Trip Log: Thursday, August 1, 2002

Today was another day of curating our fossil elements. Some of us were introduced to the database, while other teams continued to clean and box quarry samples. Cleaning the fossils is very meticulous work. We were so absorbed in our work that it was the first time in weeks we didn’t sound like a hoard of siksiks (Arctic red squirrel) chattering up a storm. We worked from 9-12, then broke for lunch. Many of us could be found roaming the wonderful museum at the University of Fairbanks during that time.

After lunch we “reconvened to clean.” Later in the afternoon we were treated to a mini-lecture by Dr. Tony Fiorillo from the Dallas Museum of Natural History. Dr. Fiorillo and his crew were working further south on the Colville River at the same time we were digging on our own bone bed. His crew made some very exciting discoveries that we had been very anxious to hear about. They were able to recover and identify eight Pachyrhinosaurus skulls. The jacket that holds six of the skulls weighs more than 2,200 lbs.

At 6:00 we all gathered around the dorm TV to watch the local news coverage on our exploits. Roland, Judy and our very own W.C.C.U.S.D. teacher, Rena, were interviewed. It was all very exciting! As we spy out the window, we have noticed that the haze has lifted, so we are off to use Steve’s new binoculars to view Mt. McKinley.

Reporters for the day: Pam and Holly

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