Penny Higgins - Storyteller • Artist • Scientist
Combining Science and Joyful Creativity
Today was the first full day of work in Natural Trap Cave.
It started with getting the necessary full set of equipment into the cave.
Making preparations to descend for the first full day of work. #NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/AnMR1JAPsn
— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 30, 2014
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsContinue reading “Field work travelog – Day 19, Micro-vertebrates #NTCave14”
Despite delays and problems, we did for the first time make it into the cave today!
We started the day with some ascending practice. We went to a convenient pitch near our camp and practiced going up and down. (OK, everyone else practiced going up and down. I took photos.)
The day went on to getting the cave entrance rigged for the first descent.
It started with opening the cave.
First opening of Natural Trap Cave. #NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/ktoUgfRH4u
— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 29, 2014
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThen the first to go in got rigged up.
Getting rigged for first descent into Natural Trap Cave. #NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/8KuT12ncbr
— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 29, 2014
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#NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/kJkl7oh6Do
— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 29, 2014
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe descent was quick. The cave is deep.
Deep inside. #NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/bUGBawWAaU
— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 29, 2014
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Exhausting work getting out.
And back out again! #NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/78uUCDyumA
— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 29, 2014
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsOnce it was determined that all was safe, our first set of daring scientists entered.
The first view of the cave was great, and the scientists have a plan. Tomorrow, the real work begins!
Sunset over Natural Trap Cave. #NTCave14 pic.twitter.com/5Ri3HGNTPM
— Penny Higgins (@paleololigo) July 30, 2014
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Stay tuned! But if you want to follow the action follow #NTCave14 on Twitter.
Well, camp is set up. We finally made it up and here we are.
Alas, it looks like I won’t be going into the cave.
Because of this:
Darn.
Our plan this morning had been to head to the Natural Trap Cave site and set up camp. Well, things didn’t work out that way.
It’s always something.Continue reading “Field work travelog – Day 16, Stuff Happens”
This morning we left the Hanna Basin. I’m always a little sad to go. It’s like an old friend. I know it’ll be there waiting for me, but knowing that it will be at least a year before I go back makes me very very sad.
I also know that leaving the Hanna Basin will lead to bigger and greater things. And that’s what’s next for me.
Natural Trap CaveContinue reading “Field Work Travelog – Day 15, Onward and Northward”
Today was another long but productive field day. We decided to take a look at the Paleocene-Eocene boundary in a slightly different part of the field area. Continue reading “Field work travelog – Day 14, Another view of the Paleocene-Eocene boundary”
Today’s focus was the entirety of the Hanna Formation below the lake beds around camp. Continue reading “Fields work travelog – Day 13, Of seeds and fruits”
Today has been a delightful day. Much learning was had. Our crew now includes expertise in paleobotany and stratigraphy, so we walked all around the rocks that bracket the Paleocene-Eocene boundary. Continue reading “Field work travelog – Day 12, the Paleocene-Eocene boundary”
After a night in Laramie for showers and resupply, we’re back in the field.
This time the team has added five new members.
Only craziness can result.
Stay tuned!
We’re back in Laramie for the night after a difficult four-day stint in the field. Tomorrow we re-supply and head back out for the next step in the adventure.
Here are some highlights so far:Continue reading “Field work travelog – Day 10, Regrouping and highlights”
Penny Higgins - Storyteller • Artist • Scientist