VOLUME 26, ISSUE 3
March 2016
Words from the President:
March is starting off with a lot of rain, and I hope more is on the way. The inland streams badly
need a lot of rain to move and unearth those hidden rocks in our own backyard. I believe the
next two weeks will have new rocks and hidden treasures exposed on the surface. Four years
of looking at the same area and very small changes to the surface might finally be over!
The beaches are producing some beautiful rocks this year. Most of the rocks are already
tumbled, too, making it a little easier to start tumbling your rocks at home. I have seen more
Breccia Jasper and Agates at the beaches in the last three months then all of last year. I have
also been seeing more rocks to choose from on the beaches as well. Some days are better
than others, of course, because at the beach "Every Day is a New Day".
Tip: Arrive one to two hours before low tide.
I hope everyone took good notes at the last General Meeting. Wayne Mills talked about many
rock hounding areas less than 50 miles away. SLO County has a lot to offer for any collector.
The CFMS (California Federation of Mineralogical Societies) is having a great field trip to
LAVIC SIDING, MARCH 26. Lavic Siding is 30 minutes from Barstow, CA. If you are
interested, visit their website. They have a lot of things going on.
Many of us have been working hard on our 25th Annual Rock and Gem Show, scheduled for
April 23 & 24. I hope many of you have been planning what you are going to be putting in your
display cases at the show. Also, we will be needing many volunteers to help this show run
smoothly. Volunteering doesn't have to be an all-day thing -- if everyone volunteered for an
hour or two, it would sure make the load lighter for all of us. Tina Clark is our volunteer
coordinator; be sure to check with her at our March meeting to see what you can help with.
LIBRARY INVENTORY TIME
Please bring all Santa Lucia Rockhound Library items you
may have checked out to our meeting in March so an
inventory can be taken.
Thank you!
2016 OFFICERS CHAIR
PRESIDENT
Michael Judy
(805) 238-4469
[email protected]
VP PROGRAMS
Joyce Baird
(805) 423-5855
[email protected]
VP EDUCATION
John McCabe
(805) 464-0528
[email protected]
VP COMMUNICATIONS
Brett Weathersbee
(805) 550-2753
[email protected]
SECRETARY
Alice Rodriguez
(805) 369-4910
[email protected]
TREASURER
Doren Strane
(805) 712-8519
[email protected]
SR. DIRECTOR
David Nelson
(805) 423-0188
[email protected]
JR. DIRECTOR
Ralph Lawless
(805) 423-8965
[email protected]
PAST PRESIDENT
Open Position
Rockonteur
Santa Lucia RockHounds
Junior RockHounds:
March 2016
2016 COMMITTEE CHAIR
The February meeting found Junior Rockhounds continuing to work on meeting their
Collection badge requirements. In March, Junior Rockhounds will be making
arrowhead points. Junior Rockhounds should bring
safety glasses and gloves!
Junior Rockhounds: Remember to bring safety glasses
and gloves to the March meeting.
Club Members who would like to donate or lend safety
glasses, please bring to the March Meeting for all Juniors so
they can all participate.~~TC~~
Good Humor: by Dorren Strane
The clumsy phone operator got fired...
He couldn't diorite
CFMS Director
Open Position
Field Trips
Open Position
Membership
Brett Weathersbee
(805) 550-2753
[email protected]
Merchandise
David Nelson
(805) 423-0188
[email protected]
Museum & Library
Barbara Bilyeu
(805) 434-2708
[email protected]
Hospitality
Cathy McIntosh
(805) 239-2921
History
Mike Doherty
(805) 466-4061
[email protected]
Drawings
Michael Judy
(805) 238-4469
[email protected]
Want to see past Newsletters?
Visit www.slrockhounds.org
Click “Members Only”
Silent Auction
Pete Duckworth
(805) 467-3413
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Tina Clark
(805) 238-4469
[email protected]
Username: rockgems
Password: jade
March Program Strikes Gold
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own your own gold mine?
