Spring Meteorite Recovery Expedition

Hi All

Indication of Interest number 1

This is a call for indication of interest in participation in the Spring Expedition:

It is intended to run from Saturday 31 August to Sunday 8 September 2002.

A passport is required.

The expedition will camp where available and will visit the following sites in Southern Namibia, purely as a tourist exercise
[I haven't been to these places before, and I haven't had a holiday since 1986]:

Fish River Canyon
Ais Ais Mineral Springs
Luderitz
Kolmanskop
Brukarros [extinct but well preserved volcano - subject to being able to get there in a normal car]
[some hiking is called for here - the volcano rim is about 1800m high]

From Namibia we travel back to SA to the meteorite search area close to the border post at Rietfontein.
We search for about 3 days [or until we find one] then return home.

The dates are chosen to fit in with moon-free viewing [take your telescope] and prior to cloudy weather arriving,
although with the onset of El Nino, this can't be guaranteed.

Any ideas or changes you wish to offer will be discussed with all those intending to come.

Indication of Interest number 2

We are looking at an expedition to Italy next year [2003] to visit a live volcano [probably Mount Etna in Sicily],
visit good mineral collecting sites, and get to walk on a glacier [Italian / Swiss border area]. The visit will include
the Cretaceous/ Tertiary boundary sites, as well as fossil sites.

Depending on the composition of the participants. some hiking may be done, probably in Tuscany.
Participants will be also be able to participate in the planning of this once in a lifetime trip.

Trevor Gould
(011) 359 2089
083-212- 8945
trevorg@transtel.co.za

.....and some late breaking news................

Hi All

Late breaking news! Bruce Dickson has obtained conceptual approval for the Expedition to enter the Sperrgebiet in Southern Namibia.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and may include:

* seeing actual mining operations
* ghost towns
* seeing the Roter Kamm impact structure

I say may, because this is still subject to obtaining all necessary approvals, permits and clearances.

This would be inaddition to seeing all the other items mentioned in the first broadcast, although the Expedition
schedule may change to accommodate the Sperrgebiet:

Fish River Canyon
Luderitz
Brukkaros

and, of course, looking for meteorites back in SA!

If you have not expressed interest in joining this Expedition, and still wish to do so, please let me know now, because
only those who have expressed interest will be e-mailed the final details, hopefully next week.

Trevor Gould