Reality sets in

During every season there is a point at which the reality of archaeological field work sets in. Whether it is the heat or the repetition of removing 10 cm lot after 10 cm lot, everyone has a moment where they wonder if it's all worth it.

The excitment of digging through the tumble zone has worn off in SubOp B. Now, Jason and Jessica are searching for a plaza surface. It could be 10 cm beneath them or 1 meter further.

Katia and Jordon have been doing an excellent job in SubOp C. Over the past two days they have slowly worked thier way through a hard concrete-like matrix. The soil is so tough that trowels lying near the excavation unit go dull.

The co-directors are having serious second thoughts about opening their own excavation unit. Not only is it devoid of shade but this afternoon we exposed the tumble zone. This means that with each swing of the pick there's a good chance it will fly back after hitting a rock. Between excavation and supervising the students, this is begining to feel like work.

Moreover, Miranda exposed a nest of ants who frantically sought to collect their eggs. Against my suggestion, Miranda relocated the ants and their eggs to the brushline several meters away. I'm certain that they will move back into the excavation unit overnight.

I spent the rest of the morning high on the structure, under a thorny tree for shade, well away from the ants, and beyond the reach of Miranda and her erratic pick.

Following on today's theme, I though t a few pictures of the local flora are in order. These images are of anti-social plants which surround our excavation and line the hiking trail to the site. I am particularly impressed with the following tree.

Each branch is covered in horn-like spikes. The spikes are quite sharp and easily puncture thin fabric and scratch the skin. These trees have a symbiotic relationship with a nasty variety of ant (pictured in closeup, below). From personal experience I can tell you that the bite of these ants is more like a bee sting than a regular ant bite.

Lest our readers think that we are complaining, I should point out that today was one of the more productive days this season. All excavations are moving along at a quick pace, ceramic analysis began in earnest this afternoon, and we had a lively discussion in class tonight. Although the work can take it's toll, everyone is happy to be in the field and doing archaeology.