Greetings again readers!
Much has taken place since last we’ve visited our swamp wanderers. Monday was the first day the students were able to see the vastness of the swamp. We awoke earlier, and after coffee and breakfast, made our way through the great gates of the Dismal Swamp. Forest quickly enveloped our passage, and wildlife surrounded us. A great Heron spotted our caravan and decided to help lead us towards our destination, flying just in front of us until it saw we knew the way.
After a bit of driving, we stopped and put on our waders and bug repellant products. We then looked at the forested path in front of us, and made our way into the heart of the Great Dismal Swamp.
The first two days involved equipment runs, making the trek slower than it will be in the future. The new students felt exhilarated, for their swamp adventure was finally beginning. Several spills (most of which end up a bit muddy) and a few water stops later, we found ourselves on our dig site. The students were given a brief tour of the area and lunch was enjoyed.
On the first day, Dr. Greene, Mr. Lynch (our geophysical archaeologist) and myself made our way to the North Plateau, where we cleared an area for the GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar). The GPR was completed the next day and moved to the Crest.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sayers and Cyndi (the other TA) began introducing the students to the joys of excavation. I was able to help a group string up a 1 x 1m excavation unit and aid them in the learning process.
These beginning units are already proving to be interesting, as features are beginning to be apparent.
Unfortunately, I have come down with a debilitating cough, which has made my field time shorter than normal. I have acquired the needed medication and am taking the needed rest to ensure that next week’s swamp adventures do not occur without me.
So there we have it swamp readers! Swamp week one complete! Next week, join Dr. Greene and myself as we make our way to the North Plateau.
Much has taken place since last we’ve visited our swamp wanderers. Monday was the first day the students were able to see the vastness of the swamp. We awoke earlier, and after coffee and breakfast, made our way through the great gates of the Dismal Swamp. Forest quickly enveloped our passage, and wildlife surrounded us. A great Heron spotted our caravan and decided to help lead us towards our destination, flying just in front of us until it saw we knew the way.
After a bit of driving, we stopped and put on our waders and bug repellant products. We then looked at the forested path in front of us, and made our way into the heart of the Great Dismal Swamp.
The first two days involved equipment runs, making the trek slower than it will be in the future. The new students felt exhilarated, for their swamp adventure was finally beginning. Several spills (most of which end up a bit muddy) and a few water stops later, we found ourselves on our dig site. The students were given a brief tour of the area and lunch was enjoyed.
On the first day, Dr. Greene, Mr. Lynch (our geophysical archaeologist) and myself made our way to the North Plateau, where we cleared an area for the GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar). The GPR was completed the next day and moved to the Crest.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sayers and Cyndi (the other TA) began introducing the students to the joys of excavation. I was able to help a group string up a 1 x 1m excavation unit and aid them in the learning process.
These beginning units are already proving to be interesting, as features are beginning to be apparent.
Unfortunately, I have come down with a debilitating cough, which has made my field time shorter than normal. I have acquired the needed medication and am taking the needed rest to ensure that next week’s swamp adventures do not occur without me.
So there we have it swamp readers! Swamp week one complete! Next week, join Dr. Greene and myself as we make our way to the North Plateau.
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