What:  Mineral Collecting Field Trip
Where:  Graves Mountain, Lincoln County, Georgia
When:  Saturday, September 20, 2003

Minerals:  Rutile, Lazulite, Kyanite, Quartz, Pyrophyllite, Goethite/Hematite(iridescent), Pyrite, Muscovite(clear to green) and Ilmenite are some of the best known and most frequently found. Forty plus species are known from Graves Mountain, most being in micro size. Some of these that are found in crystal form are Barite, Cacoxenite, Crandallite, Gypsum, Phosphosiderite, Strengite, Sulfur, Variscite, Wavellite and Woodhouseite.

Assembly Point:  At 08:30 along west side of C.E.Norman Road at junction with Hwy 378.
From Washington, Georgia travel east on Hwy 378. From junction of Hwy 378/47/78/10/17 in Washington(at Lin's Wok Restaurant) it is approximately 10.5 miles to the Lincoln County line. C.E.Norman Road is about 100 yards ahead to the left.
From Lincolnton, Georgia(Hardees Restaurant) travel west on Hwy 378 approximately 5.5 miles to C.E.Norman Road to the right.

Lodging:  The Cullars Inn adjacent to Hardees in  Lincolnton.  Rate $44. plus tax for two persons.  -  Tel # (706) 359-6161
  Jameson Inn  (near the Hwy 378/47/78/10/17 junction) in Washington.  Rate  $63.27 includes tax for two persons.  -  Tel #  (706) 678-7925.  Reservation can be made toll free thru 1-800-JAMESON.
  Other lodging can be found in Thomson(20 miles) and off Bel Air Road and I-20 junction west of Augusta(35 miles).

Camping:  Elijah Clark State Park - approximately 6 miles east of Lincolnton on Hwy 378. Reservations (770)  389-7275 or 1-800-864-7275. Park Office - (706) 359-3458

Equipment:  Any or all of the following. Some sort of transport vehicle(cart), buckets, 8lb sledge, 2-4 lb crack hammer, rock hammer, pry bar, shovel, chisels, SAFETY EYEWEAR, magnifier, back pack w/egg cartons and/or wrapping material. Hard hat required if you plan to work adjacent to the high wall areas.

Entry Fee:  $5.00 per person(bring correct amount). 
Will be collected as Letter Agreement and Release form is filled out.

Weather:  All day rain and/or thunderstorms will cause cancellation of this event.
                      Local weather data for Lincolnton can be obtained at: 
                       www.weather.com/weather/local/30817

Food and Drinks:  None available at Graves Mountain. Bring what you need for the day.

Age Limit:  Children 12 years and older can participate but must be supervised by their parent or guardian.

Pets:  Allowed but must be kept under control by owner.

Safety:  Follow guidelines set down by DMC and your individual club. Don't endanger yourself or others around you.....HAVE A FUN DAY 

Thirty six people attended with Freddie Bolden and his crew from New Market, Tennessee being the most distant travelers. No surprise, Glen Williams found the largest rutile. But as he has always stated, go where others don't and keep your eyes on the ground. A guarantee for success at Graves. He found a large floater just resting in a ditch.By state we had one person from North Carolina, five from Tennessee, eight from South Carolina and twenty two from Georgia. The weather was great for Graves digging. A bit warm but beautiful otherwise. I personally thank all participants and as most of you conveyed as you departed, you enjoyed the day and found something to carry home.

Aiken Gem, Mineral and Fossil Society