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TRIPS--UPCOMING AND PAST

Trips are planned by the PROCTOR MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE, by the HOUSTON GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY & sometimes jointly by these two groups. You need to be a member of one of the groups, and sign an Assumption of Risk form, to be allowed to go on any trip.

Please remember, on all trips: Leave things better than you found them; no alcohol, guns, fireworks or other things which are dangerous or which may lead to these groups being unwelcome next time. Do bring sun lotion, insect repellant, proper clothing, food and drink. If water trip, bring your own life preserver, if not furnished by the boat owner--be sure not sorry.

Our most valuable asset is the land owner, so please act accordingly so that we will be welcome back.

If you want information about locations or details of trips regularly taken, click here.

UPCOMING TRIPS:

List of anticipated upcoming Field Trips by: the PMNS; the HGMS-Paleo Section; and/or both jointly (dates on most are open at this time):

Late September, probably Saturday, September 26, 2009.

Whiskey Bridge (Stone City Formation, Claiborne Group, Middle Eocene Epoch) fossil dig. Meet on that Saturday, at about 8:30-9:00 A.M. at the Stone City formation location on Hwy 21 West of Whiskey Bridge, on the North Shoulder of Hwy 21. Cross the Brazos River bridge over State Highway 21 from Bryan to Caldwell. then pull off to the right where you will see other vehicles, do a 180 degree turn, and park with the other vehicles. Walk down the embankment to the Brazos River, turning to the left when you see the cane grove before getting to the river.

Be careful of poison ivy and of snakes. The cane may have grown back up so as to almost block the path. Just do your share in pushing it back and down and if you have some weed killer, spray the poison ivy to help control it for future groups.

It is suggested to wear long sleeves and long pants to protect from insects (which are usually not a problem) and poison ivy, which sometimes is (be sure to wash clothes separately later, so as not to possibly contaminate other clothing and linens with poison ivy oil).

You must sign an "Assumption of Risk" form to be part of the Proctor Museum of Natural Science, Inc. and Houston Gem & Mineral Society, Inc.-Paleo Section group and to participate in the dig on that date. The form is on the HGMS website at http://www.hgms.org, then click on trips at the top. We will also have forms on location on that date.

Our friend W. Terry Stiles, Administrator for the A & M Veterinarian School will have us as guests at his ranch after the dig (about 1:30-2:00 P.M.. Terry will barbecue chicken and beans. You need to bring some side dish(es), such as chips, dips, snack food, veggies (other than beans), dessert, soft drinks or other similar items to share with the group.

Handouts will be available with some identification from the HGMS past material on the Stone City formation site.

Tools you may want to have: dental picks, brush, trowel, and other small tools, as you will be digging in dirt, not rock and you need to uncover fossils gently. Also toilet paper to wrap specimens in, plastic tackle box type containers with various sections to separate good, bad and ugly finds into. Sunscreen and insect repellant are helpful, but usually insects are not a problem at this location. Handiwipes are good as this is a dirty dig, which means you need to clean your hands before grabbing a drumstick.

If you need more information call the Curator of the PMNS, Terry Proctor at the PMNS phone number of (713) 453-8363 or at his law office (713) 453-8338.

ABOUT OUR TRIPS

FOR BEGINNERS:

If you want to be a rockhound, before making your first trip, you may want to read the brief information on trips to better prepare you to make a 'dig', as is found at "Rockhounding 101", by PMNS Curator, Terrell William "Terry" Proctor, J.D. which appeared in the "BACKBENDERS GAZETTE" of the Houston Gem & Mineral Society. Click HERE to read this article.

FOR **EXPERIENCED and *NEW ROCKHOUNDS:

Risk, skill and financial considerations of trips: (see notation * at end of each trip)
* Danger level and expense considered low.
* Some experience or training before the trip recommended.
* Some experience or training needed. Danger is present.
* Danger is considerable.
* Considerable expense to this trip.

PREVIOUS TRIPS TAKEN: