paleololigo

Out of Stupid Comes Humor

Five weeks ago, I tore my finger wide open mostly because I was hot, hangry, and frustrated. Yeah, it was stupid. My finger is doing tons better now, so I don’t feel quite so obligated to keep telling the story.

Continue reading “Out of Stupid Comes Humor”

Just Let It Rest

National Blog Posting Month – September 2014 – Healing

Prompt – Do you find it more helpful to talk things out or to let things quietly rest?Continue reading “Just Let It Rest”

Friday Headlines: 8-29-14

Friday Headlines, August 29, 2014

THE LATEST IN THE GEOSCIENCES

Today’s round-up:

Shaking in Napa Valley

Iceland’s Volcano about to Blow

… Updated: It’s Erupting now.

The Mystery of Death Valley’s Racetrack Playa Rocks is Solved!Continue reading “Friday Headlines: 8-29-14”

Friday Headlines: 8-22-14

Friday Headlines, August 22, 2014

THE LATEST IN THE GEOSCIENCES

It’s been a couple of months… but I’m back!

Today’s round-up:

A thigh bone on Mars? NO.

Drought causing uplift

Pouring lava – Cool video of the dayContinue reading “Friday Headlines: 8-22-14”

To Catch a Bullet, or a Woolly Rhino – Tales of the Finger

The second morning that we dropped into the cave, we found that some poor rodent had fallen to his death the night before. We were surprized when a few days later, an even littler mouse had fallen in, and survived. Who would have thought an 80 foot drop was even survivable?Continue reading “To Catch a Bullet, or a Woolly Rhino – Tales of the Finger”

The Dwarf Pirate – Tales of the Finger

So, you’re wondering what I did. What happened that I needed five stitches on my index finger. Well let me tell you.

It was raining. Raining a lot. Completely bizarre for Wyoming at this time of year – for any time of year, really. There was water everywhere. Great ponds where only caked dust lay for years.

I noted upon one of these unusual bodies of water (as I drove past on my way to an incredible fossil locality) what appeared to be a sailing vessel. Continue reading “The Dwarf Pirate – Tales of the Finger”

Tales of the Finger, Introduction

One of the “highlights” of my field season this year was when I had a wee accident and wound up with 5 stitches on the index finger of my right hand.

In truth, this put a damper on the whole season, but I plunged ahead anyway, eager to meet my commitments and finish what I started. Life doesn’t stop just because something stupid happens.Continue reading “Tales of the Finger, Introduction”

Field work travelog – Day 32, Made it

Tuesday afternoon, I finally pulled the truck back into my own driveway.

I was so exhausted that I only managed to grab the few necessities out of the truck, have dinner, and go to bed.

The next day, I came down with a cold. I nasty one.

Which is why I’m only now writing this.

What’s important?

I’m home.

Field work travelog – Day 31, Just one more day

Today we drove from Des Moines, IA to Middlebury, IN. Now we have a little less than 500 miles to go to get home.

For a fleeting moment, I had considered trying the all-nighter drive, but, you know, I’M TIRED.

It’s interesting to be back in the world of humidity.

It’s fun to explain to people why our truck is so muddy.

It’s a relief to know that it seems that the truck is going to make it, despite the severe oil leak.

I’m going to be so glad to sleep in my own bed tomorrow night.

Field work travelog – Day 30, Home is near

Today we drove from Cheyenne, WY to Des Moines, IA to spend the night with my colleague and friend, Julie Meachen (who also happens to be the lead investigator on the Natural Trap Cave project). It was a long drive (600+ miles), but well worth it.

We’ll all get a good night’s sleep tonight. Continue reading “Field work travelog – Day 30, Home is near”