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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
July 2010.
Rockhound Rambling Photo of the Month.
Dinosaur Bone Slab - Polished.
Donated by Ron Wise for the VGMS silent auction this month. The material was collected at the Harris House the first month it was open.
This image is photographed by a VGMS member and provided to the Rockhound Rambling. Images should be accompanied by subject documentation. Selection is at the discretion of the editor. Submit images to lowellfos@yahoo.com.
Serpentine Attacked by State Bill! |
| Refreshment Schedule: |
|---|
| JULY - Nancy & Jim Brace-Thompson, AUGUST - Angela & Luther Brown. |
Table of Contents.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
The 2010 AFMS/CFMS Show & Convention is history and, as noted at our June meeting, VGMS done good! Congratulations to members John and Diane Cook, Rob Sankovich, Ron Wise (and me, too!) for awards earned for their exhibits in both regional and national competition. And congratulations go to each and every member of VGMS for all the activities you ran and/or participated in throughout 2009 which resulted in us earning First Place Gold in the CFMS 2010 All-American Club competition. (In all, 135 clubs make up the California Federation.) Winning the CFMS competition bumped us up into the American Federation contest. The AFMS encompasses 650 clubs all across the U.S. The results? VGMS won AFMS First Place Gold All-American Club-of-the-Year! Here's what one judge had to say, "A very active club! Many interesting activities! Something for every member to do!" Another judge put it more simply: "Outstanding!" For the All-American competition, we had to assemble a binder showing our activities and offerings throughout the preceding calendar year for members, guests, other rock clubs, schools, the Federation, and our local community, so this is something we all earned together. Next time you're in the clubhouse, head to the library room, where the awards will be hanging on the wall, and give yourself a pat on the back. Your contributions, great and small, to making this club fun, dynamic, and a vital part of our community are appreciated!
Finally, speaking of community, I hope everyone has earmarked a few hours to volunteer time at the Ventura County Fair Gems & Minerals Building (see county fair article, below, and please note the correct phone number to contact Gems & Minerals Superintendent Laura Grayson: 805-443-0673). Nancy and I will be there, and we hope to see you there, too!
Jim Brace-Thompson.
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Table of Contents.
UPCOMING VGMS EVENTS.
July 1, Thursday,
Board Meeting 7:00 pm, Brace-Thompson Home.
July 17, Saturday,
Workshop 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Camp Comfort.
July 23-25, Friday-Sunday,
Fair Entry Dates, Ventura Fairgrounds.
July 28, Wednesday,
General Meeting 7:00 pm, Senior Recreation Center, 420 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura.
August 4-15,
Ventura County Fair, Ventura Country Fairgrounds.
August 5, Thursday,
Board Meeting 7:00 pm, Brace-Thompson Home.
Table of Contents.
WEBSITE(S) OF THE MONTH.
Serpentine.
If you haven't heard, Gloria Romero, Democratic State Senator from Los Angeles, has submitted Senate Bill 624 that would remove Serpentine as the state rock because "California should not designate a rock known to be toxic to the health of its residents as the state's official rock." The website totalcapical.com runs down the progress of the bill and the specific website to check out its progress is: http://totalcapitol.com/?bill_id=200920100SB624. (Close the new window to return here.)
Another website, The-Vug.com, provides a complete rundown of links to news articles on this bill and gives an overview of each of the steps it has gone through, including the information that one group of backers of this bill are lawyers who specialize in asbestos litigation. Follow the progression of the bill at: http://www.the-vug.com/vug/article284.html. (Close the new window to return here.)
If you want to read a few blogs that deal with this issue, try going to http://geology.about.com/b/2010/07/06/theserpentine-conflict-grows.htm. (Close the new window to return here.) Here there are links to a half dozen blogs from such sources as mindat.org, the AFMS, and similar sources.
Table of Contents.
MEMBERSHIP.
Membership total as of July 1st, 2010: 89!
2010 Membership Directories were distributed at the April meeting. The remaining copies have been sent out via U.S. Mail. If you have not received your copy please contact me and I will make arrangements to get you another copy.
Krishna Juarez,
Membership Secretary,
vgmsmembership@gmail.com,
697 Topeka Ave.,
Ventura, CA 93004.
Krishna Juarez.
What members do during the busy times of our annual show...
Steve Mulqueen photo.
Table of Contents.
EDITOR'S CORNER.
Museum Specimen Request.
I think it is great that we have a museum that many children are able to go/have already gone through. It's an important part of our educational goals and our club has been fortunate to have maintained one since the late 1970's. Many of our predecessors donated to our museum to keep it stocked with local material and material that would reflect the different aspects of earth science.
Looking through it recently, I see what a great job Jim has done in getting the place organized and set up, and I see the results of the work so many others have put into it. I know Steve provided us the giant display case that works so well, and I know others have helped clean the place and fix what needed to be fixed and paint what needed to be painted.
Now there is something we can to do to make it even better - we need to fill the gaps in the collection. Please look at what you have, what material you find fascinating, and bring a stellar example of whatever that is to either the meeting or the workshop day. Bring something that you will take pride in knowing is on display and will help students for years to come (barring renewing problems on the lease.) This isn't silent auction quality...it should be above it.
Please donate and leave a lasting legacy for our club's benefit.
Table of Contents.
THE AMERICAN AGATE - JASPER INDEX.
When you click on the link below, it should take you to a screen that shows the image of the specific Index's front. Above it is a blue box that says Download Now. Next to it is a green button that says DOWNLOAD 4SHARED DESKTOP. This you DON'T click on or download; evidently it has some other function. I haven't touched it, so I'm not sure.
You click on the BLUE button that says "Download Now. No Virus Detected". This gets you to a screen that says "Thank you for downloading {Index Name}.pdf." There is short countdown (10 seconds) and then a link comes up that says "Click here to download this file". Hit that and the file uploads. (If you go to any of these pages close the new window to return here.)
Current files of the Index.
Volume 1: Utah and Colorado (warning-16 MB) - http://www.4shared.com/document/mNXTQALM/Agate_Index_Vol_1__2nd_ed_.html.
Volume 2: Wyoming and Montana - http://www.4shared.com/file/224404408/51585e57/Agate_Index_Vol_2.html.
Volume 3: Idaho and Washington - http://www.4shared.com/file/229956030/cc07189f/Agate_Index_Vol_3.html.
Volume 4: South Dakota, Nebraska, and Oklahoma - http://www.4shared.com/file/242786005/91b2476f/Agate_Index_Vol_4.html.
Volume 5: Texas - http://www.4shared.com/document/oCLei3tU/Agate_Index_Vol_5.html.
Volume 6: The South - Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri - http://www.4shared.com/document/nXCjumab/Agate_Index_Vol_6.html.
Volume 7: Arizona (warning-16 MB) - http://www.4shared.com/document/XplaNpW1/Agate_Index_Vol_7.html.
Volume 8: Nevada and New Mexico (new) - http://www.4shared.com/document/_pQZhI8C/Agate_Index_Vol_8.html.
Table of Contents.
MEETING MINUTES.
The following Meeting Minutes were respectfully submitted by Greg Davis, VGMS Recording Secretary.
VGMS Regular Meeting;
June 23, 2010:
Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting-Wednesday, June 23, 2010.
The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Jim Brace-Thompson at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at the Ventura Senior Recreation Center.
Jim introduced visitors and then asked for corrections, if any, to the previously printed board and regular meeting minutes. It was m/s/c to accept the minutes. Members were led in the pledge to the flag.
