McRocks

McRocks "The Gathering"

July 4th - 9th, 2006

Spruce Pine, NC

Ray Mica Mine Field Trip

July 7th, 2006

You know, ever since I've been around McRocks I've heard stories about the Ray Mine, Bassie Bennet, and the different minerals that could be found there. I've also heard how the USFS blocked the access road to it under pretense of ecological issues such as sedimentation of the creek. It is my contention that their actions did more harm than good. The road trace up to the Ray is a disaster.

Mike Streeter alluded to the fact the Ray doesn't give up her beryl specimens easily. I found that to be all too true for myself, however, others had better success. Next time I get the opportunity to go to the Ray, I'll be better prepared. Despite the stingy demeanor of the Ray, there were some good specimens of Beryl and other minerals gleaned from beneath her peaceful countenance.

I've always heard a picture is worth a thousand words, and I believe it. Problem is, everyone has their own perception of what they see. Well, I've seen a lot, and it never ceases to amaze me...

With that said, on to another pictorial account of the fellowship that only rock-hounds can share! To the world, it's just another pretty rock, but to a rock-hound, it's a gem! Enjoy the ride!

Larry, Lloyd, Herb, Alex, Guri

Looking upstream

Bruce Skubon

Ernie Walker (Rock-head), and Mr. "B"

Joe "Crick-Walker" Dunleavy

Lloyd Brown

Ernie Walker

Bruce Skubon

Mike wanders aimlessly about...

Alex Zeigerman is still wondering what the h-e-double hockey-sticks he's here for!

One of the numerous mine pits scattered about the hillsides. It's around two-hundred feet down to the opening which is now pretty much filled in and inaccessible. The USFS doesn't want anyone going into the old shafts.

Ann Bair & Beverly Sapp

"We don't have any six-legged frogs in Georgia..."

"No kiddin?, We see them all the time in Wisconsin!"

Now that's teamwork! You think maybe there's something in there?

Poser...

Needless to say, everyone had a great time at the Ray, even if she was stingy. Mike found a really nice matrix specimen with a beryl crystal grown around the quartz matrix. He was playin' in the creek making a waterfall at the time... But hey, it eventually found a good home here in Oooooklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plains...

THE GATHERING