Calendar

This trip has been canceled. Stay tuned for updates.

All that signed up for the cancelled February 20^th trip will have first choice of seats. I will contact you to see if you want to attend this trip

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE  
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, WASHINGTON, DC. 

THE LYNCHBURG GEM & MINERAL SOCIETY HAS BEEN INVITED TO FILL ANY AVAILABLE SEATS. 
May 15, 2010 
Cost $10.00 per person for the two way Bus ride only.

Sign-up is required---you will receive a confirmation number to confirm your seat…if you do not receive the number, you have no seat.  Call me, email me or see me at the meeting.

The final day for the Roanoke Club to sign-up will be Saturday, May 8^th at 6PM.  After this cutoff date, the trip will be opened for the Lynchburg Club.  The cutoff date for the Lynchburg Club will be May 13^th at 6PM.  You MUST be a club member with paid up dues to attend.   You MUST sign up at the meeting, call me or e-mail me to reserve your seat and conformation number.  The contact information is listed below and you must prepay for this trip.  Checks will be accepted at the bus if you can't make the meeting.  Make the checks payable to the "Roanoke Valley Mineral and Gem Society Inc." or RVMGS.  I will accept cash only at the meeting, not on the Bus.  Please have the correct change.  I will contact you prior to departure to confirm your attendance and confirmation number as we always have a waiting list. See the Restrictions listed below for additional information. 

MEETING PLACE: Wal-Mart Supercenter parking lot at the intersection of US 460 and Rt. 220 Alternate in Bonsack, VA.  At this traffic light there are signs directing you to the I-81 interchange in Cloverdale.  Driving from Lynchburg, do not turn right on Rt. 220A but proceed straight thru this traffic light on US 460 W.  The entrance to Wal-Mart is on the right immediately after you cross this intersection so stay in the right lane. Turn right up the hill and turn right again into the Wal-Mart parking lot. If you are traveling from Roanoke, there is a turn off just before the traffic light at this intersection.  Turn left and proceed up the hill to Wal-Mart on the right.  The Abbott Trailways Bus should be there by 5:30AM, parked in the lower part of the lot near the Wal-Mart lawn and garden area.  Look for our group and we will leave our cars in the Wal-Mart lot. Park only in the lower end of this lot.

DEPARTING: The Bus will depart from Wal-Mart promptly at 6:00 AM and stragglers will be left. Be sure to have eaten breakfast before getting on the bus.  We expect to arrive at the museum at 10:00 AM.  The bus has only a small restroom so be prepared for the four-hour trip. The bus has no water during cold weather so bring your own hand sanitizer. 

EQUIPMENT: Cameras are acceptable but tripods are not allowed.  

TOURS: There will be no guided tours.  You will be on your own.  You may venture to other buildings and areas around Washington but it will be your responsibility to be back at the Natural History Museum to board the bus between 4:30 and 5:00PM or you will be left behind. 

HOURS: 10:00AM to 5:00 PM.  Admission is free. Expect to go thru security screening so don't take things that might be confiscated as weapons. 

MEALS: There is a cafe in the building open from 10 to 5.  Lunches, snacks and souvenirs can be purchased here.  Bag lunches are not allowed in the museum.   

RESTRICTIONS: The bus is limited to 54 seats.  This trip is on a first come, first served basis.  Over 54 members will be placed on a waiting list.  The fee will be refundable only if you notify me 24 hours in advance that you can't attend so that someone else can have your seat.  

DEPARTING: The bus will depart from the main entrance at 5:00 PM sharp.  It will be your responsibility to make the connection.  We should arrive back at Wal-Mart between 10:30 and 11:30 PM.   We will be a stop for the evening meal the way home at the Golden Corral Buffet and Grill in Manassas.  You are responsible for this cost, and anything you spend at the museum. 

INFORMATION: Call or e-mail David Callahan, Field Trip Chairman, at 540-297-1853 (home), 540-874-5201 (cell) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to sign up, cancel your reservation or if you need additional information.  If I’m not there to answer the phone, let it ring until the answer machine picks up and leave a message and your phone number.  I will return your call.