TXI quarry in Midlothian, Texas

October 26, 2013

The date and time this year is Saturday, October 26, 8:00 a.m. (yes, I said 8). 8:00 a.m. is when I plan be in the quarry, so be there between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. You will be out at noon. You CANNOT stay longer. Kids that are at least 12 years old are permitted.

This year, the trip will once again coincide with the Fossilmania show, so after TXI, head on down to Glen Rose, TX and enjoy the show.

For those who don’t know what this trip is all about, the quarry presents an opportunity to find Cretaceous marine fossils such as shark teeth, bones, shells, reptile and fish parts. Also, pyrite, septarian nodules, and other minerals. Since this is a working quarry, each trip is different. You may find very little or you may hit the jackpot. Past winners have found a gar skull, a fish, a Xiphactinus (a really big fish) jaw, mosasaur parts, carbonized wood, and some really nice teeth.

The trip groups are limited by TXI to 25 people each. You must be signed up for the trip to go. You cannot just show up and expect to get in.

Depending on the number of responses I get, my first choice will be to give the first shot at going to people who have never been to TXI before. If it gets ridiculous, I will just draw names out of a hat. I will wait a couple of weeks or so for responses before making any confirmations for the trip. That should give most people a chance to see the announcement and respond. That will give me a better idea of the interest in this particular trip. It is different every time.

This is a Paleo trip, so regular Paleo participants will also get greater consideration.

TXI is nice enough to let us in. We will be nice enough to always use good judgment and conduct ourselves in a safe manor. Do not stand near rock walls, as rocks can fall off. Hard hats are to be worn at all times. No littering. If you see litter, please pick it up. Hard hats and safety glasses will be provided (and returned at the end of the trip), but if you have your own, please bring them. A good idea to bring with you: steel toed shoes, knee pads, sun block, WATER. No open-toed shoes or sandals. Long pants are required. No shorts allowed. Cameras are now allowed, but only for pictures of the hunt. They prefer that you not take pictures of the equipment, operations, etc.

You may want to bring a rock hammer, chisel, ziplock bags for small fossils, pill bottles, a collecting bag for larger specimens, buckets, boxes, carts, or whatever you usually like to bring.

We will meet at the TXI Cement Quarry, 245 Ward Road, Midlothian, TX 76065, across the road from the TXI guard shack. Midlothian is just south of the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

We will meet between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. so that I can collect the required paperwork and get everyone inside the gate before 8:00 a.m.