Mountain holds hidden treasures

The Graves Mountain Rock Swap & Dig was a huge success, boasting over 2,000 visitors - twice the number that attended the last dig. From October 5-7, prospectors swarmed over the mountain looking for rutile, kyanite, and other minerals. They hailed from such places as Canada, Mexico, California, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Florida. Pictured here are Linda McAlister of Lincolnton and Harris Jenkins and his grandfather, Rob Hefner, of Augusta. The next rock swap and dig is set for the first weekend in April.