Hello Everyone

     Just returned from a wonderful field trip to the Afton Canyon area (North East Cady Mountains) located about 50 miles east of Barstow, California. We had a great turnout for this field trip! There was a total of 58 rockhounds, two dogs and one cat. (The cats name was Shadow.)

Day 1, Friday, October 17th

     The weather was nice when I arrived around noon. The first thing I did was check out the campsite, everything there seemed to be in order. By l:00 p.m. there were 7 SUVs and pick-up's ready to do some serious rockhounding. I led them to the area of Fluorite Canyon were everyone collected a lot of nice material. We were able to return to camp before dark so we could eat and get ready for an enjoyable time around the fire. Throughout the evening more Rockhounds showed up to camp and join the rest of us on our journey into the desert on Saturday.

Day 2, Saturday, October 18th.

     The schedule was to leave at 8:00 a.m. sharp to go to the collecting areas. Ten SUVs and pickup's were ready and as soon as rides were found for the ones that didn't have four wheel drive vehicles we were off on our adventure. We used walkie-talkie's to keep in touch with each other on the trip out and back. I led the way and Bob Bryne brought up the rear, that way Bob could let me know if anyone was having trouble. Our first stop was the Gem Hill where we stayed until noon. We collected Blue Agate, Chalcedony Roses, Amygdules, Jasagate, Calcite Rhombs and a lot of other prized gemmy specimens. From there we went on to the Fluorite Mine area. Everyone was able to find some nice Green Fluorite, Onyx, Plume and Sagenite, Red and Yellow Agate and Jasper. We also walked around on the flats below the hills where some of us found Sagenite Agate in a unique sunburst pattern. We stayed in this area until about four and then headed back to camp and got ready for the potluck. The potluck was great and there was plenty of food for everyone, Bob Bryne said grace before we ate. I want to thank Emma Rose and all the others who sat up the tables and got the food ready for us and all those that brought the food and wood for the fire. After dinner we sat around the fire and told stories and had a good time.

Day 3, Sunday, October 19th.

     At 8:00 a.m. we were all off again, traveling through the desert to a new area, the Sagenite Hills. On the way, we stopped at the Fluorite Mine area because everyone voted to spend a little more time collecting there because it is so gemmy. At 10:00 a. m, we went on to the Sagenite Hills were we all collected some large chunks of Agate with Sagenite, we also walked the flats below and picked up some other nice specimens.

It was time to head back to camp and pack up and go home. Everyone had a great time and found a lot of nice cutting material and gem specimens, the weather was great all three days.

Till next time,
Bob Fitzpatrick

PS - Come and join us at Wiley's Wells on Thanksgiving weekend and Gold Rock Ranch in December for more great CFMS field trips.
For more information on up coming CFMS South Field Trips Email me at:

RUROCKY2@aol.com
or phone me at (909) 845-3051.

    MATERIAL TO COLLECT - Red and yellow agate, jasper, (plume & sagenite) opalite, calcite rhombs, chalcedony roses, amygdules, green fluorite, onyx and much more.

    PROPOSED SCHEDULE - Early Friday will be for setting up camp. Friday around 1 p.m. I will be leading a field trip. Each day around 8 a.m. we will be going to a different area to collect. There will be a potluck Saturday around 5 p.m.

    DIRECTIONS TO CAMP SITE - I-15 Freeway east past Barstow for about 45 miles to Basin Road. Exit off ramp to the right and follow signs to camp site area. The road to the camping site should be okay for 2 wheel drive cars, trailers & motor homes. We will be camping just on the other side of railroad tracks.

    VEHICLE - 4 wheel drive from camp to collecting areas. The desert road is sandy and in some areas has large rocks in it.

    CAMP & FACILITIES - This will be dry camping, no water, no picnic tables, no toilets, no firewood to be gathered and no fees.

    TOOLS - Collecting bags, rock hammer, eye gear, flashlights, spray water bottle, etc., camp chair (to sit in at night around the fire).

    SAFETY CONCERNS - Do not lick the rocks, use sun screen, stay away from rattlesnakes, use bug spray, be aware of flash floods, be extra careful and don't get lost.

    CLIMATE & WEATHER - It can be hot during the day and cold at night, it could rain.

    CLOTHING - Appropriate for this time of the year.

    OTHER REMARKS - All club members and there guests are welcome to join us. Come for the day or camp out with us. Bring food, lots of water, a camera and lots of firewood for the campfire at night. If you need a motel or supplies they are available in Baker or Barstow. Don't forget we will have a potluck on Saturday night, so bring a dish to share and your own place setting. Each night after dark we will have a campfire where we can all join together and have a good time roasting marshmallows, telling jokes or just talking about the good OLE times.

    I should be arriving at campsite around 11 a.m. on Friday. Saturday and Sunday we will be leaving the camp at around 8 a.m. and drive to the collecting areas.

    You must observe the AFMS code of ethics and sign a consent and assumption of risk waiver of liability form. Hope to see you there.

    For additional information Email me at RUROCKY2@aol.com or call me at (909) 845-3051.

Bob Fitzpatrick
CFMS Field Trip Chair - South, 2003