QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Apr 7, 2024 13:39:33 GMT -5
I focused on the Graves Mountain site that Quailriver mentioned, as it's one place he mentioned that is still an active place AND it's further south than north so maybe more attainable to not only people on the southeast but maybe also in the mid west & northeast. Graves mountain itself sounds like quite a destination & we'd have to find out more info, but they do offer, as Quailriver said, a free open to the public weekend in Oct & April. OTOH, I just read that maybe 1500 people attend those free weekends  . But, they will let you in, for groups of more than 1, anytime if you make a reservation. I think it's also free.
Only problem is it's walk in, about 3/4 mile, no vehicles allowed. Bring a hand truck or wagon.
An added bonus of Graves Mtn is there are a couple of campgrounds in the area, some on the lake, and perhaps a small group of RTH could meet at one of those & then travel to the mine if interested or just hang out by the lake. I'll be curious to see if this develops.
Good idea Tela, maybe  Patty
Graves Mountain would be great in the spring or fall. But definitely not during the hot summer months. Georgia heat and humidity can be ruthless and dangerous! www.onlyinyourstate.com/georgia/awesome-rock-ranch-ga/And just in case I gave the wrong impression about Spruce Pine, NC, they still have a couple of gem shows simultaneously there around the week of the first weekend of August. They just are much smaller and not nearly as well attended as they were back in the glory days (pre-1995). The GLW wholesale show, and the former Lemon Tree Inn show are no longer held there. But the town is more developed now and there are a couple of more motels, and there are still cabin rental companies. The old Safari Campground that was the epicenter of congregating rockhounds back in the day is long gone now. As far as I can tell now there appears to be only one active campground in Spruce Pine. Springmaid Mountain. This campground when built was corporate owned and didn't advertise but was open to the public for tax write-off reasons. My wife and I stayed there several times back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The cabins were great but the campground bathhouses were being neglected. But that was 30 years ago so things may be different now. www.springmaidmountain.com/Shows still currently held in Spruce Pine: grassycreekgemshow.org/ncgemfest.com/ |
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ThomasT
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2022
Posts: 624
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Post by ThomasT on Apr 7, 2024 13:50:56 GMT -5
These rock quarries, like the Graves Mountain site, in the southeast are not easy for the feeble or those not physically fit...especially in the summertime.
North Carolina is about the mineral capital in the southeast.
Franklin, NC being a big gathering spot of vendors, close to a lot of sources of minerals and mineral museums, mineral clubs and such... might be a spot to consider.
Not sure what you may have in mind...
For what it's worth,
Thomas
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 8, 2024 7:04:46 GMT -5
Thanks for all your input! I guess, I need to look at a few links. QuailRiver, thanks for the info. |
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iamchris
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2023
Posts: 722
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Post by iamchris on Apr 8, 2024 7:58:14 GMT -5
If anyone is interested but can't commit, yet. Please state that you may be interested in coming. I'm just gauging interest right now. +1 for this status |
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wpotterw
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2016
Posts: 447 
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Post by wpotterw on Apr 8, 2024 8:23:16 GMT -5
If anyone is interested but can't commit, yet. Please state that you may be interested in coming. I'm just gauging interest right now. +1 for this status I'm interested |
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Apr 8, 2024 19:28:02 GMT -5
I neglected to mention that the Grassy Creek Show in Spruce Pine does allow show vendors to camp on site and they do have a fairly well kept bath house. The Grassy Creek Show was, and as far as I know still is, ran by the Grassy Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Apr 8, 2024 19:54:35 GMT -5
These rock quarries, like the Graves Mountain site, in the southeast are not easy for the feeble or those not physically fit...especially in the summertime. North Carolina is about the mineral capital in the southeast. Franklin, NC being a big gathering spot of vendors, close to a lot of sources of minerals and mineral museums, mineral clubs and such... might be a spot to consider. Not sure what you may have in mind... For what it's worth, Thomas Yes, the Franklin shows are pretty good as far as eastern U.S. shows go. I've been there many times for both the May and the July shows and know the area well. Three shows simultaneously in early May, and four shows in late July. Weather is usually nice in May but on the hot side in July. The motels in Franklin often fill-up during the show dates but there are usually plenty of rooms available about 20 minutes south, just across the border in and around Clayton, Georgia. Franklin is still on the GWL wholesale show circuit in both May and July. And the USFG's Franklin Faceters Frolic is held there in July. There are cabin rentals and decent camping in the area including one very nice Georgia State run Camp Ground named Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City, Georgia. xpopress.com/showcase/shows/3/franklin-gem-mineral-showcaseFFF site hasn't been updated for 2024 yet: usfacetersguild.org/events/franklin-faceting-symposium/ |
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Apr 9, 2024 9:56:40 GMT -5
Location and timing dependent I may have interest! I'll keep my eyes open for additional info forthcoming.
