begin to ache. After 20 minutes of hard work, you are surrounded with a large pile from your layers of petrified algae and sometimes a small one inch branch. Well, on to the next lump. (Remember the older couple that had shown us where they were digging? Later that day, they proudly came by our pit to show us a beautiful 18 inch long section of petrified wood complete with bubbly chalcedony.)
Lucky for Nancy and I that we met another local couple that did a lot of digging for the wood. While we spoke with them, the husband was waist deep in a hole and pulling out beautiful pieces of wood from this massive bank of algae. It was well after noon and the husband finally gave into fatigue and said "uncle". Being the nice folks that they were, he offered us his site with more wood still showing. After saying good bye, I went to the hole and began to unearth some very beautiful pieces of wood for us. While I was digging, Nancy roamed the country side picking discards from other holes. It's still an on-going debate as to who got the prettiest wood.
Late in the afternoon, I was cramping badly and finally gave up. As Nancy and I were packing up to head into Farson for the night, a truck drove up with a father and son from Alabama. It seems that each year, they take a two week vacation to come west and dig petrified wood at different locations. They said that they had dug in this area the year before and had unearthed a tree trunk that was about 10 inches in diameter and around four feet long. When we left them, the dirt was flying and the pick was swinging in their enthusiastic efforts to claim a bit of treasure from the area.
Nancy and I returned down CR 8 to highway 28 (through the herds of antelope again) and turned east toward Farson. Farson is 27 miles away from the Blue Forest site, down a two lane highway lined with animals that threaten to jump in front of your vehicle just for fun. But it also was the site of the Farson Rock Swap, a place that offered free camping and, more importantly, FREE SHOWERS.
Arriving in Farson, Nancy and I were amazed at its size. Centered on a cross roads with a stop sign on each comer, the town extend for a full half block in each direction. On the northeast corner is a turn of the century (1900's) brick building housing the Farson Mercantile (Merc for short). Not only is this a key land mark, it also supplies all the ice cream for the ice cream social held on Saturday night of the rock swap. Sampling the ice cream before the social, we found that $1.75 buys you three huge scoops of some of the most delicious ice cream you've ever tasted. Almost worth the trip just for that.
After checking in at the club trailer we met Carolyn. Carolyn was the event coordinator for the Rock Springs Gem and Mineral Club and she told us that the fee for camping was a donation of a rock for the silent action. We sat and talked with her for almost a half hour while she told us about the field trips, gave us a map of the rock locations and just shared good stories. Having really worked all day, we excused ourselves and headed for the showers. It wasn't long after our heads hit the pillows in our camper that we were sound asleep.
The next morning found our muscles sore from the previous day's work. After a good breakfast at the local diner, with many cups of coffee, we decided that we had enough petrified wood and made the choice of staying around Farson. As we walked around the camp area, we began to meet people from all over the country. There were people from 33 states including Oklahoma, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, and all points in-between. Some folks were beginning to set-up for the rock swap which gave us the opportunity to see materials different from anything we have in California.
Of all the people we met, one will always stand out in our minds. This kind gentleman introduced himself as "Chicken George". During our conversation, we learned that he was from Colorado and was past president of the local rock club in his area. It was great to hear the story of how his rock club built their club house for a grand total of $5,000. They had the land donated to them and, through donations of material and labor, they were able to construct a meeting area, shop and storage area for their club. In this day and age of high cost, that was quite an accomplishment.
Our curiosity finally got the best of us and we asked him how he ever got the name of "Chicken George". It seems that he opened up a chicken joint in his town and for advertisement, he loaded up an eight foot replica of a chicken in the back of his pick-up truck and drove around the town. Not only did people patronize his eatery, they also started calling him "Chicken George" and the name stuck.
Along about mid-morning, Nancy and I decided to see if we could find anything East of Farson. Although we visited a ghost town and crossed the Continental divide a couple of times, our hearts really weren't into going out into the heat for another day of searching for rocks. By the afternoon, we had decided to drive through Farson, say our good-byes, and continue on our way into Idaho. We figured that, with the remaining day light, that we could be well into Idaho by night fall. Although we really liked digging the Blue Forest Wood, and made a commitment to be back in 2000, we were still wanting to see what was over the next hill.