Jim gave the floor to Deb Sankovich who introduced Cynthia Baumgartner. Cynthia presented a lecture on the making of dichroic glass jewelry. A very colorful aspect of our hobby and one many are now anxious to try. Thank you, Cynthia.
Jim continued the membership meeting with committee reports:
Rob Sankovich: Upcoming field trips include: Blue Forest wood in Wyoming in June and Jade Cove, July 31. Rob also mentioned that he'd like to see the three County clubs host a Federation show in either 2012 or 2013. Think about it.
Diane & Nancy: Treasurer's report was presented and the club is solvent. Diane also wanted to let people know that a link can be found on our web site for ordering items with our club logo.
Lowell Foster: Bulletin will keep same basic format, photos are always welcomed. Deadline for bulletin submissions will continue to be the weekend following each Board meeting.
Deb Sankovich: Upcoming programs include: A silent auction in July.
Steve Mulqueen has contacted Dr. Gray and he may be available for a presentation.
Esther Barshai oversaw the raffle.
Steve Mulqueen is requesting club members consider putting together a 3 month long display at the Santa Paula Oil Museum. It would be members' materials combined to fill several cases but so as not to jeopardize entries for other shows. More information and discussion will be forthcoming. It would run from October 10-January 10, 2011.
Jim mentioned that our club did well at the Federation Show last week. John & Diane, Rob, Ron and Jim received awards and details will be printed in the bulletin but the real prize was our first place award for the All American Club entry. Congratulations to all as it was a club membership effort.
Jim also mentioned the County Fair is fast approaching and Laura Grayson will be the contact this year if you want display case space reserved.
Refreshments were provided by Greg & Valli Davis.
The next board meeting will be held on July 1, 2010 at the Brace-Thompson's house and the next monthly membership meeting be held July 28, at the Ventura Senior Recreation Center, 420 E. Santa Clara.
There being no further business, Jim adjourned the meeting at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Davis,
Recording Secretary.
VGMS Board Meeting;
July 1, 2010:
Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting for July 1, 2010.
Present: Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson, John & Diane Cook, Krishna Juarez, Steve Mulqueen, Lowell Foster and Greg Davis.
The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society Board Meeting for June 3, 2010 was called to order by President Jim Brace-Thompson, at the Brace-Thompson home at 7:00 pm.
Old business:
Jim stated Rob Sankovich, Ron Wise, Diane Cook, John Cook and Jim won awards at the Federation show last week. A more complete rundown will be printed in the bulletin. But a major win was our club taking 1st place in the All-American Club competition. Congratulations to all, for this was a club member joint effort!
New business:
Jim Brace-Thompson: Is anyone interested in assisting with a presentation to the Camarillo Healthcare Center in July. If so, contact Jim. This would be for the benefit of fellow club member Marie Haake and friends at the adult day care center.
Diane Cook: The Treasurer's report was given. It was m/s/c to accept as written and to pay the ongoing bills.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: The Ventura Senior Center contract renewal is near. The remodel meeting, at the Senior Center, was attended by Nancy and Greg. With any luck, our club should not be impacted as we currently pay the cost of City personnel to be present, unlike most groups who pay nothing. Also our evening meeting times do not conflict with other organizations which simplifies matters. So, the request form has been filled out by Nancy and delivered to the City for consideration. We'll now wait to hear back from them.
Speaking of meeting locations, we'll be looking for a more permanent location for Board meetings, rather than members' homes. Any and all ideas will be welcomed. Foster Library was mentioned as was Coffee, Bean & Tea Leaf.
There's not much information yet on the upcoming County Fair, other than dates of August 4-15 and entries will be taken July 23-25. Laura Grayson is the contact this year and we'll keep everyone posted with updates.
Greg Davis:Theresa Lubin was contacted and although contract renewal is 4 months away and this is a very busy time of year for the County Parks department, Theresa was most gracious and comforting with her remarks that it's not too soon for us to start communicating and initiating the process of a new contract for the Camp Comfort site. She seemed confident that a similar contract can be agreed upon quickly without additional requests on our part.
Steve Mulqueen: The Santa Paula Oil Museum has requested we consider providing a rather large display at their location from October 10-January 10, 2011. It would be mostly made up of members' collections and more discussion will follow along with determining the degree of interest from members.
Krishna: We have 89 members at this time and no new members to announce.
The Oxnard College geology lab is still offering a tour of their facility. A date will hopefully be set and arrangements made with them.
Lowell mentioned that entries to the monthly club bulletin should now be directed to lowellfos@yahoo.com and be postmarked by the weekend following each Board meeting and photos are always sought.
The next general meeting will be on July 28, 2010 at 420 E. Santa Clara in Ventura and the next board meeting will be on August 5th at the Brace-Thompson home in Ventura.
There being no further business, Jim adjourned the meeting at 8:40.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Davis,
Recording Secretary.
Table of Contents.
A QUICK THANK YOU.
Thanks go to Stuart Bloom for his recent donation of an ink cartridge for the printer that he donated for club use last month. Also, a thank-you to John Cook for donating a dozen or so 5-gallon buckets for use in storing materials for future silent auctions. These donations are welcomed and appreciated!
Table of Contents.
VGMS BIRTHDAYS!!!
Angela Ulin - July 2,
Diane Cook - July 3,
Sharon Cunningham - July 7,
Joseph Padula - July 8,
Brook Harvey - July 9,
Allie Boes - July 13,
Alexandria Pearson - July 13,
Brian Timko - July 20,
Nancy Brace-Thompson - July 27.
Table of Contents.
DID YOU CATCH THIS?
Three Treasure Hunters Missing.
(July 13.) Three men from Utah who were searching for the Lost Dutchman mine in the Superstition Mountains in Arizona have gone missing. Currently there is an active search for them the last three days in an area where the daily temperature has topped 110 degrees which includes two helicopters, six men on horseback, and search teams with dogs.
The men have been gone at least three days and possibly up to a week. One of the individuals had gotten lost in the same area last year and had to be rescued. This year the three had been hiking during the day and spending the evenings in a hotel. Their car has been found, empty, at a trailhead in the region.
The ages of the men are 67, 62, and 51.
The Lost Dutchman is a mine originally (according to lore) worked by a Mexican family in the 1840's and then rediscovered by a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz and a partner in the 1870's. When he died in 1891, the mine was lost, and it has been the focus of treasure hunters ever since.
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN.
Tri-Club Field Trips 2010. *
The field trips listed below are tentative, they might change. All are Tri-Club field trips (exceptions noted) with either Conejo, Oxnard or Ventura leading.
| Month: | ||||
| Date(s), | Event/Location, | Sponsor/Leader, | Other Information. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July: | ||||
| 31, | Jade Cove, | Tri-Club - Sankovich, Miller, | See the listing and article below. | |
| August: | ||||
| 27-29, | Greenhorn Mountains, | Tri-Club - Sankovich, Miller, | See the listing and article below. | |
| LEADERS: | ||||
| Mike Miller, | 805-498-9586, rockfmdr@att.net, |
Conejo G&M (CGMS). | ||
| Robert Sankovich, | 805-494-7734, rmsorca@adelphia.net, |
Ventura G&M (VGMS) & Conejo G&M (CGMS). |
||
| Ron Wise, | 805-794-0703, clintwise@hotmail.com, |
Ventura G&M (VGMS) & Oxnard G&M (OGMS). |
||
* Please call your field trip leader to confirm that there is a field trip scheduled in the event of changes.
Field Trips Done.
