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“Trinitite: The Atomic Rock” by Richard Jacquot

In 1945, during the test of the world’s first nuclear device, a new mineral formed. This new mineral, trinitite was created by the Trinity ‘Gadget’, a plutonium implosion device.

Trinitite is the last remaining historical artifact of the world’s introduction into the atomic age. It is highly collectable and getting scarcer as old collections are bought up and sold off to private individuals and museums all over the world.

A journey through history and mineral formation, this presentation will cover what led up to the testing of the bomb. WWII, the Manhattan Project, the development of the Gadget, the results of the test, and the impact it had on the world. In addition, you’ll learn about the mineral itself in detail and how the different varieties were formed.

Rare specimens will be present for you to observe. Small specimens will be offered for free to those who attend the meeting interested in owning a small piece of history for their collection.

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Pipsico Scout Reservation
August 9 - 11, 2024

Surry County, Virginia
Miocene and Pliocene Fossils

Molluscan fossils of Miocene and Pliocene epochs.
Also shark teeth, whale bones, corals and more.
Easy collecting along the riverbank and shoreline.
The exposure is nearly one mile long so plenty of room for collecting.
There are many species of fossils found at this location.

M.A.G.M.A. members will need to contact Kelley Finch with the Tidewater club for info on joining their club to attend this dig. 757-630-6607

Campers may arrive on Friday the 9th. Campers arriving Friday may walk the shoreline and collect. There are cabinettes available with electricity but no running water. No cooking in cabinettes. Tent camping is also allowed. Tents may be set up in campsite 4 and latrines and water are on site. Showers are available at the pool area. All overnight campers must exit the camp by 12:00 noon on the 11th.

Alcohol and drugs are prohibited on the property.
No parking of vehicles in the campsites, you must park in the parking area after unloading gear.
No climbing steep banks.
Hand tools only.
Everyone must sign a liability release form upon arrival.
Ground fires are not permitted, but there are fire rings in the campsites.
Small dogs allowed.
Speed limit must be obeyed.

Fee (Cash only): $10.00 per person to collect and camp.
$5.00 for one day collecting.
Cabinette Rental: $25.00

For more info, contact Bill Stine at: rockdoctor48@wmconnect.com
 
Directions to the scout camp from North Carolina: Head north on Interstate 85 or 95. Both Interstates will intersect Virginia Route 40. Take these exits and head east on 40. Follow RT. 40 to U.S. 460 at Waverly. Cross 460 and head to Spring Grove. It is 11.9 miles from 460. Here you will cross RT. 10 and bear to the right. In 0.3 miles, you will see Swanns Point Rd. You will bear to the right here and follow for 5.7 miles to the camp entrance.

57 Pipsico Rd.
Spring Grove, VA 23991

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Graves Mountain Rock Swap and Dig!
October 4th - 6th, 2024

I have been in contact with Junior about the October 'Rock Swap and Dig' at the mountain. The mountain will be open to collecting from 8 am to 6 pm each day, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 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.

Detailed show hours:
Thursday, vendor set up hours: From the time the gate opens until 4pm. Gate will be locked at 4pm. Thursday is vendor set up day. 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 6pm. 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 and drinks 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 under adult supervision. Small children must be supervised at all times!

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!)

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!)

Everyone needs to be off the mountain by 6:00 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.

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