This is my non-public page concerning the fluorescent minerals that I am researching in the wild, remote areas of San Benito Co. (excluding the benitoite areas). There's nothing interesting until you get at least 50 miles out from Hollister. The Badlands out near New Idria and the San Andreas fault zone are the most important after the Gabilan range area itself. The fluorescents are very rare and almost impossible to find. General hazards include rattlesnakes, tarantulas, scorpions, ticks, vicious wild pigs. I've personally seen all of those critters. Mountain lions are, perhaps, the most serious animal to be cautious of. Of special concern is the presence of absestos over a wide area. The asbestos comes from all the serpentine found in some of the county - the dust and soil from certain areas should be avoided! Another serious danger is the mercury pollution, e.g., do not drink or even touch the waters of San Carlos creek downstream from New Idria. Many of the mines in the county were mercury mines and haven't been cleaned up adequately. Use extreme caution when exploring.