June 5th, Sat., 9 am, Old Topanga Fossils: We had good turnout for this field trip, over 15 rock hounds of all ages, from the tri clubs and other clubs - Jeff Miller, Mitty Scarpato, Gary Bond, Margia Kasper, Richard Slyfer, Jim Brace-Thompson, Amy Carter, Logan Beck, Ted Cooly, Steve Lloyd, Andy Anderson.
The weather was great for digging, getting hot in the afternoon. We found lots of turritellas, a few moon snails, a small triton, mussels. I think everyone went home with a turritella.
I had fun, see you at Jade Cove or Green Horn Mountains.
Upcoming Field Trips 2010.
These dates are fixed and are the days we will be going: July 31st Sat, Jade Cove - Nephrite Jade. Deb and I will be there July 28th, Wed-Aug 1st, Sunday.
The field trips listed below are tentative, they might change: All are Tri Club field trips with either Conejo, Oxnard or Ventura leading. Each month there will be information in the bulletin, and a flyer/map at the club meeting.
August - Greenhorn Mtns.-rose quartz, garnets, epidote, tungsten.
September - Acton-agate, small nodules, geodes.
October - Independence/Bishop-Ammonites fossil, garnets, other minerals.
November - Wiley's Well, nodules, geodes, agate, petrified wood.
December - Ant Hill, shark teeth fossils.
Please let us know if you are going to go on the field trip. The weather can change. If we don't know you're going we won't be able to contact you if the field trip is cancelled. There will be maps and flyers at the club meetings.
There are still people who show up for the field trip without notifying Mike or me. You can still be part of the field trip, but it is important that you let us know you're going to attend, e-mail or call us.
I have new truck, it's a white Ford F250 four wheel drive, crew cab, if you're looking for me, look for my truck.
Contacts: Robert Sankovich, Conejo/Ventura Clubs, 805-494-7734, rmsorca@adelphia.net; Mike Miller, Conejo Club, 805-498-9586, rockfmdr@att.net; Ron Wise, Ventura/Oxnard Clubs, 805-794-0737, clintwise@hotmail.com.
The Field Trip e-mail list is working. Members will have current, new information as I finish it. I get field trip information from other clubs at different times during the month, some with too short of notice for me to put in our bulletin. I will send direct monthly information, maps on club field trips, and updates on weather & other last minute factors that can effect field trips. If you want to sign up, no e-mail addresses will be printed or posted anywhere. Send me your e-mail address to mine above. I also updated the field trip information on the Conejo web site www.cgamc.org. (Close the new window to return here.) The information is current and I'll keep updating as I add field trips.
The last few months the weather kept getting warmer so we will go earlier or to places that are cooler. The 2 upcoming field trips, Jade Cove and Green Horn Mts., will be cooler and have nice weather. Green Horn Mts. is at an elevation of about 7000 feet so take your time, adjust to altitude and bring water. Both places are beautiful, even if you're not a rock hound you will like the area. Jade Cove is in the Big Sur area and Green Horn Mts. is in the forest. Make sure we know you will be going. This applies to all field trips.
I'd like members to let me know of places they'd like to go to. We're going to go to sites we've been to, but we're going to have new sites as well. I do have several in mind. I've got most of 2010 field trips above, but I'll be adding more later. The weather seems to change a lot and the economy can control our field trips. The dates above are fixed where there is a date - the others I'm working it out. There's going to be a field trip for everyone; we'll have some close to home, and out of state trips. Easy and harder field trips requiring chisels, sledges. Something for everyone hopefully. Check out the website for updates.
We've been getting good turnouts of rock hounds for our field trips. October and onwards the weather will be cooler, then we will be heading out to the desert for collecting. Field trips are fun and you will find some nice specimens and make new friends. I find most people on field trips are friendly and nice willing to share in their knowledge and experiences.
See you there.
Rob Sankovich.
July 31st Sat-Jade Cove-Nephrite Jade, Deb and I will be there July 28th Wed-Aug 1st Sunday. (If you're going to go on this trip let me know so you will have a place to camp.)
Field trip: Our July field trip will be to Jade Cove, south of Big Sur. We will be looking for Nephrite Jade. It can be found along the shoreline. You can come up for the day or join us camping over night. Deb and I will be there Wednesday, July 28th to Sunday, August 1st. Day use free by side of road, camping $22.00. No electric hookups. 45 campsites half are assigned on a first come, first served basis. You now can reserve your campsite. See contact information below. 8 persons per site. Each site has a picnic table, grill and fire pit. Flush toilet restrooms and water nearby. Saturday night there will be a potluck dinner with our club and the Channel Islands Divers club which Robert and Debra are members.
Directions: From Ventura head north on Freeway 101, at San Luis Obispo, take Highway 1 north, towards the coast, to Morro Bay, continue on Hwy 1 north approximately 60 miles from Morro Bay to Plaskett Creek campground. Campground is on right side (east). Once at campground, look for a Conejo Valley Gem & Mineral sign next to the sign by entrance or by Robert's campsite #033. Approximately 235 miles from Thousand Oaks, 3.5-4 hour drive time.
Meeting: Saturday afternoon, July 31, 2010, 10 am-4 pm. We will meet at Robert's campsite #033. There will be a short briefing of the site. Please remember to sign a release form to participate in the field trip. We will then drive south on Hwy 1 half a mile to a long pull out on right side (west) with an entrance to Jade cove. Use the stairs to climb over the fence and walk approximately 150 yards across a grass area to a switch back down to the cove, approximately 100 yards, use sturdy shoes. The bottom of the trail can be washed out so take your time. Walk over the bigger rocks at the basin to the center of the cove where there is a small beach. In the surf and along shore Jade can be found amongst the other rocks. Be careful and aware when collecting close to the surf zone.
Mineral to collect: Nephrite Jade, Serpentine, Actinolite, Soap Stone, Abalone shells.
Tools: Collecting bags, buckets, day pack, digging tools, rock pick, pry bar, eye protection, trowels, hand rake, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, rubber boots or old tennis shoes, layered clothing, towels, change of clothes/shoes in case you get wet, drinking water, lunch or snacks. camping gear if you plan on spending the night. (The main tools to use are simple garden tools, a hand trowel and hand rake.)
Contact: Robert Sankovich, 805-494-7734, rmsorca@adelphia.net; Mike Miller, 805-498-9586, rockfmdr@aol.com. Please let us know if you are going to go on the field trip, weather changes. If we don't know you're going on the field trip, we won't be able to contact you if the field trip is canceled.
Color aerial photo of Sand dollar beach to Jade Cove if you are interested, e-mail me and I'll send it to you.
If you go to any of the following links close the new window to return here.
Reservations: Recreation Gov., 877-444-6777, http://www.recreation.gov.
Links: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/recreation/camping/mrd/, http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres/html/rec/recmap_mrd_5.htm (Map).
Following two are Scuba Diving links, but have Jade Cove info: http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/USA_West/CalM/Jade_Cove/, http://www.cadivingnews.com/divespots.html?article_id=342.
An Aerial Photo of the Jade Cove Area.
August 27th-29th, Fri-Sun Greenhorn Mountains-rose quartz, garnets, epidote.
This Trip is to be a weekend field trip, but I know that many can only do a Day Trip. Friday will be the "Drive to the Campsite and Set Up" day. Friday the 27th around 6 pm into the evening, when it gets dark we will try our luck at getting the Tungsten Ore. If you have a short wave ultraviolet light bring it. I have one, but it would be great if others brought theirs. Saturday morning, we will head out to the Rose Quartz at about 10 am. This is to accommodate those driving up that morning. It should take about 3.5 to 4 hours to drive to the Campsite from Ventura, so get up early and drive safe. Saturday late afternoon, we will head out for the Epidote and Garnet source. There will be some hiking on this Trip, but mostly on dirt forest roads. We can try the Tungsten again on Saturday evening, and that will be up to how many want to go.
