FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

Gail

Last fall I got an email from Steve Chamberlain, the event promoter for the Rochester Mineralogical Symposium held in Rochester, N.Y.
It said that Keith Williams had recommended me as a guest speaker and would I consider doing so? Well, I had heard some wonderful things about this event so shot a reply back saying, "Yes, Indeed, I will be happy to."
After making all arrangements and managing to get Jim to agree to come also, we were geared up for making the trip.
We flew out on Thursday morning, very very very early. Up at 1:30 a.m. to leave by 3:00 and catch a red eye to Chicago, change planes and go on to Rochester.
Things went pretty well and we rented a car, drove all of the five miles to the hotel Radisson.
Well, the moment we walked in the door things were humming. There were micromount rooms, display rooms, speaking rooms, vendor areas, and a whole huge floor of mineral folks who had a rock or two to sell. We met up with Steve and his wife, Helen.
After unpacking, getting something cold to drink and browsing here and there we went on up to the 4th floor. You must have a badge to be allowed where the dealers/collectors are. There is also a hospitality room where couches are lined up, tables with great snacks and a bar, complete with bartenders, are offered for all attendees. A tip jar is all you see, otherwise no charge.
We found that the bartender of the moment was Al Mura who can make a really mean rum and coke, believe me!
We met Steve Stuart and a few others before heading out to peruse the hallway.
Wendy and Frank Melanson, John White, Keith Williams, John Betts, John Medici, Chris Tucker, Alfredo Petrov, Terry Szenics, Jim Mann and many others were set up for visitors and showing off various minerals. The event had tons of Canadians there as well since it is close to the border.
We saw Mike from the Smithsonian and met his lovely wife, and Carl Francis, from the Harvard Museum also, his wife joined us later.
We went in to listen to speakers give presentations, and I will show photos and time frames in my updates tomorrow. ( Too tired after flying all evening )
We also had a nice dinner with many of the attendees and enjoyed a late night with friends. Jolyon Ralph was there also, and I think of him as a dear friend, so we got to catch up on what's new in our lives.
Anyhow, this is the first of many posts I will be making over the next few days. As usual, I like people shots, and this helps me remember names to go with those faces, but I did get a LOT of mineral photos as well. We also managed a lengthy visit with Bill Pinch. Jolyon came with us to see his collection, his art and his Rolls Royce! whew.
Amazing!
He had invited us to his home back in Denver, so we took him up on it.
Come back later tomorrow and I will have added photos and show reports on here, once I download the photos on my home computer.
Let me end this part by saying that the Rochester Mineralogical Symposium is a relaxed, comfortable, somewhat racous and very educational venue.
YOU HAVE GOT TO ATTEND!
Put it on your calendar for next year!!!!
Night. An exhausted Gail

Gail

Thursday...the fun begins.

Gail

A laid back and comfortable atmosphere is a definate change for us. We rather like this way of enjoying browsing, talking, laughing and listening to some bad, but quite funny, jokes from Frank Melanson.