From Bill Freese (trip leader)

Joint Field Trip with the Daisy Mountain Rock and Mineral Club

Hey Rockhounds,

We have another busy month coming up.  On Wednesday, May 17th, we are going to two sites east of Payson, AZ.  We are going to meet at the McDonald's (east parking lot) in Payson (s. side of AZ-260, just at of the AZ-87 intersection) and we are meeting at 9:30 AM.  As soon as everyone on the list is accounted for, we will leave for the first site.

This trip is going to consist of two parts.  Our first destination is going to be the Paleo site, which is about 15 miles east of Payson and is right off AZ-260 and has a paved parking area, so any vehicle can make this leg of the trip.  This site has many small fossils to collect and is a great spot for kids (of all ages).

Bill at Fossil Identification Sign:

We will spend a couple hours at the Paleo Site or whenever everyone gets their fill.  The second site is another 8.5 miles east on AZ-260 and is just past the Sharp Creek Campground area.  From the turn we will follow the fire control road back a few miles to sites for Zebra Jasper/Chert.  This road will require a minimum of a high-clearance vehicle (4x4 recommended), but there is a place to park you vehicle if you want to ride with someone else, but make sure you make plans ahead of time.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

TOOLS:  At the Paleo Site nothing is needed.  The small invertebrate fossils are laying on the ground.  However, the closer to the ground you get the better it is to see the fossils.  Perhaps a piece of carpeting would be useful for kneeling or sitting on.  Also bring a small container into which you can place your fossils.

At the zebra agate site a geo-pick may be useful to pry partly buried pieces of chert out of the ground or to make a fresh brake to see any patterns that may be present in the chert.

WARNING:  Rattlesnakes are becoming more active.  BE AWARE of where you are walking, especially if you venture beyond the normal collecting areas.

As always, gloves, hats, good shoes, first aid kit, plenty of water are all things you need to take with you.

Please contact Bill Freese at:  bfreese77@cox.net  to let him know you are attending.