Special guests, Stuart and Nancy Schmidt will share their story at the March club
meeting. The Schmidt's own and operate a family gold mine in the Yukon Valley.
Come learn about their exciting adventures and how gold prospecting has been part of
their family history for several generations.
Interim Newsletter Publisher
Michael Judy
(805) 238-4469
[email protected]
Rockonteur
Santa Lucia RockHounds
March 2016
Fossils & Rocks on the Central Coast - Wayne Mills
Wayne Mills filled in as February's program speaker and gave an engaging
overview of the types of rocks and fossils able to found in the Central Coast. He
begin with a brief description of the geological formations found in Monterey
County and worked his way south to Santa Barbara County.
He then shared the types of specimens that could be found at specific locations
in these areas. His slides included several photos to provide examples. Locations
highlighted included Willowcreek, Limekiln, Moonstone Beach, Avila, Nipomo,
Lake Nacimiento, San Miguel, Highway 166, and the Lompoc Quarry just to
name a few. Specimen types included jade, serpentine, soapstone, rhodonite,
chert, jasper, rhyolite, whale bone, pipefish, and sand dollars.~~TC~~
CFMS
CFMS Earth Science Camp ZZYZX 2016
By Marion Roberts, E.S.S Chairman
There are still openings for at this year's Camp ZZYZX.
There is room for 3 to 4 more RV's and 5 openings in the women's dorm
room.
To secure these last minute openings for this year's ZZYZX Experience
contact Audrey Harvey at 805-492-2253.
The deadline for making confirmed reservations is noon March 20, 2016 so do
not delay.
CFMS
CFMS Field Trip Lavic Siding
By Adam Dean, Field Trips South
CFMS Field Trip Topez Mountain
By Jim Hutchings, Field Trips North
East of Barstow, California
March 26th
North West of Delta, Utah
April 29 – May 1
For more info contact:
CFMS South Co-chairs:
Adam Dean [email protected]
909-489-4899
For more info contact:
CFMS North Co-chairs:
Jim Hutchings [email protected]
916-995-7380
Please visit the CFMS web site
Rockonteur
Interview with a Rockstar
Santa Lucia RockHounds
March 2016
Name
Joyce Baird
How long have you been a club member?
I first joined the club in 1997. Throughout the years I have been
very active on the Board and in planning the Club's annual Rock
and Gem show. Past positions I've held include President, Show
Chair, Dealer Chair, and Program Chair. Once again I am
serving as the Club's Program Chair. Being on the Board gives
me a much better idea with what's going on with the Club.
What rocks you about rockhounding?
I love the thrill of the hunt, being out in the desert, and the
beauty of it all. Most of our rockhounding has been in the
Mojave Desert. Tell me what we are we looking for and show
me what it looks like, and I'll go find it.
What has been your greatest or most memorable find?
I can't say I have a "most" memorable find, but I can say I have a most
memorable field trip we went on. There is show in Trona every October, that includes field trips. One
is to an old mine where salt water was used as part of the processing. Pink halite crystals grow under the surface of the salt
flats. On the trip I went on, we used a special gas to help pull out chunks of halite. We also went on another field trip to collect
crystals where a pipe is stuck down into the ground and water and crystals shoot out the top. You have to search through goopy
piles of mud to get the crystals. You have to throw your clothes away when you are through, because the mud is so sticky it won't
come off.
Tell us about a current project you are working on.
I don't work rocks much anymore. My husband, Kincy does
a lot of cutting and tumbling. What he's got going right now
is a lot of bigger rocks in a flat lap, to polish them.
What is your favorite rock?
My favorite rock is one that I bought at the first rock show I
attended in Paso Robles. It is Rainbow Obsidian that my
husband Kincy polished.
What is your favorite mineral?
My favorite crystal is amethyst.
Is there anything else you would like the club to know
about you? As most of the older members of the club
know, Kicny and I have tons and tons and tons of rock.