Sunday morning, we will hit the Rose Quartz again and will start early, about 9 am, as we need to pack up and head for home that afternoon. Deb and I will be stopping at Ant Hill if there is time on Sunday, we'll be digging for shark teeth fossils.
Information: The campsite is a Dry Site. No Water, No Hook-ups. If you are camping over, you will need to bring water for drinking and cleaning. I recommend filling a five gallon water cooler jug with your tap water and bottled water for the Hiking and stuff. This is a Pack In / Pack Out trip. We are responsible for our own trash and we need to set an example as RockHounds.
Fire permits will be required: I will be getting one, we will need at least one more permit for the group. They can be bought in Bakersfield on the way up to the campsite. Campfire Permit BLM office in Bakersfield at: 3801 Pegasus Drive. They will be open from 7:30 am-4:15 pm on Friday. Telephone: 661-391-6000 and Kernville Office at 105 Whitney Road Kernville, Telephone: 760-376-3781.
Directions: Panorama Dry Camp, 7 miles north of Greenhorn Mountain County Park off Highway 155 in the Sequoia National Forest. Lat. N35d 48.51', Long. W118d 34.34' There will be a map at the August club meeting.
What to Bring: Bug spray, warm clothes for the cool nights, light clothes for the sunny afternoons, hiking shoes, sunscreen, large brim hat, shovel, rock hammer or pick, gad or chisel, sledges, collecting bags, buckets, day pack, eye protection, sturdy shoes, drinking water, trash bags, fire wood, and the usual stuff you bring when you camp.
What to find: Rose Quartz, a semi-translucent quartz colored pink to lavender by small amounts of Titanium atoms. This variety of rose is reported to have an asterism or six-ray star when polished properly. The quartz is in the cliff face that you will be walking down. You will need to bring heavy sledges and chisels to break away large pieces of quartz although there is lots of small stuff. The quartz is somewhat fractured but well healed. There are lots of small gemmy pieces down the hillside.
GPS=35d 51m 22s North,118d 31m 46s West, Elevation 7244' (http://www.caltelephone.com/lamps/rose_quartz.htm.) (Close the new window to return here.)
This is a private mine claim; we will have permission from the mine owner to dig there for the field trip.
Epidote, a Yellowish green to Brownish green to Black crystal that is long and transparent to translucent. The crystals are shaped like Slender Prisms (e.g. tourmaline).
Garnet, of the Grossular variety. These well formed crystals, are Brown to Orange in color and transparent to sub translucent.
Tungsten Ore, of the Scheelite variety. A fluorescing mineral that has been found in many of the mountains and road cuts.
We will venture out for this collecting after dark, as the use of a Black light is vital.
Contact: Robert Sankovich, 805-494-7734, rmsorca@adelphia.net; Mike Miller, 805-498-9586, rockfmdr@aol.com.
Please let us know if you are going to go on the field trip.
Table of Contents.
FAIR NEWS.
Depending on when this issue of Rockhound Rambling hits the news stands, either you will have already entered displays and specimens into the 2010 Ventura County Fair, or you're staying up all night picking out specimens to enter! Entry times and dates are 10 am-5 pm Friday through Sunday, July 23-25, judging takes place July 27, and the Fair itself runs August 4-15. The 2010 Fair guidebook is out. If you haven't received a copy in the mail, you can pick one up at the Fairgrounds. Also, details are on the Ventura County Fairgrounds web site: www.venturacountyfair.org. (Close the new window to return here.)
This year, there's a new Gems & Minerals Superintendent: Laura Grayson. We encourage all members to volunteer as floorwalkers and/or demonstrators. To check on how you can help, contact Laura via email gemandmineral@venturacountyfair.org or phone (805) 443-0673.
Please note:
I have an important correction to convey to all VGMS members who wish to enter display cases into the upcoming Ventura County Fair. There was a typo in the County Fair Guidebook and on their website, and they ended up listing the wrong phone number for contacting the Gem & Mineral Superintendent, Laura Grayson. We also published this wrong number in the last issue of the VGMS newsletter.
The WRONG number is (805) 483-0673.
The CORRECT number is (805) 443-0673.
Please use (805) 443-0673 to contact Laura if you plan on entering a case. She needs to know in advance how many cases you plan to enter and whether you will be bringing your own display case or will need to borrow a case from the fairgrounds. (If you borrow a case, it's on a first-come, first-served basis since their supply is limited.) Dates for entering cases (and for entering individual items, as well) are 10 am-5 pm Friday through Sunday, July 23-25, but you should call Laura well before then if bringing your own case or borrowing a case since they need to do a floor-plan and table layout before July 23.
They have corrected the phone number on the on-line Guidebook, which can be accessed at: 2010 Ventura County Fair info: http://www.venturacountyfair.org/pages/3455/; (Close the new window to return here.) 2010 Ventura County Fair, Gem & Mineral entry guide online: http://www.venturacountyfair.org/tools/software/original/public/fileforward.php?Id=8189. (Close the new window to return here.)
I ask all VGMS members to consider entering either full display cases or individual items in the County Fair. It's fun! It publicizes our hobby! You can earn money if winning a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place ribbon! And it will give you a head start on putting together a display for our next VGMS Show!
In addition to entering a case, call Laura to volunteer your time as a demonstrator or a floorwalker to help out at various times during the Fair. Laura will also have sign-up sheets for volunteers during the July 23-25 weekend for entering displays.
Jim Brace-Thompson.
Table of Contents.
AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR.
VGMS continues to have Club T-Shirts for sale. Priced to all VGMS members at $12.00 and any club member associated to CFMS $13.00. Sizes S-M-L-XL-2X-3X. All profits go directly to the VGMS.
Contact Diane Cook at johndianedaisy@yahoo.com to order.
Table of Contents.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH.
Homeschoolers Visit Our Club Museum.
On June 6, Jim Brace-Thompson hosted a homeschooling group of about 6 adults and 10 children (six years old and under) organized by Liza Hennigan and VGMS member Anne McCauley at our Ray Meisenheimer Memorial Museum, where we ran through rocks and minerals, earth processes and the three rock types, and local rocks and fossils.
VGMS Rockhounding Exhibit at the California Oil Museum?
Jeanne Orcutt of the California Oil Museum in Santa Paula has contacted Steve Mulqueen to see if VGMS would be interested in assembling a full room display on rockhounding for public exhibit to run October 10 to January 10. For many years, Steve has been putting together material for a rotating exhibit in a small display case at the museum, so he's long known the folks there. He and Krishna Juarez visited the museum on July 2 to check out the room dimensions and display cases and take some photos. Our current thinking is to run with a theme of "The Many Facets of Rockhounding." Then individual members or small groups of VGMS members might take charge of individual cases reflecting their main area of expertise. For instance, David might fill a case with his trilobites; Ron might do a knapping case; I might do one on our educational endeavors or one on California fossils; Lowell might focus on the Hauser beds; Rob might do one on field trips or one on his free-style large stone carvings; etc. This is still in discussion, and if we do it, we'll need a full committee with a lot of volunteers in what will prove to be an ambitious endeavor. If you've ever assembled a 2X4-foot display case for our show or the county fair, you can imagine the effort that will be required to fill a room that's 25X50 feet. But if enough of us get involved and if we divide it up the way we're thinking, it should prove manageable and even easy. Stay tuned!
