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Northern Virginia Mineral Club

Fort Valley, Shenandoah County, Virginia

Saturday, July 2^nd, 2011 9am until we're sick of it

This trip is unusual for several reasons:

Firstly, we are going to meet with Bill Melson, retired from 41 years with the Smithsonian institution.

Secondly, Mr. Melson will be talking to us about the geology of Fort Valley and its environs.

Thirdly, Mr. Melson has graciously allowed our group to visit his field laboratory.

Fourthly, due to limited space Mr. Melson has placed a limit of 15 attendees.

Fifthly, after meeting with Mr. Melson the plan is to visit nearby for fossils. Specifically, silicified trilobites.

WHEN: At 9:00 am on Saturday, July 2^nd, 2011 (meeting at the Gainesville, VA Starbucks just west of the I66/US29 interchange at Gainesville (not Centerville, not Manassas) VA. (7375 Atlas Walk Way, Gainesville - (571) 248-8830). At that time – and this time no later – we the intrepid explorers will give our “View haloos”, and stock on caffeine at Starbucks. From that point and at 9:30 we will make our way to the next meeting point, which will likely be the Elizabeth Furnace Recreation area in the Fort Valley. (Those folks who might be meeting us from the Shenandoah club can meet us at Elizabeth Furnace.) Whether or no, our intent will be to meet with Mr. Melson. Be prepared with questions, observations and quips on the subject of Fort Valley geology designed to make you sound smart.

WHERE:

1. Take the 1st right onto Gateway Center Dr 0.1 mi

2. Take the 2nd right onto Linton Hall Rd 0.1 mi

3. Take the 1st right onto US-29 N/Lee Hwy 0.1 mi

4. Take the Interstate 66 W ramp to Strasburg 1.0 mi

5. Merge onto I66 W 35.6 mi

6. take exit 6 for US-340 S/US-522 S Toward Front Royal 0.2 mi

7. Turn left onto US-340 S/US-522 S/Winchester Road 1.2 mi

8. Turn right onto VA-55 W/W Strasburg Road 5.1 mi

9. Turn left onto Fort Valley Road/State Route 678 1.2 mi

Approximately 52 minutes (Elizabeth Furnace is actually a bit further into the valley but, this will be just the first of several sites we will visit.) Carpooling is strongly recommended.

WHY: To get all smart brained about geology stuff.

WHO: Any and all members in good standing of Northern Virginia Mineral club and select members of the Montgomery County club and the Shenandoah club until we have 15 attendees.

If you, reader of this announcement, are not a member Of the Northern Virginia Mineral Club (a.k.a. NVMC or if you prefer: NorVirMinClu) you should make haste and go to our website, www.novamineralclub.org, print off the membership form, fill it out and show up at the trip meeting with that and the appropriate of membership dues, because otherwise you are just being sneaky.

WHAT: (stuff to bring – We will be whacking at a few rocks in search of the ever elusive trilobites.)

Steel-toed Boots - required. Keep your wee digits out of harms way.

Safety Helmet - a must. Dandy protectors of the cranium and immensely stylish, to boot!

Safety Goggles - needed. I prefer to avoid unnecessary screaming. Painful and icky.

Heavy Work Gloves - a necessity. Refer above to the howling that accompanies injury. No fun at all.

Other Handy Objects – These are items which, while not absolutely necessary, are still a very good idea. Rock Chisels, Small Sledge Hammers, Large Sledge Hammers, Remote control meteorites, Geologists Picks, Heavy Plastic or Cardboard Containers (for large specimens), Egg Cartons (for small specimens), Newsprint (for wrapping specimens), Frankenberry Breakfast cereal, First Aid Kits, Snacks, Water, Plastic Sheeting (to protect the interior of your car) and an attitude of quiet confidence, good for a lulling the always vigilant fossils into a sense of complacency.

LASTLY: Due to the vagaries of weather, world events, and my own erratic whims, the event may be canceled for no other reason than it has become a particularly bad idea. If there is any question as to whether the trip will come off or if you simply want to go on the trip contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 571.344.4959 (c) or703.754.2050 (h).