Night fall found us in the town of Soda Springs, Idaho. What we hadn't expected was that this town was quite the tourist attraction. Natural soda spring baths were everywhere, but that put the cost of camping really high. In a effort to get away from the crowds and the find an inexpensive campsite, we drove north out of town along the Portneuf River. About four miles up stream we pulled off into an area that was designated as a "Sportsman Access". Within 10 minutes of parking, we met a game warden who told us that we could camp along the stream at no charge. After a wonderful night of falling asleep to the sounds of the river, we awoke to the singing of birds and a babbling brook. In fact, I was even able to catch a few fish before moving on.
We continued driving west, through Pocatello and on toward Boise. About two thirds through Idaho, we turned off of Highway 84 at a small town called Bliss. We had to get fuel and as we were about to get on the road again, what should we see but another rock shop. Not wanting to miss an opportunity, we stopped in Bob's Rock Shop.
As we walked in, two gentleman were in a friendly, but heated conversation. The older of the two fellows had about a three day growth on his face, an old weathered hat on his head, and held a pipe in hands that looked like they had dug a hundred ton of rocks. The other gentleman, Bob, was obviously the shop owner and was much more city-fide in his dress. Although dressed differently, Bob seemed to hold his own in their heated discussion.
After we had been in the shop for 15 minutes, listening to them discuss everyone and everything, they stopped to take a breath. Bob looked at Nancy and I and asked if we were rock hounds. We replied with a smile and a nod, and Bob asked us where we were from. "Ventura" we said as we blew the dust off of another rock. Hearing where we were from, Bob got a smile on his face and asked us "what ever happened to that 'old' fossil guy - Bruno?" When you're as famous as our Bruno, your name is uttered even in the small towns around the country. (Actually, Bob was from the southern California area and had met Bruno many times) After sharing stories and telling Bob about the "OLD GUY", Bruno, Nancy and I said good-bye and resumed our drive across Idaho.
Our goal in Idaho was to spend a couple of days with some friends and to drive up the state to the star garnets fields near Fernwood, Idaho. Unfortunately, our plans with the friends didn't work out, but we did make the drive to see the garnets. The drive up the length of Idaho is a long one, but the beauty of the state is outstanding. At about 3:00 in the afternoon, we pulled into the parking area for the garnets. We then made the short quarter of a mile hike to the registration hut to see what could be found and how you go about finding star garnets. Since the ranger was out in the field, we followed the well worn path up the east creek to see the area.
Now, for those of you who have never hunted star garnet (like Nancy and I), here's the story. First, you build a small dike to divert the stream away from where you want to dig. Then you commence to dig a hole (make it as big as your energy will allow), carefully screening each shovel full of gravel through your sifter in the cooooold stream water. Once you have cleaned your screen load of gravel, you carefully examine it for anything that looks like a garnet. After you're satisfied that you have gotten all the semi-precious rocks from that shovel load, you dump the tailings somewhere other than your hole and continue to dig. While we were there, it was overcast with a light drizzle (just two days before it was in the 100 degrees) and the temperature was in the high forties.
The people that we watched dig that day were down about 5 to 6 feet, into the garnet bearing schist. While we walked around the site, we saw quite a few garnets come to the surface. Most of the garnets were about the size of a small marble to that of a large marble, but we did see two that were the size of a golf ball. When cut and polished in a high dome shape, these garnets exhibit a star pattern just like the star sapphire.
With rain in the forecast for the next day, Nancy and I wimped out and decided not to subject ourselves to the cold and rain in search of a few baubles. Instead, we drove south in hopes of unearthing other trinkets along the Oregon/Idaho border. Maybe someday we will return with more energy and determination, and maybe we will find a colorful star patterned golf ball.
(In the next issue, we find more opalized wood, Sun stones and visit the famed Virgin Valley of Nevada.)
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