Have any of you wonder what we do in the field when we record stuff? Well here is an example as Jarred (the crew chief) and Michelle (the other tech) go through an inventory of cans. Very exciting!
I have another example of the surveying, but the movie turned out making me a little nauseasous, so I am not going to put it up yet.
Showing posts with label Nevada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nevada. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
My last week...Part 1...Eureka
Yes, I know we have been in Eureka before. This time we are surveying a small bit for a developer. I was keen to take many pictures this time and luckily for me, we found a HUGE trash dump that included both modern (post 1960's) and historic (pre-1960's) cans, glass and etc. As always, click on the picture below to see the album.
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| Eureka Survey 2 |
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Short and sweet
This week we were sent to Wells, NV to survey around the Bishop Creek Reservoir. Apparently the BLM is allowing a road to cut through the valley so that the damn on the reservoir can be replaced.
The Drive:
The first day was all driving. It took about 6 hours to get there. On the way, we noticed that our new 1999 Surburban's breaks were a bit mushy so we had to stop at Les Shawb to get them looked at. In the end, we waited until we got back to Reno to get them fixed.
View Larger Map
Wells to Bishop Creek Reservoir:
The project area was not far from the Super 8 Motel we were staying at.
View Larger Map
The actual project area:
View Larger Map
As always the area was beautiful. We lucked out too because there was a pretty good breeze and there was cloud cover for the majority of day 2.
During one of the linear surveys, I had to cross a barbed wire fence. Now usually I will go under or through a barbed wire fence. I never get stuck or hurt, but in this instance, I had to go over. As Jarred coxed me to go over the fence, telling me where to put my feet, I put my foot on a wire that was not secured to the post. So of corse, my foot slid down and I ended up stratteling the fence...thankfully I was not a guy. However, my left thigh got caught on one of the barbs. It really hurt and began to bleed. I finished out the line with blood dripping down my leg. I wasn't really sure how much I was bleeding until I got out of the car when we got to the hotel and found blood all over the leather seats in the back. I was able to get the blood out no problem. I managed to get a couple of pictures of my cool wound.
What is even more unfortunate about this is that my doctor let me know that I am overdue for a Tetnis shot, so guess what that means? I am hoping Workman's Comp will pay.
What was also weird was that my shins are completely covered in bruises. For being the shortest session on relatively easy and sparsely vegetated ground, I ended up the most abused out of all the sessions. Of course I did have my one trip and fall that has become quite a tradition, but that can only help account for very few of the bruises.
The project area managed to yield no important sites (only a couple of lithic scatters) and therefore our session was cut short by a day. Although I was sad because I wanted more money, I was glad we did not have to stay in the hotel another night. This place was horrible. In February 2008, Wells had a 6.0 earthquake that managed to destroy many of it's historic buildings. I am attributing the dilapidated state of the floors and ceilings to that, but the smells and thin walls have nothing to do with the earthquake. I must say, that the staff were incredibly nice.
Photo Album for the week...please click on picture to view the whole album:
Next week (August 5th), we will be heading back out to Eureka doing more survey. Unfortunately this will be my last session. I will be heading to Uncle Greg and Auntie Sue's in Arizona on the 14th and then back to Eugene for Darby's wedding on August 23rd. After that, I am back to Gig Harbor to get ready to return to my lovely husband and kitty in the UK on September 2nd.
I am so depressed at how fast this summer has gone, but have had a blast doing what I love most, Archaeology.
The Drive:
The first day was all driving. It took about 6 hours to get there. On the way, we noticed that our new 1999 Surburban's breaks were a bit mushy so we had to stop at Les Shawb to get them looked at. In the end, we waited until we got back to Reno to get them fixed.
View Larger Map
Wells to Bishop Creek Reservoir:
The project area was not far from the Super 8 Motel we were staying at.
View Larger Map
The actual project area:
View Larger Map
As always the area was beautiful. We lucked out too because there was a pretty good breeze and there was cloud cover for the majority of day 2.
