WHAT:  Fossil Collecting Trip

WHERE:  LaFarge Cement Quarry in the Harleyville/Holly Hill area, South Carolina

WHEN:  October 15, 2005

COLLECTING HOURS:  Participants should start arriving at 7:30 A.M. to check-in, sign a release form, and receive a brief safety briefing.  The dig will be from 8 A.M. to 1 P.M.

 

There is no fee for this dig.

 

    If children come to the dig, they MUST be in CLOSE proximity to their parent(s) at all times.  The representative from the mine stated no young children are permitted in the mine (he did not elaborate on how young, but I will endeavor to find out).  All young people under 18 must be with an adult/parent at all times.  This is a working mine.  Nothing was said about pets; but I would advise against bringing them.

    This mine is primarily noted for its Eocene marine fossils including scallops, oysters, brachiopods, echinoids, shark teeth, ray teeth, etc. 

    SPECIAL CONDITIONS:  Because this is a working mine, safety is most important.  Hard hats and safety glasses are required and will be supplied by the Lafarge mine.  It is also recommended that you wear safety shoes (sturdy shoes), gloves, and appropriate outer clothing.  Everyone must sign a release form prior to going into the mine.  We will probably meet at our LaFarge Cement Quarry hosts "work trailer" to sign release forms and get a safety briefing before entering the mine.

    WHAT TO BRING:  Bring something to collect into, picks, hammers, small shovels, a bag lunch, and plenty of drinking water.  If the weather is nice, we may be able to drive into the mine, otherwise we walk (approximately a quarter mile or more).  Also, bring a lunch since there are no restaurants close by.

    TRIP CONDITIONS:  We will be limited to the first 50 for this field trip and there will be possibly be other organizations collecting with us bringing the total to around 100.  LaFarge only opens up the mine to collectors once per quarter.  Because of this condition, club Field Trip Chairman Mark Easterbrook will be the point of contact for both the mine and the DMC participants.  

 

    WHERE TO STAY: 

Hotel/Motel Accommodations:  The nearest hotels or motels are in Summerville, SC at Exit 199, in St. George, SC at Exit 77 off of Interstate 95, near Santee, SC at I-95 and Exit 102, and one in Harleyville, SC near the mine.  In Summerville, SC:  Economy Inn (843-875-7576); Hamilton Motel (843-873-0220); Sleep Inn (843-875-7567); Comfort Inn (843-835-2333); Hampton Inn (843-871-8300).  In St. George, SC:  Peach Tree Inn (843-636-9393); St. George Motor Inn (843-563-3029); Economy Inn (843-563-4195) and the Best Western (843-563-2277).  Near Santee, SC:  Comfort Inn (803-854-3221); Country Inn and Suites (803-854-4104); Days Inn (803-854-2175), and Hampton Inn (803-854-2444).  In Harleyville, SC:  Ashley Lodge (843-462-7800).

 

Camping:

 

Colleton State Park – Hwy. 15 S. in Canadys, SC (843-538-8206)

Givhans Ferry State Park – 746 Givhans Ferry Rd. in Ridgeville, SC (843-873-0692)

Lake Marion Resort and Marina – 510 Ragtime Trail in Santee, SC (803-854-2136)