Jim Brace-Thompson.
Table of Contents.
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD.
The Topanga Canyon field trip was great! Everyone came away with plenty of turritella snail fossils to keep them happy. We now have a good supply for spinning wheel prizes at our next show!
Jim Brace-Thompson.
Table of Contents.
ROCKHOUND RAMBLING - 2010.
I seem to be on a museum kick. Last month, I recounted the visit Nancy and I made to the Japan Gallery of the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo in May. In June, I found myself on a business trip to Washington, DC, with just a 3-hour slice of free time between meetings. Fortunately, the hotel was in walking distance of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. As Lowell recounted from a visit he made last year, they've got the best eye candy around. In fact, I exhausted my camera battery before I even made it to the trilobites (sorry, David!). I think I shot nearly every mineral on display, along with a good many fossils. The one gallery where I didn't get many photos held faceted gemstones. You just couldn't cut through the crowds to get a view! By contrast, I had the whole room to myself when I made it to the gallery showing just plain rocks--basalt, granite, sandstone. Makes it pretty clear where the public interest lies. The big highlight? The opportunity to see two of the biggest, most famous blue diamonds side-by-side. Specimen #217868 (aka, the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond) was on display, separated from its platinum setting encrusted with 16 white diamonds and its chain of 45 more diamonds. And on temporary loan was the 35.56-carat Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond that once graced the crown of Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria. It was truly cool seeing this big blue rock right next to a painting of the king and his crown from the 1800s. Kings come and go, but I guess diamonds really are forever! An added bonus: skies were clear on the flight home, so I got some great airplane-window shots of Meteor Crater near Winslow, Arizona, after recharging those camera batteries back at the hotel.
Jim Brace-Thompson.
Arizona Meteor Crater - seen from 35,000 feet above it.
Jim Brace-Thompson.
On July 5th I had a chance to return to my favorite stomping grounds - the Hauser Geode beds outside Blythe. It was a short trip due to a limitation of time but also, more importantly, due to the excess of temperature. As we drove out of the beds at 1:00 pm, my truck's gauge read 114 degrees. Twas hot!
The trip began pleasantly. Karen (my wife) was making her first visit of the geode beds and my dad took on the job of driving us. By 8:00 am, the temperature was already over 80 as we drove down the dusty road towards the Black Hills. Our goal at the main Hauser Beds was white agate geodes and cores, followed by a quick wander over the Corn Field for nodules and black and white banded jasper. Each stop was a success and I gathered about a bucket and a half of material.
A bonus on this trip, one I attribute to Karen, was the amount of wildlife we saw. Two chuckwalla lizards, a small gopher (or similar) snake, a couple birds that gawked at us, and a few other critters broke up the hunt for agate.
Overall it was a fun half-day trip and I can't wait to get out there when it's cooler!
Lowell Foster.
Finished material from Hauser Beds.
Left side - White agate geode cores; Right side - Black/White Jasper.
Lowell Foster.
Table of Contents.
PROGRAM REVIEW AND SCHEDULE.
JUNE PROGRAM REVIEW.
Cynthia Baumgartner from the Oxnard Gem and Mineral Society presented "Creating Dichroic Glass Jewelry". She is well known throughout the area for her award winning jewelry and received a blue ribbon for her case at the Ventura Case Fair last year.
Cynthia took us through the process of how diachroic glass is created and explained that the process has been around for 20 years since the Hubble telescope lens and camera was developed. She buys big sheets of dichroic glass and uses a glass cutter to cut them up into pieces for necklaces, barrettes and bracelets. There is both a black background and clear background available for diachroic glass. She also detailed the kiln process - explaining that it needs to get up to 1400 degrees and then down to 950 degrees to get the glass to set and stressed that she uses fire resistant gloves to take the pieces out of the kiln.
JULY PROGRAM PREVIEW.
Silent Auction Time!!!!
Oh, I gotta tell you this time it's goin' ta be special (not that the past ones have been busts...) but this time we got ourselves a wonderfully polished piece of dinosaur bone all shined up by Ron Wise himself! And if you're lookin' for a nice collection of polished agates to give a youngin' (or keep for your own in'r child) Mr. Foster whipped together a polished rock box of 16 different agates and jaspers from o'cross this here continent - includin' the followin': Mexican fire agate, Bruneau jasper, Woodward Ranch material, Owlshead Sagenite, Lake Superior Agate (with parallax banding), Hauser t-egg, Turtle Mountain nodule, Dryhead, Coyamito, and much much more!!!
But we need more stuff!!!
BRING your material to donate to this auction! You've heard what others have done - now it's time to step up and help your club out. We spend money for you, now you need to donate GOOD STUFF to us so we can sell it to you so we can spend money on you again!!!
Future Programs.
August: Todd Schowalter from Fossils Plus will be presenting "Carving". He has enjoyed being a VGMS show dealer for over 20 years. He also won an award at the Marin County Society of Artists when he briefly lived there and was also a featured artist at the Inside Passage Arts Gallery in Skagway, Alaska in 2005.
September is going to be Dr. Gray and he will be presenting a lecture titled "The Last Great Extinction". The last great extinction occurred about 11,900 years ago and caused many of the Ice Age mammals to go extinct. Scientific theories on the cause of the extinction revolve around an extraterrestrial impact such as a comet.
Thanks and let me know if questions.
Deb Sankovich.
Table of Contents.
THEY WENT TO A SHOW.
Quite a few of our members (and some from Oxnard and Conejo) went down to Whittier and displayed at the CFMS/AFMS show. Not only did they display, but many walked away with some prestigious awards. (Neighbor clubs will have awards posted next month.)
[Several members put this list together for publication: Rob Sankovich, Diane Cook, and Jim Brace-Thompson.]
VGMS.
All-American Club Awards Contest:
CFMS 1st Place, AFMS 1st Place.
Jim Brace-Thompson, VGMS.
Division F, Fossils:
Class F4, Fossil Plants & Animals,
Master 1st Place, AFMS Trophy 32.
Description: an entry of 28 fossils from all major time periods and epochs and representative of the major life forms
and
Division B, Minerals:
Class BT-1, Thumbnail Minerals, Any Type,
Master, Second Division.
Hamel Mineral Trophy,
Description: An entry of 35 thumbnail minerals (minerals small enough to fit within a 1-inch cube) of various types and classifications.
Ron Wise, VGMS.
Division E Educational, Subdivision EGS: General Audience/Skill or Craft,
EGS-5 Other, Mixed exhibit or some aspect of the hobby other then Mineral, Lapidary, Jewelry, Fossil Knapping, Knives.
Master, 1st Place, CFMS Trophy.
Diane Cook, VGMS.
Division B Minerals, Subdivision BF: Minerals,
BF-1 Personally collected minerals, unlimited size,
Tourmaline Crystals Personally Collected.
Novice, 1st Place, Blue Ribbon.
John Cook, VGMS.
Division F Fossils,
F-6 Fossils from One Time Unit (Era, period or epoch such as Paleozoic, Permian or Miocene),
Trilobite Fossils.
Master, 1st Place, CFMS Trophy.
Robert Sankovich, VGMS/CGMC.
Division C Lapidary, Subdivision CW: One type of work,
CW-10, Contoured Polished Specimen,
Turritella Agate.
Master, 1st Place, CFMS Trophy,
Master, 1st Place, AFMS Trophy
and
Division A Open,
A-8 Geographical Specialties,
Nephrite Jade, Personally Collected.
