1.) What hours do we dig ?        We usually dig from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2.) Can we keep everything that we find ?         Yes , keep everything you find

3.) How much can we take with us ?          You can take one 5-gallon bucket plus any big rock you want . If you want to collect additional buckets an additional small fee will apply .

4.) Do you rent tools ?       No .   Donnies Corner Store does sell most everything you need.

5) What tools do I need ?            Bring a five gallon bucket , newspaper to wrap your finds , and something such as a potatoe rake or pick maddock or shovel to dig with . Bring a hammer , but , if you use a hammer you HAVE to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes . Screens are very usefull . Gloves are very important . You will get hand cuts if you dont wear them !

6) Can a regular car make it into the mine ?         Yes , you can drive in with a regular car.

7.) Can a camper make it into the mine ?       Yes , we have a huge area which is necessary to bring in machinery on 18 wheeler rigs , so campers are not a problem .

8.) Can we camp at the mine ?           No , but there are nearby campgrounds . People with a camper can usually get permission to stay a night or two at Donnies Corner Store ( no hook-ups ) .

9.) Where are the nearby campgrounds ?          There are many nearby private camp grounds as well as state owned ones , since west point lake is nearby . Just do a search for " west point lake camp grounds" or "hoofers" or "camping lagrange georgia".

11.) Can we bring our pets ?         Well behaved pets on leashes are welcome .

12.) Can we bring food and drinks ?        Sure , bring  your own drinks and snacks from home ! But if you need to you can also buy them at the meeting place : Donnies Corner store has breakfast biscuits and tables to dine-in . Donnies also has a good lunch of pizza and bar-b-q . At only 1 mile from the mine , this is truly an oasis in the desert ! Please show our appreciation of being able to use Donnies Corner Store as out meeting place , and grab a drink or snack while you are visiting .

13.) What can we find at the mine ?          Star rose quartz ( massive , not crystals ) , Tourmaline crystals , Aquamarine , various colors of beryl . You can visit several websites to see what has been found on recent digs :   http://www.kudzuminerals.com/Hogg_May3_08.html  &          http://www.imperialfacets.com/HoggMine.html  &  also click here   

14.) Do you have anyone that can cut stones ?       We recommend Jerry Call of www.riodoce.com   .   Tell him Rodney sent you  .

15.) What about rain , is the dig still on ?    Digs are held rain or shine !       We almost always have the dig . In only rare circumstances have we canceled a dig , which was due to snow . So the dig is almost always on . You can check the website late the night before , or early in the morning before you leave to see if there was a cancellation. This will almost never happen . Please dont call me or email me asking is the dig still on . I constantly update this website . Please book mark it and refer to it often for current & ACCURATE conditions .

16.) Do I need to register , pre-pay , or contact you to attend a dig ?           No , You don't have to register or pre-pay , you can just show up at the meeting place on the dates that digs are advertised. Please note that you must be on time that morning in order to join the group. 

17.) I cant find the link to release form or I cant print it out, what do I do ?          Here is a link for the release form : http://dixieeuhedrals.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/release.pdf  if you cant get it to print out , WE WILL HAVE COPIES . However , it is much easier and faster for all concerned if you already have this completed. Wouldnt you rather spend time digging instead of filling out forms that morning ?

18 A ) What time do we meet ?       Please be at the store before 9 a.m. to get checked in . The announced fieldtrip leader will arrive at the store anywhere from 8:30 -8:45 to start signing people up .

18 B ) I might be late , or , I am running late ,can I still visit the mine  ?          NO . I have a very important reason for this policy . At the time you are checked in , as a group , several important things take place . You are asked to sign the release form and make payment . Everyone is then given a safety lecture in general , and then any specific safety items are addressed. You're then told about what can be found , methods of finding things , and the areas to look in . We then convoy as a group to the mine and then given a tour  . If you miss this important orientation , safety , and registration period , you will not be allowed to enter after we have left for the mine . (If your coming from a long distance it is recommend that you stay overnight in one of the nearby hotels to insure that you can meet with us on time .) 

19.) What does it cost to attend ?         It is $35 per adult and kids are free . Kids are under 18 . 

20.) WHEN ARE YOU OPEN , or , I want to come visit in a couple of months , are you open in XXXXXX month ?            As a general rule , we try to be open the first Saturday of every month whenever possible , plus other dates as we see that we can staff the site . I announce the dates as soon as I am aware that I will be able to open the place up . This means if you dont see a date listed on this page , then it will not do any good to email me about it , because I wont have an answer for you . I constantly update this site , usually weekly but quite often , daily . So please keep an eye on this site to see what dates are announced. I usually can figure a month ahead .

21.) We showed up at the store at 8:00 a.m. and the lady at the store said there was no dig , so we left . Where were you ?       Please show up between 8:30 or so to sign up . Someone should appear before 9 a.m. to get everyone signed up . Please note that the people at the store often are unaware of the dig schedules and may give you incorrect information . Please just wait patiently in the parking lot at the correct time and date and someone will be along to help you .

22.) What type facilities do you have ?             We have a regularly service port-a-potty but no running water or electricity . We now have a shelter for people to take breaks under as well as picnic tables .    Other site improvements are in the works .       Before fall and cool weather arrives , we should have a woodburning stove installed .

23.) Are there other mines nearby or any you recomend ?       There are no other Georgia mines nearby or any that I recomend . PERIOD .

24.) What about amethyst or any of your other mines ?           We currently do not offer amethyst digs or any other locations .

25.) How much help can we expect ?    Your charged a $35 land access fee , which is a bargain , considering the historic location and the chance to find nice and perhaps valuable gemstones . This doesnt include " service " . We will show you what to look for and what the specimens look like . We usually start the morning off with a tour of the mine to show you the different collecting areas.  We will give you a brief explanation about what to do . It's pretty simple . You dig or sift thru dirt or break up rocks . If your a fast learner , you'll fit right in ! The best thing to do is watch what the regular visitors are doing ( it's basically very simple ) .

26)  Are you hiring or do you need any help ?           No .

27)   IS THE WEBSITE RIGHT ?  Do we really meet at the store ?    Yes !  THIS WEBSITE IS REALLY RIGHT .   I am suprised at the number of people that ask me this .   Please refer to this website for current accurate information , It is " REALLY RIGHT " .

28)  Do you offer group discounts ?    Certainly !  Groups of 50 or more people will get 25 percent off .  Groups of 100 or more get half-off .        Small parties less than 50 people dont qualify for a discount . 

29)   Can I just buy a half bucket ?   We dont charge by the bucket , it is $35 for the day .

30)    Can I just dig a half day ?   Sure  !    You pay the $35 entry fee and dig for as little or as long as you want  that day  between 9 A.M & 5 P.M.

31)   Can we pay by check or credit card ?     Sorry ,  we only accept cash as payment .

32)      Why is the place called the " Hogg Mine " ?       The mine in the past has been called the Foley mine , the big beryl mine , and the hogg mine .    We believe it was named after nearby hogg mountain .   It is sometimes incorrectly called the hog mountain mine or the hog mine .  The current and proper name for the mine is " The Hogg Mine " spelled with 2  G's  .