Hello to all,

Newbie to the forum and to searching for unsalted mining.

So, as a kid I use to collect any pretty rock and place in box under my bed. Then while doing research before moving to NC from PA, I learned how many gemstones could be found in this state. I was thinking wow, everyone must be able to get stones from their back yards. Imagine my surprise in the first few times of talking with folks who grew up here that they had no idea about gems in NC.  (Leaves more for the rest of us

Took a couple trips to gem shows and got the bug, as did my dad. My Dad started digging at Hiddenite Hollow mine. My kids and parents and I spent a whole summer of going through buckets brought home looking for any signs of emeralds.

My dad got a young partner to join in with the dig of a nice size hole. Problem came when the young guy and wife dug late in the day and found a nice size pocket. In their rush to get to the crystals in pocket they destroyed what chance their was to see if any emeralds were in the pocket. Next day it rained and hole filled in. My dad still has many of the crystals and rutile pulled out that day.

That was 10yrs ago. Now, at present time Im about to retire early from my job and want to get back to playing in the dirt.

Im looking to get with anyone or other females like me who are a little afraid to go in the woods alone. Im new in the durham area, and moving towards RTP area by next january. So Im not familiar with anyplace here. (RHL has become my new homework study class  , and Im trying to catch up)
Also if anyone metal detects Im looking to do a bit of that as well.

Im a photographer and Artist
http://veena-waziri.artistwebsites.com

My future endeavors are to learn to cut gemstones and flame working (lampworking)

So thanks in advance for reading this intro and for all who share info on this site.

Welcome Vlee.  I think rocks and gemstones go very well together with art.   
Glad to have you.  I'm sure we'll be heading to the Burgin mine soon, and when we do everyone is invited.  It's a great place for the experienced rockhound, and for those getting back in or getting started with rockhounding.  You should be able to see some of our field trip reports to that mine in the field trip section.  As Joe said, with your photography skills you'll be able to show us your finds in style!   

The MAGMA Round-Up, which coincides with the Grassy Creek Show in Spruce Pine, is about the biggest week of the year for rockhounds in the southeast. I'm very glad to hear you are planning on going. It's a great time and you will learn a lot.

If I go I am thinking about setting up at the Grassy Creek show so will be tied to the booth and won't be able to get away to do much rock hunting.
We'll see tho...........
Joe