[meteorite-list] thought on the amazing West meteorite fall.

From: Michael Farmer <meteoriteguy_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:27:55 -0700 (PDT)
Message-ID: <163043.69858.qm_at_web110606.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>

Late at night here in Texas, about my only free moments after cleaning up and doctering the many blisters on my feet! Up late tonight, as it seems that almost one amazing month after our newest resident to Earth arrived, the party may be about to end. A very serious rainfall event is almost here, and as sad as it is that pristine meteorites are about to be soaked, Texas is in extreme drought and needs this rain. Most of the farm fields are planted, waiting for this, and many ponds are dry or nearly so. Everyone here is watching the sky and tonight is likely the night.

We have saved hundreds of meteorites for museums, scientific study, and private collectors. With at least 60, more likely 70 meteorite hunters, he have spent thousands of man-hours walking the fields. I myself have walked well over 200 miles in the last month, finding 19 meteorites myself, buying more, and losing a few pounds in the meantime! More than 200 meteorite pieces have been recovered, with a total known weight now approaching ~7.5 kilos or so. All of this done in a mostly friendly way, some friction, but nothing much to speak about.
We are all now collaborating on the data, and getting this thing right and in the bulletin ASAP. Some great and not so great media attention has fueled further interest in our field. Just today was at John Enders property (the only pay-to-play game in town where more than ~60 meteorites have been found) and a car pulled up, and a woman got out. She asked us and the landowner if we were hunting meteorites, we all replied yes and she immediately asked the terms. He told her $50.00 per day, and a gram price for whatever you find. Sunrise to sunset are hunting times. She plans to return and hunt with some friends from Dallas!
Anyone coming here, contact John and Gary Enders 254 709 9323 and you can search 500 acres of farmland covered in meteorites! I saw 9 pieces pulled off that land in the last 3 days. This is your best chance as many landowners do not want more people around sadly.

This fall has been amazing, like Park Forest 6 years ago, it allowed so many people to find their first meteorites, and first fall pieces. And a new meteorite was saved from the dirt as much as possible.
I sure hope another one comes down sooner than later. 6 years was too long to wait for a great American gold rush!

Michael Farmer
Received on Wed 11 Mar 2009 12:27:55 AM PDT