Master, 1st Place, AFMS Trophy.
Table of Contents.
CHIPS AND BOULDERS.
BLM Border Warning.
[The above sign supposedly has been posted between Casa Grande and Gila Bend, AZ. Received by ALAA.]
(Posted April 9, 2010 - Moreno Valley Office.) The international border with Mexico is becoming of increasing concern to the U.S. Government due to an increase in dangerous illegal activities and an escalating trend in border violence.
In the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area located in Imperial County, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) El Centro Field Office has initiated numerous public outreach safety initiatives in partnership with the Border Patrol which includes flyers, signage, and making public contacts.
Visitors to BLM public lands along the California-Mexico border need to be aware of activities around them. If you see anything that looks illegal, suspicious or out of place, please do not intervene. Note your location and call 911, or report it to the nearest law enforcement authority.
In addition, remember the following safety tips:
- Cell phone service is out of range in many remote areas.
- Know where you are at all times, follow good safety procedures and use common sense when making decisions.
- Do not pick-up hitch hikers.
- Keep valuables, including spare change, out of sight and lock your vehicle.
- Avoid traveling outside of well-marked roads and routes.
- People in distress may ask for food, water or other assistance. Do not make contact. Report the location of the distressed people to the nearest BLM or other law enforcement authority.
The BLM is cautioning the public to be aware of their surroundings when visiting public lands in San Diego and Imperial Counties and to follow the safety tips above. The BLM offices are working closely with their Border Patrol counterparts in their enforcement efforts to ensure safety on BLM public lands. Your safety is important. BLM will continue to monitor these areas and provide information to ensure public awareness.
Table of Contents.
EDUCATIONAL CORNER.
Definition of the Month.
Alaska's Jade Mountain.
Tools and implements made of nephrite jade have been known to occur at numerous archeological sites along the Kobuk River in a remote region of northwestern Alaska, in an area north of the Arctic Circle. Some historic sites date as far back as 12,000 years old and contain some jade artifacts.
In modern times, Eskimos who lived in this remote region, located 150 miles east of the community of Kotzebue, knew of an occurrence of a "Mountain of Jade". Legends and stories also existed about this Mountain of Jade among the native Alaskans. Because of the remote nature of this vast, roadless area, the accounts of this deposit were not verified by scientists until the late 1930s.
During the late 1930s, the University of Alaska Fairbanks acquired funding to conduct an expedition to the Kobuk River located on the slope of one of the westernmost peaks in the Brooks Range. The expedition uncovered numerous archeological sites and found multiple deposits of nephrite jade associated with a huge serpentine belt.
Another mineral exploration trip organized in 1945 investigated the serpentine deposit as a potential source of the mineral asbestos, a commodity in demand during World War II. During 1945, 200 tons of asbestos and 11 tons of jade were extracted from underground mines known collectively as the Jade Mountain Mine.
The deposit consists of a 40-mile belt of ultramafic rock composed primarily of serpentine. Along this trend there exists a 2 square mile area of highly serpentinized rock containing dark green nephrite jade and nephrite schist with veinlets of chrysotile and tremolite asbestos. Some samples of weathered jade occur with a rind of brown oxidized material.
The mountain where the jade is exposed is officially known as Jade Mountain on U. S. Geological Survey maps. The location is described as occurring on the south slope of Jade Mountain above Jade Creek within T. 21 N., R. 4 E., Kateel River Base & Meridian. This is within the Kiana District of the Northwest Arctic Borough. (Refer to "Jade Mountain Mine" at the website www.mindat.org/.) (Close the new window to return here.)
Alaska's official state gem is the mineral nephrite jade. This designation was made by an act of the Alaskan state legislature in 1968. There are other known deposits of jade in Alaska. However, the deposit at Jade Mountain is the largest.
Written by Steve Mulqueen for the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, July 2010. The Definition of the Month features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.
Illustration of the Month.
A Miner's Candleholder.
The candle was one of many sources of illumination for early miners working underground. The lit candle was most affective if it was placed about eye-level on the side of the drift, away from the movement of hand tools and operating machinery. The miner's candleholder would hold the candle and could be placed in almost any location in the mine. The spike-end allowed for the holder to be jammed into a crack in the hard rock face or into a wood timber. The hook allowed the holder to rest on top of a rock ledge or on the edge of a timber. The loop-end allowed the miner to hold the candle without being burned by melted wax. This candleholder proved to be a great design for universal application.
Antique candleholders are coveted by collectors of mining artifacts. Some original candleholders can be worth a sizable amount, and are rarely found at old mine sites.
Source: From the book "Early Underground Mine Lamps, Mine lighting from Antiquity to Arizona", Museum Monograph No. 6, written by Henry A. Pohs, published by the Arizona Historical Society, Tucson, Arizona, 1974, page 9.
Written by Steve Mulqueen for the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, July 2010. The Illustration of the Month features images related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. This illustration was featured by the author for its educational content.
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
VGMS HISTORY.
From Rockhound Rambling - July 1970.
(Ventura would be hosting the 1971 CFMS show-which is the
reason for all the interest in our booth at the CFMS show in 1970.)
Notes on the 1970 CFMS Convention - Castro Valley.
Our booth was on the second floor in a far corner, but people found us. We advertised with pictures, posters, pamphlets, and trinkets. Our "Uncle Sam Hats" were quite an advertising feature. The little boys wanted to know where they could buy one.
Mary Mangum, our publicity gal, had been on the run all week prior to the show gathering advertising material and getting our posters colored, so therefore her hat was in the preliminary stages. We took turns sewing on it nearly all the way to the show. Nearly there she stated that we had 37 miles to go. I told her to take it slow but we finished neck and neck.
Mary decorated the booth with pictures she obtained from the Star Free Press, Point Magu, and Chamber of Commerce. We also had an aerial picture of the fairgrounds and a map of the fairgrounds drafted by Richard Everett.
Large colored posters were passed out to all the dealers.
The dealers soon learned the hats were from Ventura and they really talked their pitch to get into the show.
Keesa Steward, our co-coordinator arranged for us to meet with nearly all of the chairmen of Castro Show and Federation officers. They were almost too busy to talk to us. There being between 5 & 6 hundred members of the club, but have only 50 workers and each chairman had 2 and 3 chairman jobs.
Sunday morning at 8 am, Laura Florence and Bruno were let in and we started a meeting with the treasurer of the club and the treasurer of the show, which were husband and wife. Laura gained a lot of information. It might be of interest to you that $1,000.00 in quarters was not enough change for the first 2 days of the show.
We then moved to the cafeteria and met with the Federation Treasurer, William Tirk, Ex. Sec. Juanita Curtis, our coordinator, Fred Sellers, and co-coordinator Keesa Stewart. Laura was given the Federation Treasurer ledger and advised on their system of entries. The meeting ended at 12 noon.
We then ran into Phil Clarke, dealer ch. and he had had problems, which he discussed with us, Allie arrived later and was able to talk with him.
Decorations were beautiful, made by members. They included dry arrangements and lots of potted plants, which were hung from members' yards and potted for the show.
It was a beautiful show and impossible to see it all. I know some of us were unable to spend the time we would of liked to in looking at the displays.
Our wood case won 1st with a score of 96. This is the 2nd time in winning the plaque on the wood case.
The banquet was held in Oakland 20 miles away. Those attending were Dan & Lillian Lounsbury, Ed, Laura and Barbara Turner, Mary Mangum, and Florence Schlinger.
