Hello Everyone

     We just returned from another wonderful field trip to the Cady Mountains (Afton Canyon area) located about 50 miles east of Barstow, California. We had a great turnout for this field trip with a total of 67 rockhounds that signed the Informed Consent & Assumption of Risk & Waiver liability form.

Day 1, Friday, April 23rd.

     The weather was nice when I arrived around 10 a.m. The first thing I did was to put up the CFMS signs so everyone would know where the campsite would be. After arriving at the camping area I found a nice group of rockhounds already there. I then checked out the camping area to make sure it was ready for all of us and by 1:00 p.m. more rockhounds had arrived. By now it was time to start the first trip out in the desert to find some nice rocks that "we just couldn't live without." And so, we were off on our first adventure to collect Marble. Everyone found a lot of assorted colors that they liked and we collected approximately 500 pounds of material. From there we headed to the flats were we were able to pickup a lot of gem material of all kinds right off the top. It was getting late so we headed back to camp 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, April 24th.

    Seventeen SUV's and pickup's and 3 ATV's lined up for a caravan trip to collecting areas. Then at 8:00 a.m., our scheduled time, we were on our way for an exciting day. Our first stop was to the Fluorite Mine area. After arriving we took time for some group pictures then I showed the new ones what to look for. Everyone was able to find some nice green Fluorite, Onyx, Plume and Sagenite, Red and Yellow Agate, Jasper, Amygdules, Jasagate, Calcite Rhombs and a lot of other prized gemmy specimens. From there we went to the Sagenite Hills where we all collected a lot of large chunks of Agate with Sagenite or Plume in them. We also walked around on the flats below the hills where we found gemmy items just laying on the top of the ground. At 4:00 p.m. it was time to head back to camp and get ready for the potluck. Eloy Martinez said the blessing. The potluck was great and there was plenty of food for everyone. After dinner we sat around the fire and told stories and had a good time.

Day 3, Sunday, April 25th.

     At 8:00 a.m. we were all off again, traveling through the desert to a new area, the Gem Hill Canyon. After arriving there I took time again to show everyone what to look for. This area has a lot of Amygdules, Chalcedony Roses, Blue Agate, and small Drusy Quartz just laying on the top of the ground. From here we moved to the Fluorite Mine and the Sagenite Hills area to collect some more of what we collected on Saturday. It was getting hot and it was after 3 p.m. so it was time to pack up and go to our homes.

    I want to thank Al Carrell and Emma Couveau from the OBMS Club of San Bernardino for their help in making this CFMS campout and field trip a great success. The only problems we had was two flat tires and the really warm weather during mid-day. Hundreds of pounds of Agate, Jasper, and assorted minerals were collected. Yes, we left some for next time.

    Hope to see all of you at Wiley's Well on Thanksgiving weekend, November 24-28, 2004 for another great field trip. For more information on up coming CFMS South Field Trips email me at RUROCKY2@aol.com or phone me at (909) 845-3051.

Until next time,
Bob Fitzpatrick

Hello Everyone

TRIP LOCATION - Northeast side of the Cady Mountains (Afton Canyon area).

WHEN - April 23-24-25, 2004

SPONSOR - CFMS Field Trip South

ORGANIZATION - CFMS

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

LEADER - Bob Fitzpatrick

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, 2004