It´s been raining like crazy -- a deafening downpour literally pummeled the house last night and the water keeps going out in town. This is nothing, though to the strong of heart and all is well at PADO central. The students arrrived tired but ready for adventure and we´ve spent the last two days out in the field at Sinsimbla preparing to excavate. Mainly this has involved clearing the rather amazing density of overgrowth covering the ancient structures and digging out all the backfilled soil and rocks to reopen our excavations from 2009.
First, though, we had to make it out to the site. The path we usually follow was exceptionally overgrown this year, covering with spiny bushes and trees with spikes filled with fire ants. Here the students forge ahead, fearless! We love these kids.
Once we made it to the site, we had to clear the brush so we could get a look at the buildings and figure out where to excavate. Here is a shot of what the front of Structure 1 -- the largest stone pyramid at the site -- looks like with a portion of the overgrowth cleared off it. The hole and red tarp represent the excavation unit from last season. In the coming weeks we plan to advance up the slope of the decaying building in an effort to expose exterior architecture.
First, though, we had to clear out the backfill and expose the excavations. Here are some of the students hard at work digging out the backfilled dirt and rocks from last season. Or, really here they are standing around watching Eric do most of the work...
After all that hard labor, they were still smiling by the time we got back at the project house for lunch.
Wherever you are, dear Reader, buen provecho and hasta pronto!
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