****************************************** Fossil Field Trip August 22-24, 2025 Pipsico Scout Reservation Surry County, Virginia Miocene and Pliocene fossils A field trip has been set up for August. The location is the same. Collecting will be Saturday, August 23. Campers may come in on Friday the 22nd. Afternoon arrivals may collect on the river. There are cabinettes available with electricity but no running water. Tent camping is also allowed. Tents may be set up in campsite 4 and there are latrine facilities and water in the site. Showers are available at the staff center, central showers and the pool. The pool is not available for use. All overnight campers must exit the camp by 2 pm on the 24th. All previous collecting rules still apply: No climbing of steep river bank areas. No parking except in designated areas. No parking on any grass areas. No alcoholic beverages, drugs allowed. No pets allowed. No cooking in the cabinettes. Speed limit on camp road must be obeyed. Fees - $10.00 per person to tent camp-includes collecting fee. Cabinette rental - $25.00 for the weekend. One day collecting fee is $5.00 cash payments only. M.A.G.M.A. members must belong to a club which has liability insurance. We are working with the S.A.M.S. club to boost their membership and they do have the insurance needed. If you wish to attend this trip. Take a minute to join the Southern Appalachian Mineral Society. Scan code to join: Contact Bill Stine by email at: rockdoctor48@wmconnect.com for further information. ****************************************** ****************************************** Graves Mountain Rock Swap and Dig! October 3rd - 5th, 2025 I have been in contact with Junior and Melissa about the fall Rock Swap and Dig. The mountain will be open to collecting from 8 am to 5:45 pm each day, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Gate will be locked at 6pm. All attendees must stop at the welcome table each day to sign a liability release and make a contribution/donation to help with the cost of providing porta johns and golf carts. You must fill out a new release form for each day that you attend the dig. The dig will end and everyone must be off the mountain by 6:00 p.m. Gate locks at 6pm. Detailed show hours: Thursday, vendor set up hours: From the time the gate opens until 3:45pm. Gate will be locked at 4pm. Thursday is vendor set up day. Other people can come and dig as long as they participate in the weekends event. Be off the mountain no later than 3:45, the gate will be locked at 4pm. Friday thru Sunday, 8am till 5:45 pm. Gate will be locked at 6pm. There will be an area in the parking lot for vendors to sell and trade minerals. If you would like to set up a booth, contact Junior at the phone number listed below. Hot food, drinks and Graves Mountain T-shirts will be available for purchase on the mountain all three days. Graves Mountain Code of Conduct! Park your vehicle in the designated area at the end of the paved access road. ALL pets must be kept under control and on a leash. Children are welcome during the rock swap and dig under adult supervision. Small children must be supervised at all times! Children are not permitted to 'run wild' in the mine for obvious safety reasons. If you cannot control your children, leave them at home. No open toed shoes are permitted at the dig. Shoes must be closed toe. NO sandals, flip flops, crocs etc. Boots are recommended. The caretaker, Junior Norman has final and absolute say as to where you may safely work. Ladders or power tools of any kind will not be allowed. (HAND TOOLS ONLY!) No electric tools, no battery tools, no gas powered tools, no nuclear powered tools. No electric vehicles are allowed on the mountain, scooters, bicycles, etc. STAY AWAY FROM ALL HIGH WALLS! NO RAPPELLING OFF OF ANYTHING! No one is allowed to drive their vehicle on any part of Graves Mountain beyond the parking area! (The caretaker must accompany anyone driving beyond the parking area!) Friday through Sunday, everyone needs to be off the mountain by 5:45 p.m. The gate locks at 6. Please protect our ability to field collect at Graves Mountain! Report violations to: Junior Norman Norman C E Wrecking Co 3333 C E Norman Rd Lincolnton, GA 30817-3110 706-401-3173 All reported violations will be held in strict confidence. DIRECTIONS: From Washington Georgia, drive east 11 miles on SR-378, look for mine entrance on right. From the Hardees in Lincolnton, Georgia, drive approximately 5-1/2 miles west on SR-378. Look for the sign at the entrance to Graves Mountain on the left side of the road. Motels and Camping: Cullars Inn, Lincolnton, Georgia, 706-359-6161 Soap Creek Marina, Cabins and Camping. 706-359-4100. 3000 Soap Creek Lodge Road. Elijah Clark State Park, 706-359-3458 / 800-864-7275 American Legion Camping: 1121 American Legion RD. Lincolnton GA. 30817 Contact: Eric Kenerly, 727-710-0322, Text message preferred. Back to American Rockhound