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FGMS Field Trip - Quartz Mountain, Coarsegold, Madera County, California
Event Details
Time: March 12, 2011 from 9:30am to 3pm
Location: Coarsegold, Madera County, California
Street: Quartz Mountain Road
City/Town: Coarsegold, Madera County, California
Website or Map: http://maps.google.com/maps/m…
Phone: 559-250-5057
Event Type: field, trip
Organized By: Kris W. Rowe
Latest Activity: Mar 11, 2011
Event Description
Fresno Gem & Mineral Society extends an invitation to come and collect with us at Quartz Mountain, behind the Casino at Coarsegold.
Quartz Mountian is a small BLM area, featuring smoky to white to clear quartz crystals. It"s also the site of the historic Narbo Mine, a late 18th century gold camp. Unfortunately (for the investors and miners) there wasn't enough gold found to keep the mine open for long.
The crystals found here aren't as big or flashy as Arkansas quartz, but the collecting is relatively easy, with mine dump, surface & pocket digging.
If you attended one of our digs there last year, you will remember the "trudge" up the Mountain. It wasn't bad, but FGMS member Paul has improved the road up the Mountain, and it's now passenger car accessible. There will be limited parking at the top, with additional parking at the base.
We will meet at the Chevron Station at Hwy 41 & Picayune Road at 9:30, and proceed to the dig site at 10 am. Please be prompt, since we're required to close the gate after entering and I prefer digging to running up and down the Mountain.
Be sure to bring lunch with you, so I don't have to open the gate repeatedly. The Chevron MiniMart has plenty of deep fried junk food, burgers & chips!
Dogs are welcome as long as they're friendly and able to stay on a leash if necessary.
This event involves only very minimal hiking from the hilltop destination point. We will assemble at the Chevron mini mart. If you're running late, CALL ME so we know you're coming.
Sorry, no early departures. Departure time from the site is approximate at this point, so be prepared to relax if you have your fill of digging.
The amount of hiking you do is up to you. Once at the hilltop gathering area, you'll be able to start collecting within a few yards of your car. Collecting ranges from surface scratching to hard rock, vein "pocket" mining. We will be doing some (semi) organized mining, and there are plenty of tailings for those who wish to screen for smaller points.
I look forward to having a great time! Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Kris
Comment Wall
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Comment by Kris W. Rowe on February 28, 2011 at 4:29pm
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Additional details - (reposted from last year)
Tool list - Use your discretion by type of digging you plan to do.
Sturdy gloves (Harbor Freight mechanic's gloves are good.)
Foam rubber garden "kneeling" pads
Rockhound pick or masonry hammer
Garden trowel
3 tine garden hand scraper/weeder
Stiff nylon dish washing brush w/comfy handle *A "MUST" ITEM!*
whisk broom
small shovel w/handle
long handled, 5 tine garden "ripper"
long bladed screw drivers
wooden spoons, yellow pencils, chopsticks
sturdy buckets, canvas bags & zip lock bags
small (3 lb.) sledge hammer
chisels & wedges
Screen boxes ( If you need construction tips, just ask!)
Water for cleaning finds. (I'll bring about 10 gallons, but it goes fast!)
Comfort supplies - I'll be setting up picnic shelters, tables and other comforts at the hilltop, and I'm working on a "Comfort Station" for personal needs.
T.P.
Folding chairs and stools
*DRINKING WATER* (I'll be bringing along water & ice, but it's hot, dry digging. There's no water at the Mountain, so bring twice what you think you'll drink!)
Salt replenishing snacks
Lunch
Aspirin
Bug spray
SPF 50 lotion
Wide brim hat
Lightweight long sleeved shirt
LONG PANTS, preferably jeans.
Sturdy shoes
2 pairs socks (Foxtails abound at this site.)
There are TONS of nearby camping spots, and plenty of lodging nearby. If you want to go "first class," the nearby Casino has great food and lodging. If you need suggestions, send me a message. I have my own "favorites!"
Be forewarned, there are bugs and other stinging nasties up here, though you won't be likely to see many this time of year. Snakes are not likely to be a problem during the day. One tiny scorpion was seen last year. Tarantulas have been seen, but are docile and interesting.
On the overall, the wildlife is benign & interesting.
Take our warnings on poison oak seriously, please.
If you plan to "bushwhack," be prepared for a poison oak experience. We'll do our best to mark as much of the itchy hazards with warning tape as we possibly can.If FGMS & RFTF! members want to camp at the Mountain, let me know. I love camping up there!
Please RSVP or call so I can be sure you're coming. Feel free to put my cell number in your speed dial -559-250-5057.
See you there!
Kris
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Comment by Jeri R Bonvie on February 28, 2011 at 6:11pm -
Hi Kris,
We (2 of us) will be there! Looking forward to happy quartz hunting.
Jeri Bonvie
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Great, Jeri! It'll be a great day of digging!
See you soon!
Kris
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Comment by Darren Clayton on March 4, 2011 at 5:20pm -
Might be bringing son or daughter along, depends if I can get them out of bed that early on a Saturday morning! (coming from Hanford)
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Looking forward to meeting you, Darren! It'll be a lovely day!
Seeya!
Kris
Comment
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