Field Work Travelogue – Day six

Another successful day.

We set about measuring some section and taking color measurements with the RM200QC along the way.

We measured through a spot where yesterday we found an old TeePee ring. 140 meters of section measured without a hitch.

As a treat, we decided to prospect a layer we know has yielded cool fossils, like a fossil flower.

Tomorrow, we’ll jog laterally a bit and re-measure the last 50 meters or so in oucrops with better exposure.

It’s a beautiful place to work. When all is said and done, I’ll post a bunch of photos. But for now, more work.

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Stink Bug – Chapter 17

V’x was tinkering with her back to us when we approached. She was trilling quietly as she fitted together some carved bits of wood on a large bench in front of her. Her feathers were in complete disarray, especially on her right wing where several stood straight out rather than lying flat against her body.

“V’x,” said K’eel, announcing us. V’x squawked and tossed down her work fluttering nervously, turning quickly and bowing to K’eel.Continue reading “Stink Bug – Chapter 17”

Field Work Travelogue – Day five

Well, we got rained on hard last night. Unusual for this part of the world.

Today dawned sunny and cool. The altitude is getting to me, so we’ve spent the day making sure our equipment works and getting oriented in the field.

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One stop was a favorite vertebrate fossil locality where the type of Fractinus was found.

Another stop probably just made this entire trip worthwhile. My field assistant found a new locality bearing lots of fossil mussels found in a critical part of the section.

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Thus, so far it has been a successful trip. Tomorrow we’ll be measuring some section and hanging out with the wind turbines!

Field Work Travelogue – Day three

I’ve made it to Laramie!

Presumably, that means I’ll be going out to the field tomorrow.

It was a ‘short’ drive today. A paltry 400 miles. I got in with enough time to run a couple of errands and enjoy a couple of beers before turning in for the night.

The drive was dull. It was, after all, Nebraska. Sorry Nebraska. I’m sure there are parts of you that are lovely, but the Interstate 80 corridor is dullsville.

The one thing I could see is this:

The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument over I-80
The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument over I-80

Maybe one day I’ll even stop there.

Not quite a pegasus.
Not quite a Pegasus.

I tried once, but it was closed. Maybe another year.

Field Work Travelogue – Day two

Today I drove another 600 miles. It wasn’t my original plan, but I couldn’t seem to find a hotel when I was ready for one. Oh well. I guess that means tomorrow will be a short driving day (yay!).

I started the day just West of Chicago on I-80 and stopped in Grand Island Nebraska. It seems like the majority of the day was in Iowa, though I know I spent a fair part of my time in both Illinois and Nebraska.Continue reading “Field Work Travelogue – Day two”

Field Work Travelogue – Day one

As a geoscientist, I find myself each summer in remote places doing field work. The fossils don’t just appear in the lab. I have to go find them.

This year’s work includes sites in Wyoming and Utah. I’m heading to Wyoming first.

I’ve just completed the first leg of the typical three needed to get from my home near Rochester, NY to my field area near Laramie, WY. It’s a 1600 mile drive. Today, I drove a little over 600 miles. I was feeling good.

Plus, I wanted to be past Chicago before the morning rush.

So 1000 miles to go. Two 500 mile driving days. Not too difficult.

Provided the truck holds out, of course. Stupid “Check Engine” light is on. That’s never good.

It’s off to bed for me.

Photos My Son Takes – At the Renaissance Faire

We went as a family to the Sterling Renaissance Festival today. A bit of a ‘last blast’ before I head out to points West for field work in the morning.

We all got in costume, though somehow, we didn’t manage to get a portrait of all three of us together. Oh well.

Upon our arrival. Me and the boy.
Upon our arrival. Me and the boy.

Continue reading “Photos My Son Takes – At the Renaissance Faire”

Stink Bug – Chapter 16

K’eel quickly ushered me back under the forest canopy as the sky darkened. There was a flash and a clap of thunder, followed by the rush of water from above. Under the trees, the air grew damp, but we were mostly protected from the onslaught. Water ran off the trees into trenches that drained into a larger stream that passed through the forest.Continue reading “Stink Bug – Chapter 16”

Friday Headlines: 7-18-13

Friday Headlines, July 18, 2013

THE LATEST IN THE GEOSCIENCES

 

Today’s round-up:

Strong evidence that Tyrannosaurus rex was a hunter, not a scavenger

New species of ceratopsian dinosaur found in Utah (and some poetry)

Problems with the Forest Service’s proposed rules for paleontological specimensContinue reading “Friday Headlines: 7-18-13”