The weather was just like Ventura, fog every morning and clearing later.
The show was held at the race track. Early Sun. morning they were exercising the horses on the race track, one rider put on a show by falling off his horse right in front of us. He got up and walked on.
We are thinking of all the work ahead of us, but come July 71, and the results will be our best I am sure.
Table of Contents.
NOODLING FOR NODULES IN THE CALIFORNIA DESERT PT VI.
Noodling for Nodules in the California Desert
by Lowell Foster.
noodling: v. Australian term for amateur gemstone hunting; i.e. rockhounding Down Under-style. Often used for opal searching. See fossicking.
Part 1 of this article appeared in the May 2009 issue of Rockhound Rambling.
It began the story of a rockhunting trip to the California Desert
taken by Lowell Foster, Ron Wise, and Ev Foster.
Part II detailed the drive into the desert to begin the hunt.
Part III described our hunt at Chuckwalla Springs.
Part IV provided an overview of our drive from Blythe to the Turtles.
Park V had our group hike into the Turtles where a large agate field was found.
Part VI - Terminations.
"True luck consists not on holding the best of the cards at the table; luckiest is he who knows just when to rise and go home." - John Hay.
I must admit to some superstitions regarding my trips to the desert, especially the Hauser Geode Beds. I swear, by experience, that I am cursed. Each time I manage to set aside time for a desert trip to escape the mundane world of professional responsibility, some calamity of varying degree occurs to torpedo my relaxing trip.
Examples? Minor ones, like flat tires and bad weather, are to be expected, and my flat two years ago at Wiley Well during the field trip I led is well known. At home, my parents still talk about the ruckus of a thunderstorm that pushed back another of my journeys by 8 hours. It's the variety of other occurrences that amazes me.
Three years ago, I get a call from Karen. I am heading OUT to Wiley Well on a Wednesday afternoon and not planning on returning until Friday night. She tells me that my work has called and says I need to turn in 35 student index cards by Friday morning. Now I have to cancel Friday, dropping my time in the desert by half, and hustle my tail back to Ventura to do work that will take me 30 minutes to complete, and I'm on vacation time. Worse, I found out later that the work turned out to be completely unnecessary.
Another example? There was the time I took off on a Monday for a geode collecting trip. Karen had a lot of work that day but said she'd get off work early to pick up Becca from daycare. I was grateful. As normal, I headed off into the barren lands where cell phone use is spotty at best. On my return, I call Karen and find out that a water main has burst in front of Becca's daycare and Karen had to leave work to pick her up - a scant half hour after she dropped our daughter off. Karen's workday was shot. So long relaxation. Coincidence? I don't know. There's been no other exploding pipes - so why that day?
So what happened on this last trip? Initially, on the drive out, my dad admitted he forgot some medicine he needed, but he could go a day without it. My mother was a little (read LOTS) worried and threatened to drive out to Blythe to bring it to my dad. We talked her out of it and my dad was fine all weekend. Silly me felt relief thinking that this little snafu was the stroke of ill fortune that would 'mar' the weekend.
No such luck.
Sunday, on the drive in from Desert Center, as we entered Indio and discussed where we'd have dinner, I called my mom. I looked forward to showering at my parents' house so I'd be more awake for the final 120 miles home. (and not be so stinky for Karen on arrival.)
My mom had news.
Now remember that Karen was going to both a bridal shower and a baby shower during the weekend and would be staying with her parents in Orange County. This scheduling of events had allowed me to slip away and go rockhounding.
The news? Becca had come down with the stomach flu at Karen's parents' house on Saturday. It had been a lingering case and Karen had a tough time at the bridal shower and completely missed the baby shower on Sunday.
And I wasn't there to help.
My stomach sank. My dad's forgotten medicine was just misdirection.
When I called Karen from my parent's house, she was very understanding and alleviated much of my guilt. Still, I skipped the shower, and Dad and I ate at a drive-thru rather than having a nicer dinner. We drove on and we arrived at his house without incident. I dumped my Dad's junk, er - stuff, out of the car and repacked my equipment. Then I was off.
Two hours later, tired, feeling tinges of guilt, and worry about Becca, I reached home. Both mother and daughter were fine and already crashed in bed. I was happy to be home, and seeing my family is always special.
Thinking back on the trip, I'd definitely return to Chuckwalla Springs and the Turtle Mountains if the opportunity arose. We only had time to search over a small percentage of the overall terrain at both sites. I'm sure we would have uncovered even greater treasures if we had more time to wander. Still, nothing could be more satisfying for a rockhound than returning from a long weekend with buckets of material just waiting to be sorted, cut, and polished.
Good weather, fine companionship, filled buckets. No matter where I go in the desert, it always surprises me with its beauty, and I prefer no other destination for my vacations. It was a wonderful time.
Well...I could have gone without Becca getting the flu.
[Author's note: This article was written in April 2009. Since then I've tried to go to the Hauser's one other time, on December 26, 2009. At 4:00 in the morning, just before my dad and I were to take off and meet Ron at Wiley Well off ramp, I came down with the flu: a particularly nasty strain, and the trip was cancelled. Yes, I really do think I'm cursed...]
Bibliography:
Abbott, A.L. Gem Trails in California. (Anaheim: The Main Street Press, 1972.)
Bloom, Sam. "Collecting in the Turtle Mountains." Rockhound. September - October 1975: 18-20.
"Blythe's Giant Figures: Intaglios." http://www.blytheareachamberofcommerce.com/intag.htm. (Close the new window to return here.)
Budlong, Tom & Brooks, Joan. The Desert Magazine: Subject Index. (Spokane: Arthur H. Clarke Co. 1997.)
Eaton, Louise. "Miles and Miles of Chalcedony." Desert Magazine. September 1940: 9-12.
Henry, Darold J. California Gem Trails. (Long Beach: Lowell R. Gordon, 1957.) 3rd Ed.
Hilton, John. "Those Pink Rocks Along the Parker Road." Desert Magazine. February 1941: 15-18.
Johnson, Cy. Western Gem Hunters Atlas.(Susanville: Cy Johnson & Son, 1971.) 10th Ed.
McShan, Maggie & More, Corinne. Ten Rock Trips Near Needles. (Needles: Needles Print Shop, 1971.) 2nd Ed.
Mitchell, James R. Gem Trails of California. (Pico Rivera: GemGuides Book Co., 1986.) 3rd Ed.
Mitchell, James R. Gem Trails of Southern California. (Baldwin Park: GemGuidesBook Co., 2003.) 2nd Expanded Ed.
Strong, Mary Francis. "Agate Hill in the Turtle Mountains." Gem & Minerals, April 1966: 14-16.
Strong, Mary Francis. "The Chuckawalla Springs Region." Gem & Minerals. December 1964: 16-18.
Strong, Mary Francis. Desert Gem Trails. (Mentone: Gembooks, 1966.)
Strong, Mary Francis. Desert Gem Trails. (Mentone: Gembooks, 1971.) 2nd Ed.
Strong, Mary Francis. "Gem Hollow in the Little Chuckwallas." Gem & Minerals. March 1964: 22-23, 41.
Strong, Mary Francis. "Jeep Trail In the Western Turtle Mountains." Gems & Minerals. October 1966: 28-29, 40.
Weight, Harold O. "On Turtle Mountain Trails." Desert Magazine. July, 1948: 23-28.
Table of Contents.
LET'S GO TO A SHOW.
2010 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.
(If you go to a web site close the new window to return here.)
