18th Annual
Western North Carolina
Rockhound Roundup

July 18th - 25th, 2021

Photos by: Rick Jacquot, Mark Veilleux, Carol Veilleux, Tony Bradley,
Randy Fitzgerald, Kay Fitzgerald, Mike Callahan

Our friend Dave was back after us not seeing him for a couple of years. He brought along a huge selection of local minerals, all self collected, that he gave away during the week in a drawing. I have a funny story about that.

Dave


Tony and Bob.

Sharon and Dave.

Dan and Johnny checking out some of Bill's minerals.

Bill in his Saturday best!

Dave had brought a truckload of cool stuff. He did a name drawing for people to win his rocks. A few years back, Dave did a lottery to win rocks. He had one in particular that I wanted, so I bought 40 tickets. I won my rock, and a number of others after that. With the look of a possible lynching in the eyes of some being directed at me, I began giving away my winnings as Dave repeatedly called my name. (I did buy 40 tickets after all) In the end, I think everyone got something nice.

Fast forward to 2021. Dave had everyone write their name on a piece of paper. Then he folded them and placed them in a container. You were only allowed one ticket, so my chances were slim this time. I, along with others, wanted the grand prize, appropriately named 'Big Knobby' a self collected, 100 pound boulder of smaragdite covered in large rubies from Chunky Gal mountain. I actually owned it at one time, but it rotated back into Dave's collection. Dave had Randy draw the names from the container, then he would hand the paper to me to read. What are the odds that my name would be the first out of the bucket? Pretty good I guess, as I won Big Knobby back and she is sitting in my living room as I type this report. I know, I know. I suck. But I also have another cool rock in my collection. 8^)

Big Knobby

Randy examining Big Knobby.

Carol and Johnny.

Chelle working on her camp.

Me and Mike.

Two cool cats! I mean, Rockhounds.


Johnny working the saw.

Me killing time waiting for the food to get ready.

Luther

Kay, Carol and Mark sorting through hundreds of cabochons made by Duane.

Fun with friends.

Time to eat!

We had a huge spread as always. So much I will not even try to recount it all here. I do remember at least two birthday cakes. One for me and one for Eliah. Great food and great friends to break bread with.





Mark and Bill getting artistic with Big Knobby on Saturday night.


Mike and Carol's visit to the Sinkhole Mine.




Social distancing with Dave.

You can try, but you will never find a better group of people than those in the MAGMA Club. It is the greatest club in the country and we are home to the greatest rockhounds. It has taken years to get us to this point, but we are there.

I hope to see many new rockhounds at next years roundup. In the meantime, you can check us out at the link below for upcoming shows and digs.

Rock on!

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