One half we collected the other we purchased. We began
selling some of it about three years ago and will continue to
sell. Though we have sold a lot, we have so many rocks it
will take us forever to sell off parts of our collection.
Always Helping Others
Rockonteur
Santa Lucia RockHounds
March 2016
CALIFORNIA THUNDEREGGS!
As promised, this article will give an overview of California
thundereggs but I'm saving thundereggs from the Central Coast for
last, so you can read about them in the April issue of the Rockonteur,
just in time for our show! But the most prolific area in California for
thunderegg-collecting is the desert south of Blythe, referred to loosely
as "Wiley's Well" (sometimes called "Wiley Wells"). The actual
thunderegg beds are quite a bumpy-road distance from this location,
and I don't think there are actually any found at the campground at
Wiley's Well, but you get the idea! There's really not a whole lot else
out there, so the name has stuck. But there are a LOT of thunderegg
beds! This area has been collected since the early part of the 20th
century, when geodes were first picked up by a man named Joel
Hauser, who later had his name attached to one of the locations, the
Hauser Beds. Since that time, thousands of thundereggs have been
collected from this general area, and the beds boast such names as
Cinnamon Beds, Potato Patch, Straw Beds, North Black Hills Bed,
Rainey's Well, and many more. Some of the thundereggs from this
area display striking "tilt" formations, when they were jostled by
tectonic activity while their cavities were still being filled by agate or
opal. Other beds are found in the larger area around Wiley's Well, but
some of them are on military property and collecting is no longer
allowed. Our desert continues to become "off limits" more and more to
rock collecting, but for now, collecting is still permitted in the Wiley's
Well area. If you go, though, DON'T GO IN THE SUMMER!! January
is a great time to go, and the shows at nearby Quartzsite are an
additional draw for rockhounds.
Hauser Wash
from Nick Sherwin
Whose family collected there extensively when he
was growing up!
~~continue~~
Galen Moyer
At Hauser Bed
Hauser Bed
With Amethyst
Rockonteur
Santa Lucia RockHounds
March 2016
CALIFORNIA THUNDEREGGS! ~~continue~~
Opal Mountain
Leadpipe Springs
The desert near Barstow contains other very distinctive
thunderegg locations, but the most desirable one, Leadpipe Springs,
is, again "off limits" because it is on Ft. Irwin Military Reservation.
Sometimes specimens can be found in old collections, and they can
be most attractive with their red, white, and blue coloration. The Opal
Mountains north of Hinkley are another location for distinctive
thundereggs.
Turkey Tail Beds
Come see thundereggs on display at the Paso Robles City
Library during the month of March! You will see some of the
ones that have appeared in these articles and many more.
California isn't represented (not enough room!), but
thundereggs from California will be featured at our show in
April, including thundereggs from our area. Remember, our
club symbol is the Biconoid, which is the core of a thunderegg
-- and you'll see them at the show!
Black Agate Mine
Rockonteur
Santa Lucia RockHounds
March 2016
SHOW EXHIBIT "TRAINEE" NEEDED!
This is the last show I plan to do as Exhibit Chairperson, and I would
love to be able to train a new person to take over this position for next year.
This is the perfect chance to get involved in our show in a creative and
rewarding way! Please call or email Barbara at 434-2708 or
[email protected] for more information.
Board Meeting Minutes for February 15, 2016
Meeting was called to order with the flag salute
Members present: Mike Judy, Joyce Baird, Brett Weathersbee, John McCabe, Doren Strane, David Nelson, and Denise Halopoff.
Correspondence included information on the Ventura Show.
Reports:
 Past President Position is open; Mike will ask Past Presidents to fill the position. If no Past President steps forward, the
position will be open to the General Membership.
 Joyce Baird is having Wayne Mills do a presentation for the February General Meeting.
 David Nelson showed the Board the new Club Pens.
 David Nelson presented a new visor for the Club, and wanted suggestions on what color.
 The ByBy Ranch is possible for a field trip, but more rain is needed to move more top soil.