July 10-11, 19-20, Culver City, CA - Culver City Rock & Mineral Club, Veterians' Memorial Auditorium, 4117 Overland Ave (Overland & Culver). Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Robert Thirlaway, (310) 213-7677, Email: thirlawr@earthlink.net, Website: http://www.CulverCityRocks.org.
August 6, 7 & 8, Nipomo, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, St. Joseph's Church, 298 S. Thompson Ave. Hours: 9-5 daily. Wes Lingerfelt, (805) 929-3788, Email: Rocks4u@prodigy.net, Website: www.omsinc.org.
August 7 & 8, San Francisco, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, San Francisco Co. Fair Bldg. (Hall of Flowers), 9th Ave. & Lincoln Way, Golden Gate Park. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Carleen Mont-Eton (415)564-4230, Email: publicity@show.sfgms.org, Website: www.sfgms.org.
August 21-22, Orangevale, CA - Treasure Trove of Gems, Orangevale Community Center, 6826 Hazel Ave. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Admission: $4 per day or $6 for weekend, Children under 12 yrs. Free with adult. John Moulder, (916) 290-3193, Email: info@treasuretroveofgems.com, Website: www.treasuretroveofgems.com.
September 3-6, Fort Bragg, CA - Mendocino Coast Gem & Mineral Society, Town Hall, Corner of Main & Laurel. Hours: Fri-Sun 10-6, Mon 10-4. Don McDonell, (707) 964-3116, Email: ejwebb@mcn.org.
September 11-12, Downey, CA - Delvers Gem & Mineral Society, Woman's Club of Downey, 9813 Paramount Blvd. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-4. Nancy Bird, (562) 697-0636, Email: nancyjbird@verizon.net, Guynell Miller, (562) 633-0614, Email: guynellallen@sbcglobal.net.
September 18-19, Redwood City, CA - Sequoia Gem & Mineral Society, Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Ave. Carol Corden, (650) 248-7155, Email: ccorden@comcast.net, Website: http://sgms.driftmine.com.
September 18-19, Paso Robles, CA - Santa Lucia Rockhounds, Pioneer Park, 2010 Riverside Drive. Hours: 10-5 Daily. Kim Patrick Noyes, (805) 610-0603, Email: kimnoyes@gmail.com, Website: http://slrockhounds.org.
September 18-19, Stockton, CA - Stockton Lapidary & Mineral Club, Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 33 W. Alpine Ave. Hours: 10-5 Daily. (209) 946-0113, Email: footsey1@yahoo.com, Website: http://www.stocktonlapidary.com.
September 25-26, Monterey, CA - Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Susie Harlow, Email: Susie@tghcpa.com, Website: http://www.cvgms.org.
October 2-3, Oroville, CA - Feather River Lapidary & Mineral Society, Oroville Municipal Auditorium, 1200 Meyers Street. Hours: 10-5 Daily. Connie Rossetto, (530) 589-1840, Email: crossetto@aol.com, Website: http://www.Orovillerocks.com.
October 3, Fallbrook, CA - Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society, Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Facility, 123 West Alvarado Street. Hours: 10-4 Daily. Mary Fong-Walker, (760) 728-1130, Email: ikonmiming@gmail.com.
October 9-10, Grass Valley, CA - Nevada County Gem & Mineral Society, "Earth's Treasures", Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road. Hours: 10-5 Both Days. Kim Moore, (530) 470-0388, Email: kmoore160@comcast.net, Website: http://www.ncgms.org.
October 9-10, Trona, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society, Searles Gem & Mineral Show Building, 13337 Main Street. Hours: Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 7:30-4. Jim & Bonnie Fairchild, (760) 372-5356, Email: slgms@iwvisp.com, Website: www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub.
October 9-10, Vista, CA - Vista Gem & Mineral Society, Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Fred Wilson, (760) 433-8446, Lois Harr, (760) 724-0395.
October 16-17, Cayucos, CA - San Luis Obispo Gem & Mineral Club, Cayucos Vets' Hall (next to Cayucos Pier), 100 Placerville Drive. Hours: 9-5 daily. Mike Lyons, (805)610-0757, Email: jadestar@charter.net, Website: http://www.slogem.org.
October 16-17, Placerville, CA - El Dorado County Gem & Mineral Society, El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive. Hours: 10-5 daily. Karen Newlin, (530) 676-1643, Website: http://www.rockandgemshow.org.
October 16-17, Santa Rosa, CA - Santa Rosa Gem & Mineral Society, Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, 1351 Maple Ave. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Debbie Granat, (707) 542-1651, Cell (707) 887-7028, Email: Erica Tanner, santarosarockshow@hotmail.com.
October 23-24, Los Altos, CA - Peninsula Gem & Geology Society, Los Altos Youth Center, 1 North San Antonio Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Website: http://pggs.org/.
October 30-31, Lakeside, CA - El Cajon Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, 12584 Mapleview Street. Hours: 10-4 both days. Carolyn Boland, (619) 561-7498, Email: carolynboland@juno.com, Website: ecvgms.com.
November 6-7, Concord, CA - Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Society, Centre Concord (in Clayton Fair Shopping Center), 5298 Clayton Rd. (near Ygnacio Valley Rd.). Hours: 10-5 both days. Harry Nichandos, (925) 289-0454, Email: show9@ccmgs.org, Website: www.ccmgs.org.
November 6-7, Lancaster, CA - Palmdale Gem & Mineral Club, Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 West Ave. H & Hwy 14. Hours: 9-5 both days. Susan Chaisson-Walblom, (661) 406-0143, Email: sichaisson@yahoo.com, Website: www.palmdalegemandmineral.com.
November 6-7, Ridgecrest, CA - Indian Wells Gem & Mineral Society, Desert Empire Fairgrounds, 520 South Richmond Road. Hours: 9-5 both days. John DeRosa, (760) 375-7905.
November 12, 13, 14, Sacramento, CA - Sacramento Mineral Society, Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street. Hours: Fri & Sat 10-6, Sun 10-5. Bob Johnson, (916) 339-7007, Website: http://www.Sacramentomineralsociety.org.
November 13-14, Yuba City, CA - Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral Society, Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds (Franklin Hall), 442 Franklin Ave. Hours: Sat 9-5, Sun 9-4. Erik Anspaugh, (916)567-9750, Email: inez_brg@yahoo.com.
November 20-21, Oxnard, CA - Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. Hours: Sat. 9-5 Sun. 10-5. Frank Bouich, (805) 271-0538, Email: show_info@oxnardgem.com, Website: www.oxnardgem.com.
2011 CFMS SHOW.
(If you go to a web site close the new window to return here.)
May 13-15 2011, Anderson CA - Northern California Treasures;
Sponsored by: Superior California Gem & Mineral Society, Shasta Gem & Mineral Society, Paradise Gem & Mineral Club;
Shasta District Fairgrounds, Anderson, CA, Near Redding, CA - Off Highway 273;
Hours: Fri. & Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4;
Show Chairman: Steve Puderbough, steve@applyaline.com, Website: www.superiorcal.com (Forms are on this site.), Website: www.shastagemandmineral.com.
2010 AFMS SHOWS.
MWF;
Midwest Federation;
August 27-29, 2010;
Peoria, IL.
NFMS,
Northwest Federation;
September 17-20, 2010;
Hillsboro, OR.
SFMS;
Southeast Federation;
October 16-18, 2010;
Knoxville, TN.
SCFMS;
South Central Federation;
December 11-12, 2010;
DeRidder, LA.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.
Webmaster: James A. Layton,
URL of this Page: http://www.vgms.org/bt/vgms1007.htm.