During one of the linear surveys, I had to cross a barbed wire fence. Now usually I will go under or through a barbed wire fence. I never get stuck or hurt, but in this instance, I had to go over. As Jarred coxed me to go over the fence, telling me where to put my feet, I put my foot on a wire that was not secured to the post. So of corse, my foot slid down and I ended up stratteling the fence...thankfully I was not a guy. However, my left thigh got caught on one of the barbs. It really hurt and began to bleed. I finished out the line with blood dripping down my leg. I wasn't really sure how much I was bleeding until I got out of the car when we got to the hotel and found blood all over the leather seats in the back. I was able to get the blood out no problem. I managed to get a couple of pictures of my cool wound.
What is even more unfortunate about this is that my doctor let me know that I am overdue for a Tetnis shot, so guess what that means? I am hoping Workman's Comp will pay.
What was also weird was that my shins are completely covered in bruises. For being the shortest session on relatively easy and sparsely vegetated ground, I ended up the most abused out of all the sessions. Of course I did have my one trip and fall that has become quite a tradition, but that can only help account for very few of the bruises.
The project area managed to yield no important sites (only a couple of lithic scatters) and therefore our session was cut short by a day. Although I was sad because I wanted more money, I was glad we did not have to stay in the hotel another night. This place was horrible. In February 2008, Wells had a 6.0 earthquake that managed to destroy many of it's historic buildings. I am attributing the dilapidated state of the floors and ceilings to that, but the smells and thin walls have nothing to do with the earthquake. I must say, that the staff were incredibly nice.
Photo Album for the week...please click on picture to view the whole album:
 |
| Bishop Creek Reservoir survey |
Next week (August 5th), we will be heading back out to Eureka doing more survey. Unfortunately this will be my last session. I will be heading to Uncle Greg and Auntie Sue's in Arizona on the 14th and then back to Eugene for Darby's wedding on August 23rd. After that, I am back to Gig Harbor to get ready to return to my lovely husband and kitty in the UK on September 2nd.
I am so depressed at how fast this summer has gone, but have had a blast doing what I love most, Archaeology.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
A funky loop to the Mono Basin
I love the Mono Basin. I know almost every inch of it from when I was working with the Forest Service in 2004.
I went on a funky loop down HWY 395 to Mono Lake and then back up HWY 95. For the most part I am boycotting California because of it's gas prices (is $5.50 really necessary when you can get gas in Nevada for $3.95?), but I had to go see the lake again.
View Larger Map
At the end of my trip I accidentally ended up in Virginia City. I have been meaning to go there, now I know I HAVE to go there...even if just to see the cemetery. Here is a cool site where you can see all the buildings: http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nv/virginiacity.html
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sunshine, lollypops, and rainbows everywhere
I am not sure if those are the real lyrics or not...but it sounds good.
My View to the Right
So...
I have been in Reno for a week and a half. We didn't have any fieldwork this week so I was stuck in the office for a few days. I have been at the Fitzgerald which has pretty nice rooms. They are huge and the view that I have is really nice. So I have been extended my stay here 4 times now. The Truckee White River Park is near, so I get to hear concerts and go down to the river when I get bored.
Truckee River White Water Park on the Truckee River
I went on a covert literature search Monday (covert because I was given 1 hour notice). I was paid to be in the car for a total of 10 hours and 4 hours of research time at the Elko BLM. Literature searches have to be done in the BLM district where a survey is going to take place. We go through reports of previous surveys to print out information on previously recorded sites in the project area. Pretty easy.
During my trip to Elko, there was a major lightening storm that created pouring rain (very odd for Nevada in July). The cool part was, it created a double rainbow. One was particularly vibrant.
We finally got the word that a group of us will be going to Wells, NV for 4 days beginning Monday and then a likely chance of the whole crew being on session August 5th...if this is true, that will be my last session and I will be heading home on the 12th.
My View to the Right
So...
