The Gem & Mineral Society of Lynchburg, Virginia Inc. proud to host our third DMC Field Trip. The Kyanite Mining Corporation has graciously allowed us to hold this two day event at their facilities near Farmville, VA. 

OVERVIEW:            A brief schedule of the fun and fellowship events. 
Saturday, May 22nd. Willis Mountain, ( a monadnock) is the only significant active Kyanite mine in the world. At 9:30 am we will have a guided tour of selected facilities and processes and then collecting on the mountain, free BBQ, Hot Dogs and snacks (RSVP appreciated), soft drinks and water, rock swap (bring your swap material, table and chairs or tailgate). There will be night collecting in a limited area after dark until 10 pm. We will have at least four club members with super bright short wave ultraviolet lights but bring your own for your personal collecting. 
Minerals: mostly white with some blue Kyanite (some crystals fluoresce light blue), Pyrite, Red Mica (iron stained), Muscovite, Hematite coated Kyanite (some iridescent), Quartz and rare Apatite, Trolleite, Augelite, Enargite, Topaz, Lazulite, Variscite and Goyazite. Several of these also fluoresce.
 

Sunday, May 23rd. Baker Mountain which is inactive and partially reclaimed. We will be collecting in two different areas.
Minerals: Beautiful blue Kyanite crystals loose in the soil or in Quartz, Pyrite, Green Mica (Fuchsite), Red Mica (iron stained)

MEETING TIME & LOCATION:   Saturday morning between 8:00 and 8:30 am, we will all gather in the Food Lion parking lot, Sprouses Corner for sign in and mine release signing. At 8:30 am there will be hand outs, maps and a review of the weekend events. There you can also view some of the typical minerals that we have found in the past.
       Sprouses Corner is 20 miles north of Farmville, VA on Route 15 where it intersects with Route 60. From this intersection drive north on Route 15 for 1.4 miles to a traffic light at Route 20. Turn left and you will immediately see the Food Lion on your right. We will gather at the rear of the lot between 8 and 8:30am.
        Sunday morning between 9:30 and 10:00 am we will all meet at the Baker Mountain mine site. Maps and directions will be provided at the Saturday briefing.

EQUIPMENT:    Standard quarry gear is required for everyone which includes hard hat, safety glasses and good strong boots, no sneakers or sandals. You should also wear long pants and have gloves. It may be warm so dress accordingly and it is usually very windy on the mountain. Bring your collecting equipment such as hammers, chisels, buckets and newspaper for wrapping delicate specimens and UV lamp for night viewing of fluorescent minerals. We will be allowed to drive to the main collecting area on the mountain.

FACILITIES:     We will have a unisex port-a-poty in the area as well as a first aid area and tent for shade. Bring chairs for your own comfort. Hot BBQ and hot dogs will be available from Noon until 2:00 pm. Snacks and drinks will be available all day. Bring any additional food and water you will need for your evening meal.

AGE LIMIT:    Everyone is welcome but children must be 6 years old and above. They will not be allowed to roam around unattended and must obey all safety requirements. All pets must be under control at all times.

LODGING SUGGESTIONS: 
Sprouses Corner (about 1 mile) 
       Star Motel, 1-888-564-5422 $55.00
Farmville (about 20 miles) 
       Days Inn, 434-392-6611 $53.00 ask for DMC rate if reserve before 4/30/04, 
       Super 8 Motel, 434-392-8196 $55.00 ask for DMC group rate, 
       Comfort Inn, 434-392-8163
Appomattox (about 28 miles) 
       Super 8 Motel, 434-352-2339,
       Budget Inn, 434-352-7451 $40.00 ask for DMC field trip discount.
Paradise Lake Family Campground (about 33 miles) 434-993-3332
Burkeville (about 36 miles) 
       Comfort Inn, 434-767-3750, 
       Weston's Motel, 434-645-7761 $43.00 with 2 beds, $33.00 with 1 bed. 
       Add $3.20 per additional person.

ALL OF THESE MOTELS ARE CLOSE TO RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD AND GAS STATIONS.