WESCAGEM will host a field trip to the Ray Mine and Little Ray Mine on Saturday, August 14.  We will meet at the Burger King in front of the Bi-Lo grocery store in Burnsville, NC at 9:00 AM.

Directions:  Take Route 19 out of Asheville, NC and continue on 19E to Burnsville, NC.
From the Spruce Pine direction, take 19 to the crest to Burnsville.  The Burger King is right there on Route 19.  From there we will take Route 197 south for 0.7 miles and take a left onto Bolens Creek Road.  We will drive for 1.3 miles and take a left onto Ray Mine Road, and drive to the end of the road.  Then, there is a 1/3 mile uphill walk on a steep path to the mine.

What to look for:  Beryl crystals, black and rare,green tourmaline, garnet, amazonite, thulite, fluorescent apatite, and mica.  The Ray Mine is reported to be one of the most accessible sites, where you have a chance to find gem quality aquamarine.  The Little Ray Mine is known for golden beryl.

Tools and Equipment:  Sledgehammers,rock hammers, shovels, picks, screens and buckets.  We will be searching and digging and busting rocks in the extensive dumps left from the mica mining.  There is a good stream at the bottom of the dump to screen your diggings.  Very little good material is found lying on the surface.  If you plan to try more than one hunting strategy, it is best to share tools with a buddy.  You will not need a screen while you are splitting rocks, and you will not need sledge hammers while shifting dirt.  I recommend you bring drinks and snacks, also.

Cost:  There will be a $2.00 charge per vehicle payable to Mr. Bennett for the privilege of parking in his yard at the end of Ray Mine Road.  Car pooling would save some money and prevent parking congestion.

Restrictions:  We will be guests on National Forest Land.  Do not enter any of the steep cuts or shafts, as they are dangerous.  Do not dig holes large enough for someone to injure themselves, unless you fill it back in.  It is better to strip a wider area of the spoil piles.  Do not do unnecessary damage to the vegetation.  Carry out all litter, if you can carry a full can uphill, you should be able to carry an empty one down.  Carefully supervise any children.

          - Accommodations in Burnsville -
    Blue Ridge Motel, 204 W. Blvd.  (828)682-9100
    Carolina Country Inn, W. Main St. (828)682-6033
    Mountain View Motel, Hwy. 805 (828)682-2115
    Toe River Campground, Blue Rock Road
    and more lodgings in Asheville or Spruce Pine.