I have been in Reno for a week and a half. We didn't have any fieldwork this week so I was stuck in the office for a few days. I have been at the Fitzgerald which has pretty nice rooms. They are huge and the view that I have is really nice. So I have been extended my stay here 4 times now. The Truckee White River Park is near, so I get to hear concerts and go down to the river when I get bored.
Truckee River White Water Park on the Truckee River
I went on a covert literature search Monday (covert because I was given 1 hour notice). I was paid to be in the car for a total of 10 hours and 4 hours of research time at the Elko BLM. Literature searches have to be done in the BLM district where a survey is going to take place. We go through reports of previous surveys to print out information on previously recorded sites in the project area. Pretty easy.
During my trip to Elko, there was a major lightening storm that created pouring rain (very odd for Nevada in July). The cool part was, it created a double rainbow. One was particularly vibrant.
We finally got the word that a group of us will be going to Wells, NV for 4 days beginning Monday and then a likely chance of the whole crew being on session August 5th...if this is true, that will be my last session and I will be heading home on the 12th.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Historic Mines, 4th of July and the Olympic Trials in Eugene
During our last 4 day stint in the field in Battle Mountain, the snapshots of life in the early 1900's at this historic mine finally came together. My crew got to witness something that most archaeological crews never get to see...the whole picture.
During these 2 sessions, we have found numerous garbage dumps and structures. On our last 2 days, we found an old track that was used to send ore down the valley. We followed this track about a mile and came across a structure that was used to (or at least what we think) process the ore.
In essence, we put all the pieces together to find that this area was used by unaffiliated individuals who were mining in the same area and sharing the equipment to process their ore.
This is very exciting and I was so happy that all this was uncovered on the last day.
I spent the 4th with Darby, making the journey from Reno to Veneta once again. The trip is only about 425 miles. It is a gorgeous drive. I camped at Eagle Lake on my way up to save money. No one was camping this year...
We attended a small festival in Eugene on the 4th but left before the fireworks. On the 5th we celebrated my belated 30th birthday. We ate food, got drunk and danced. It was fun.
To top off my trip, we attended the finals for the Olympic Trials for Track and Field. It was incredibly exciting. Watching it on TV doesn't show you how fast these athletes are. What I found the most amazing were the pole vaulters. The amount of strength it takes to hurl yourself over a pole at 16 ft, is astonishing.
I am adding some pictures of Darby's new house. It is huge. They have a 5 acer plot that many deer and wild turkeys frequent. It will look amazing for their wedding.
During these 2 sessions, we have found numerous garbage dumps and structures. On our last 2 days, we found an old track that was used to send ore down the valley. We followed this track about a mile and came across a structure that was used to (or at least what we think) process the ore.
In essence, we put all the pieces together to find that this area was used by unaffiliated individuals who were mining in the same area and sharing the equipment to process their ore.
This is very exciting and I was so happy that all this was uncovered on the last day.
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| session 2 |
I spent the 4th with Darby, making the journey from Reno to Veneta once again. The trip is only about 425 miles. It is a gorgeous drive. I camped at Eagle Lake on my way up to save money. No one was camping this year...
We attended a small festival in Eugene on the 4th but left before the fireworks. On the 5th we celebrated my belated 30th birthday. We ate food, got drunk and danced. It was fun.
To top off my trip, we attended the finals for the Olympic Trials for Track and Field. It was incredibly exciting. Watching it on TV doesn't show you how fast these athletes are. What I found the most amazing were the pole vaulters. The amount of strength it takes to hurl yourself over a pole at 16 ft, is astonishing.
I am adding some pictures of Darby's new house. It is huge. They have a 5 acer plot that many deer and wild turkeys frequent. It will look amazing for their wedding.
 |
| Darby's house |
Friday, June 20, 2008
Birthdays, work and stuff
I forgot how hot it is in Nevada...it is incredibly hot. 10 hours in the sun with no shade is really difficult when you come from 60 degree weather.