 Mike Judy will continue with the Newsletter until someone is interested, and he will help the next person take it over.
 Denise Halopoff will take over the Drawing table to free up some more time for Mike Judy.
 The new Budget for 2016 was presented, the budget was passed by the Board, and will be presented at the General
Meeting for final approval.
The meeting was adjourned.
General Meeting Minutes for February 15, 2016
Meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm with the flag salute.
 The Sunshine Kid presented Happy Birthdays and Wedding anniversaries for February
 The Ventura Gem Show is March 5 & 6, this is a great show.
 The Bye-Bye ranch field trip is coming soon, waiting for more rain.
 Mike & Denise Haludy are going to Clear Creek March 25-27. This is NOT a club trip, they are going and anybody is
welcome. They told everyone interested to get a pass for clear creek.
 Our Past President resigned from her position. Mike asked if any past presidents would like to fill the position. If none will
step forward, the position will be offered to all current members.
 The Board Meetings are one hour before the general meeting and everyone is welcome to attend.
 The Rock & Gem Show is 2 months away, there will be a Show Meeting February 22, Monday at 7pm
 Asked if anyone would like to see the Budget Report for 2016. Few people were interested in the report. Many questions
were asked about the club Budget, including the clubs operations expenses and the Rock & Gem show expenses. The
General Membership approved the Budget Report for 2016.
 Joyce Baird (V.P. Programs) talked about Quartzsite and Tucson, Arizona. Many Members talked about their experience at
these cities in January and February.
 Joyce introduced Wayne Mills for his presentation on local rock hounding sites. His presentation was very informative and
showed us the rocks and minerals in our backyard.
The meeting was adjourned.
Everyone now enjoyed the hospitality table with refreshments and the show-in-tell table.
Rockonteur
Santa Lucia RockHounds
March 2016
The Rockonteur is the official monthly newsletter of the Santa Lucia Rockhounds. It is an independent publication containing
news and information consistent with the mission of SLR and of interest to its members.
Circulation is approximately 90 copies per issue.
Editor – Tina Clark
Interim Publisher – Michael Judy
(805) 238-4469 [email protected]
Member submissions are encouraged and may be made by email or snail mail. We reserve the right to accept or refuse
submissions and advertising that, in our opinion, do not reflect the standards of this newsletter, or are inconsistent with the
objectives and purpose of the Santa Lucia Rockhounds. Submissions may be edited for content, grammar, spelling, punctuation
and length without consent.
Rockonteur is not a creative writing outlet. However, all submissions that may be of interest to its readers and reflect the standards
of the newsletter, will be considered for publication at the discretion of the editor or publisher.
Deadline: All submissions are due by midnight of the last day of the month but early submissions are highly appreciated and
strongly encouraged. The publisher reserves the right to accept, reject or hold-over late submissions.
Santa Lucia Rockhounds Website: www.slrockhounds.org
Webmaster - Vince Pellerin
(831) 594-1381 [email protected]
Santa Lucia Rockhounds, Inc. is a charitable group organized as a California non-profit public benefit corporation. The specific
purpose of the group is to promote the study of mineralogy, including (but not limited to) the fields of lapidary, metal working, jewelry
design & fabrication, geology and field trips for collecting and related history. We encourage learning and good citizenship in a
congenial atmosphere. We respect both private and public property and we strive to protect natural resources.
Annual Dues are $20 for the first adult and $8 each for every additional member in the same household. Dues are payable
between 1 September and 31 December, in person at the meetings or by mail. Members in good standing receive the Rockonteur
by mail or email.
We are a member of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS) and affiliated with the American Federation of
Mineralogical Societies (AFMS). Santa Lucia Rockhounds, Inc. is also a member of the American Lands Access Association
(ALAA).
Rockonteur
Santa Lucia RockHounds
March 2016
SHOW EXHIBITS!!