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Post by liveoak on Apr 9, 2024 10:09:34 GMT -5
Location and timing dependent I may have interest! I'll keep my eyes open for additional info forthcoming. Exactly my thoughts.  Patty
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 9, 2024 10:32:30 GMT -5
Are sw desert rats invited? I'm putting the odds of being able to at pretty low, but I do really want to do that US60 road trip that leads to VA.
And seeing Bill again, plus all the others I have never met in person may put me in competition with Tony for the RTHling who has met the most other RTHlings...
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Apr 9, 2024 10:37:58 GMT -5
Thanks for all your input! I guess, I need to look at a few links. QuailRiver , thanks for the info. Tela, let me know if I can help with any researching. I have no claim to fame in this area, but happy to help look into things. |
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Apr 9, 2024 10:38:47 GMT -5
Are sw desert rats invited? I'm putting the odds of being able to at pretty low, but I do really want to do that US60 road trip that leads to VA. And seeing Bill again, plus all the others I have never met in person may put me in competition with Tony for the RTHling who has met the most other RTHlings... YESSSS! At least IMO |
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 9, 2024 10:56:06 GMT -5
Are sw desert rats invited? I'm putting the odds of being able to at pretty low, but I do really want to do that US60 road trip that leads to VA. And seeing Bill again, plus all the others I have never met in person may put me in competition with Tony for the RTHling who has met the most other RTHlings... Absodamnlutely! |
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Warzy Raptor
starting to shine!
microcrystalline silicates my beloved <3
Member since April 2024
Posts: 38
Member is Online
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Post by Warzy Raptor on Apr 16, 2024 20:05:25 GMT -5
Oh gosh, an excuse to get away from quartz and quartzite and maybe find other stones and meet up with other rockhounds?? COUNT ME INNNNN!
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rockinronda
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2023
Posts: 266
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Post by rockinronda on Nov 9, 2024 14:22:48 GMT -5
🙋♀️ Def interested, def need advanced notice!
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rockinronda
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2023
Posts: 266
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Post by rockinronda on Nov 9, 2024 14:41:14 GMT -5
Like to throw 2 GA locations to the mix: Hogg Mine - Flat ground open mine, easily accessible. Group rates and machine digs. $35 and up. HAVE YOU SEEN ROB’s Aqua/Beryl he pulled from there? Rose Quartz super transparent and high chance for asterism. Black tourmaline in matrix. www.hoggmine.com/information.htmlPatty Quarry- Working quarry free to mine on Sundays only when quarry is closed. Just sign a waiver. Open flat ground and mounds/piles to sift through for Summerville Crazy Lace Agates. www.mcrocks.com/ftr08/DeereMarch08.html |
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Post by rockjunquie on Nov 9, 2024 16:32:41 GMT -5
I was just wondering about this the other day.
People- I will gladly admit that I am awful at planning things. Nothing is done in my family if it isn't done at the last minute. Plus, it's just been a shite year for me. If anyone wants to step up and kinda take the bull by the horns, I'm all ears.
I was thinking of maybe a place in the middle of the coast, but that may not work.
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rockinronda
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2023
Posts: 266
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Post by rockinronda on Nov 9, 2024 16:38:10 GMT -5
Where are most of us located?
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rockinronda
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2023
Posts: 266
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Post by rockinronda on Nov 9, 2024 16:38:47 GMT -5
🙋♀️ mid GA
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Post by rockjunquie on Nov 9, 2024 16:50:18 GMT -5
Where are most of us located? From New England to Florida. |
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