WHAT:  Fossil Collecting Trip
WHERE:  LaFarge Cement Quarry (formerly Blue Circle Cement Quarry) in the Harleyville/Holly Hill area, South Carolina
WHEN:  October 19, 2002
COLLECTING HOURS:  Participants should start arriving at 7:30 AM to check-in, sign a release form, and receive a brief safety briefing.  The dig will be from 8 AM to 1 PM.

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).

TRIP CONDITIONS:  We found out recently from LaFarge that we may be limited to the first 40 to 50 for this field trip.  We will not be able to determine this for sure until the last week before the trip since they only open up the mine to collectors a couple of times per year. The first 40 to 50 responders will be included on the signup list for the trip.

WHERE TO STAY:  There is one motel in Harleyville, SC - Ashley Lodge at 188 Judge St. in Harleyville, SC.  Phone number is (843) 462-7800 and Fax number is (843) 462-7134.  They have rooms with queen-size beds.  There is also an RV camping area with full hookups (specific information is forthcoming).  There did not appear to be any tent camping.  Most of the "chain" motels can be found in nearby St. George, South Carolina and in Charleston (about 35 miles away).  We will obtain more information regarding the RV campground and provide a list of nearby motels with appropriate phone numbers later this week when we have a chance to verify everything.

DIRECTIONS:  From Interstate 26 (either direction) take exit 177 (Hwy. 453 Holly Hill / Harleyville).  When you reach the top of the ramp, turn towards Harleyville.  There is a road sign pointing the direction.  The mine is less than a mile on the right.  If you go past the mine, the motel is around the curve on the left.  When entering the plant off of Hwy. 453 (Judge St.) proceed past the scales and the Administration offices and parking lot.  Turn left at the first intersection.  Follow that road and the trailer is down there near the end.   We will provide a club member to help identify fossils collected.

SPECIAL NOTE:  Additional information is forthcoming.  If we cannot meet at the mine, then an alternate location will be selected.  However for those of us who have been there, we were allowed to meet at the mine trailer.
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"Field trips are open to all members of associated clubs of the DMC program of the SFMS Field Trip Committee and to all members of SFMS member clubs who have provided their membership with SFMS liability insurance.  Because of insurance requirements, members of the GENERAL PUBLIC are NOT invited on this or any DMC program field trips!"