Though the past 4 days have been hard, we found some cool stuff. There are 3 crews and I really only know what has happened with my crew. I do know that one crew already finished 40 miles of surveying even with sites they recorded. My crew has not done so much in mileage as we have to recording. We now have recorded 13 sites. And many of them were no picnic. The majority of the sites were historic dating from the late 1900 to the 1950s. Lots of cans and glass, but the cooler part was that there were structures and car parts.
Man, we make a big deal about recycling, but the miners in the early 1900's could not be matched. They used everything. Old tin cans, car parts and bottles to make everything. And low and behold it is still there over 100 years later. Yes, all of it is dilapidated, but if someone had been there keeping it up, I bet it would look perfect.
The area is so pretty. I will put our project area below. It is huge!! Most of the area is on the picture but we are moving East/ West between the two mountain ranges.
View Larger Map
We are working on BLM land that allows the mine (the name escapes me) to drill for metals. I think this one is a silver mine.
I have included a bunch of pictures. A total of 6 really nice points have been found by our crew, the other teams had much more, but they had no historical sites.
Click on the picture to see the whole album.
Oh yeah, and my 30th birthday is tomorrow.
Though the past 4 days have been hard, we found some cool stuff. There are 3 crews and I really only know what has happened with my crew. I do know that one crew already finished 40 miles of surveying even with sites they recorded. My crew has not done so much in mileage as we have to recording. We now have recorded 13 sites. And many of them were no picnic. The majority of the sites were historic dating from the late 1900 to the 1950s. Lots of cans and glass, but the cooler part was that there were structures and car parts.
Man, we make a big deal about recycling, but the miners in the early 1900's could not be matched. They used everything. Old tin cans, car parts and bottles to make everything. And low and behold it is still there over 100 years later. Yes, all of it is dilapidated, but if someone had been there keeping it up, I bet it would look perfect.
The area is so pretty. I will put our project area below. It is huge!! Most of the area is on the picture but we are moving East/ West between the two mountain ranges.
View Larger Map
We are working on BLM land that allows the mine (the name escapes me) to drill for metals. I think this one is a silver mine.
I have included a bunch of pictures. A total of 6 really nice points have been found by our crew, the other teams had much more, but they had no historical sites.
Click on the picture to see the whole album.
 |
| Buffalo Valley 1 |
Oh yeah, and my 30th birthday is tomorrow.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Testing RSS
Just seeing if the RSS is working.
There is an RSS feed to this page, so you can see when I, or someone else, has added to the page. Scroll down to the bottom where it says "subscribe to this page," and click. Now, I don't know how this works for any web page but google.com. When you click it will let you know. I recommend that people get a google home page which is discribed in the RSS link I gave above.
Enjoy a short video of 8 mile flat, a video I took 3 years ago while working in Nevada.
There is an RSS feed to this page, so you can see when I, or someone else, has added to the page. Scroll down to the bottom where it says "subscribe to this page," and click. Now, I don't know how this works for any web page but google.com. When you click it will let you know. I recommend that people get a google home page which is discribed in the RSS link I gave above.
Enjoy a short video of 8 mile flat, a video I took 3 years ago while working in Nevada.
Hello
Starting is the hardest part.
So I am going to be heading to Nevada in a couple of weeks to begin a 4 month field season with my old boss. I am very excited.
The schedule is interesting with 8 days on (10 hr. days) and 6 days off, I will hopefully have time to explore and relax in the Sierras. I haven't really made any plans at the moment, but you will hear about them here on my new blog spot.
Richard and Miki are going to be staying the the UK while I am gone :(...but I am sure they (and I ) will be fine.
So I am going to be heading to Nevada in a couple of weeks to begin a 4 month field season with my old boss. I am very excited.
The schedule is interesting with 8 days on (10 hr. days) and 6 days off, I will hopefully have time to explore and relax in the Sierras. I haven't really made any plans at the moment, but you will hear about them here on my new blog spot.
Richard and Miki are going to be staying the the UK while I am gone :(...but I am sure they (and I ) will be fine.
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