What to Bring

A rugged tent that can take strong winds is a must. Dome tents with only two over-the-top poles are inadequate. Please be certain your tent has at least three over-the-top poles or equivalent. If your tent comes with the slender lightweight back packing "stakes," you will want to acquire sufficient heavy duty ones to stake your tent firmly to the ground. Bring a tarp or other ground cloth to go under your tent. Think of driving down the freeway in a hard rain with your tent on top of your car at 50 miles per hour if you want to know what to expect!

A warm sleeping bag with a trouble-free adequate mattress pad is important. You will want more than the 1/2-in ensolite back-packing pad. An inflatable mattress pad works well, but can be prone to leaks.

Pack your things in a duffle bag or other such container. It is suggested that the bottom be water proof so that if water does get into the bottom of your tent, your clothes, etc. will stay dry. Do not use plastic garbage bags to hold anything of value. It is too easy for things packed in garbage bags to be mistaken for the usual contents and discarded.

You will want to bring strong work clothes, blue jeans, etc. that can be worn in layers. Heavy hiking or work boots are not necessary, but you will want comfortable sports shoes. "Flip-flops" are not appropriate for work in the quarries. It is possible that you may be walking to the quarry in wet grass in the morning. There also may be the possibility of needing to do some work in mud. A sweatshirt can seem luxurious on cool windy mornings. Laundry is typically done once a week on Friday afternoons. Therefore, you will need to bring a week plus a day or two supply of clothing.

All participants will be required to use approved eye protection in the quarry. If you normally use contact lenses, you should plan to wear glasses in the quarry (and probably for the whole period) because the dust can make wearing contacts an unbearable experience.

While some shade is typically arranged for the quarry, you need to consider serious protection from the sun. It is very easy to develop a painful sunburn. Generally, long pants, a light long-sleeve shirt, a hat, and a generous application of sun block (SPF 45 or higher) works well. Remember that you may be working in the sun most of the day.

You will need a canteen or heavy duty water bottle. You are expected to fill it each morning and carry it with you. Drinking water will be transported to the quarry each day for you to refill your supply when it is exhausted during the day. Near the quarry is a port-a-potty (the Bone Head) so there is no excuse to restrict your water intake.

You will need a day pack to carry your lunch, dry socks, sun block, camera, Field Note Book, or whatever you need for the day. Quarry tools can be stored at the quarry site.