Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: frethack on 27/10/2007 10:20:08

Title: Hunting Fossils
Post by: frethack on 27/10/2007 10:20:08

One of my professors is taking me on a pretty cool dig.  We are going to spend five days hunting Permian fossils (dimetrodons) at the Craddock Ranch in N. Texas...with Robert Bakker. Im still pretty early into my undergrad, so this is my first real excursion onto a larger dig.  Im not really sure what to expect out of it, though Im sure Ill be doing quite a bit of grunt work.  Would anyone have some advice on getting the most out of this experience?

Apparently Im the only student going (well...from my college), and the head of the science department has offered to pay for my transportation, lodging, food, and even an hourly rate for the hours that I put in at the dig.  That certainly helps when youre poor :)

Has anyone ever met Dr. Bakker?  If so, what can I expect? (besides the scraggly beard, dilapidated cowboy hat, and frenetic personality)

frethack

Title: Hunting Fossils
Post by: JimBob on 07/11/2007 17:18:12

Just enjoy the experience.

One of the most memorable field trips I ever went on was as an undergrad to the Marathon region of the Big Bend. Illuminating the event with eccentricity was Dr. Philip B. King, USGS, Author "Backbone of the Americas" and a legend in field geology. He was in his late '70's, BIG - over 6'3' and built like a linebacker. He ALWAYS had an unlit cigar in his teeth on the right side of his mouth and his favorite expression, "Horse Sh*t" was spat out from under his Stetson regardless of who was around - or in front of - him. Always dirty by 9 AM because of climbing up outcrops or digging out a good exposure.

Sorry I didn't see this earlier.

Title: Hunting Fossils
Post by: frethack on 15/11/2007 03:01:51

No problem JimBob  [;D]

The experience was absolutely incredible.  Dr. Bakker wasnt there the whole time, but that didnt really put a damper on things at all.  I met a lot of interesting friends and made some really great contacts in the process.  Most of the people there work for the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and they have invited me back next spring.  They even offered me a job at the museum starting in my Junior year conducting classes (though Im sure its for younger kids and teens.)  Apparently, they usually only hire grad students (which made me feel pretty good), and it pays enough ($17 an hour) to allow me to quit my crappy bartending job when the time comes.  I havent been able to wipe the grin off my face since I got back.

Their hospitality was wonderful.  Some of the coolest bunch youd ever want to hang out with.  [;D]

Title: Hunting Fossils
Post by: JimBob on 16/11/2007 17:47:23

OK,

Now you need to post the details - who, what, when, where, why, and how.

(I still remember my high school journalism experience !)