It's time to start thinking about what you are going to exhibit at our club's 25th anniversary show in April! The show theme is
Thundereggs (including agates and geodes), but a wide variety of exhibits is welcome. Please consider showing off your lapidary
creations, collections, and favorite rocks in an exhibit to share with our community. And we NEED some exhibit representation from
the Junior Rockhounds!! You Juniors are a major part of our club and the community needs to see what you can do! A limited
number of club exhibit cases are available for loan, so get your applications in early. The application form is attached. Please call
or email Barbara at 434-2708 or [email protected] if you have any questions!
EXHIBIT APPLICATION
Santa Lucia Rockhounds
Annual Gem and Mineral Show
April 23 - 24, 2016
at the Paso Robles Event Center (Fairgrounds)
Dear Friends,
Another CHANGE this year for the Santa Lucia Rockhounds: we are changing our date once again (to avoid the
antique show congestion), but will still hold our show at the Paso Robles Event Center (Fairgrounds, north of the Pioneer
Museum). We would be honored to have your exhibit in our 25th anniversary show! Our show theme this year is the
Thunderegg (including agates and geodes), but a wide variety of exhibits is welcome.
Exhibit set-up time is from 12:00 noon until 7:00 PM on Friday, April 22nd, or between 8:00 and 10:00 on
Saturday morning. Exhibits must remain in place until 5:00 Sunday afternoon.
The Santa Lucia Rockhounds will have security in place during the show, but will not be liable for loss or damage
to exhibits.
Please complete the following form and return to:
Barbara Bilyeu
620 Santa Rita Road
Templeton, CA 93465
For further information, please call Barbara at (805)434-2708, or email at [email protected]. We look forward
to your participation!
Detach here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
Name_______________________________ Club_______________________
Address_______________________________City______________ZIP______
Phone__________________ Email_______________________
I have my own case_____ Upright______ Slant______
Outside dimensions are Length_____Depth_____ Height_____
Maximum wattage not to exceed 150 watts.
I need to borrow a case _____. A limited number of loaner cases may be available. They are standard
4’x2’x2’. Please provide your own liners.
Description of exhibit______________________________________________
Signature__________________________________ Date_________________
Rockonteur
March 19 - 20: LEMOORE, CA
Lemoore Gem & Mineral
Society
March 26 - 27: ANGELS CAMP, CA
Calaveras Gem & Mineral
Society
March 26- 27: ROSEVILLE, CA
Roseville Rock Rollers Gem &
Mineral Society
APRIL
April 2 - 3: CHICO, CA
Paradise Gem & Mineral
Society
April 2 - 3: TORRANCE, CA
South Bay Lapidary & Mineral
Society
April 8 - 10: VISTA, CA
Vista Gem & Mineral Society
Santa Lucia RockHounds
April 9 - 10: MARIPOSA, CA
Mariposa Gem & Mineral
Society
April 16 - 17: SAN JOSE, CA
Santa Clara Valley Gem &
Mineral Society
April 16 - 17: THOUSAND OAKS, CA
Conejo Gem & Mineral Club
April 23 - 24: ESCONDIDO, CA
Palomar Gem & Mineral Club
April 23 - 24: PASO ROBLES, CA
Santa Lucia Rock Hounds
April 23 - 24: SANTA CRUZ, CA
Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem
Society
MAY
May 7 - 8: ANAHEIM, CA
Searchers Gem & Mineral
Society
March 2016
May 7 - 8: JACKSON, CA
Amador County Gem &
Mineral Society
May 7 - 8: RENO, NV
Reno Gem & Mineral Society
May 13 - 15: YUCAIPA, CA
Yucaipa Valley Gem &
Mineral Society
JUNE
June 3 - 5: LA HABRA, CA
North Orange County Gem &
Mineral Society
June 4 - 5: GLENDORA, CA
Glendora Gems & Mineral
Society
June 25 - 26: CULVER CITY, CA
Culver City Rock & Mineral
Club
Rockonteur
Santa Lucia RockHounds
P.O. Box 1672
Paso Robles, CA 93447
Address Correction Requested
Santa Lucia RockHounds
March 2016