Field Trip Report:

Abernathy Mica Mine,
Mitchell County, N.C.
December 3rd, 2005

Time to hunt for the Pipistril bats.

After a few yards into the first side tunnel, I began to see the Eastern Pipistril Bats hanging from the ceiling and walls. You have to be careful in these side tunnels, the ceiling is much lower than the main tunnel and you will bump your head and may disturb the bats. That is not a good idea, when they are disturbed they begin to swarm around inside the mine and around you!

The first Pipistril, just hanging out.

Ma and Pa Pipistril

Everyone outside found some nice specimens which I did not get any pics of. I know Josh carried at least one 30 pound rock out in his backpack loaded with apatite crystals. In closing, I will show you one of my favorite specimens from my shelf from the Abernathy Mine. This IS a rock collecting report 8^)

Big almandine garnet with apatite crystals running through it.

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