Never In Situ

My constant learning experiences in CRM at an environmental consulting firm, one shovel test at a time.

[neverinsitu]

Jobs in American Archaeology: Pay for CRM Archaeologists

This paper came out a few months ago and I had thought I had placed it online as a Green Open Access paper (because, you know, if no one reads it than what is the point?)... but turns out the repos...

[mothernaturenetwork]

Aerial archaeologist finds bittersweet beauty in geological photo surveys Ever since earning his private pilot license 26 years ago, German photographer Klaus Leidorf has made it his mission to capture a bird’s-eye perspective of the way humans have shaped the world — a study known as aerial archaeology.

[neverinsitu]

Various skills picked up throughout the years of Archaeological Survey

To date, I have picked up random skills during my time conducting surveys for various projects. This list includes:

·         Digging a perfectly round cylindrical hole to a depth of 100 cm (1 meter)

·         Marking 1 m on your shovel so you don’t have to take out your measuring tape

·         Jumping fences (you name it, I can figure out a way to get around it)

·         Opening various types of gates – the improvised ones are the trickiest

·         How to carry a shovel, tarp, and screen all at the same time while traversing steep terrain, in the rain, on a Sunday

·         Knowing soil colors without a Munsell book – most stuff in the NW is either 10YR or 7.5YR, can’t go wrong either way

·         Dispersing livestock in a field – yell “Get on, get” with a slight southern twang – works every time

·         Proper river/stream crossing techniques – knowing your footing – this links back to also balancing a shovel, tarp, and screen while crossing the water body

·         How to properly enter and exit an excavation unit – especially when the soil is sand – stay away from edge!

·         How many steps it takes to reach 30 m – 1 ½ of my steps = 1 m

Tips for barbed wire fences – my specialty. There are two ways to cross a barbed wire fence, crawling under or climbing over. I prefer to climb over them because I am a bit on the taller side (about 5’8’’) which gives me a bit of an advantage. Crawling involves taking gear off then putting it all back on again. The secret to climbing a barbed wire fence is to find a low spot that can then be pushed further down, then just hop right over! Make sure you are wearing work gloves or use your feet to push the fence down. Also, make sure you are up-to-date with your tenuous shot!

I know this all sounds like common sense but it is amazing how many people I have seen rip their pants, get caught, and knick their fingers on rusty barbed wire fences. Safety first people!

[neverinsitu]

Devil's Punch Bowl

[neverinsitu]

Fairy Falls, Wahkeena Creek. #PNWonderland #hiking #columbiagorge

[neverinsitu]

North Head Lighthouse at Cape Disappointment

[neverinsitu]

How to Talk to an Archaeologist

Like many archaeologists I spend 1/4 of my year in a hole in the ground. This is the kind of thing that happens to me because I’m an archaeologist. I call Visa to put a travel alert on my credit ca...

Well said! Exactly how I feel! 

[neverinsitu]

Just another Friday

[archaeo-geek]

Archaeology tip: Use a round file to cut a notch in the base of your trowel and keep it nice and sharp. This allows you to snip small roots in your unit by holding the end with your free hand and pulling the root through the notch. Apparently it also allows you to open beer bottles with your trowel but I haven’t tested this yet. (Note that this notch is cut for a lefty; cut it on the left side if you’re right-handed.)

[neverinsitu]

These photos were taken where Wy-am, or better known as Celilo Falls, once flowed. The first two photos were taken by me in February 2014. The last photo is an iconic image of Celilo Falls in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

These falls were considered one of North America’s largest waterfalls and offered life-sustaining salmon, among other fish, for thousands of Native Americans for more than 10,000 years. As many as 5,000 people would gather at the falls to trade, feast, and participate in religious ceremonies. The Wyampum inhabited Wyam for nearly 12,000 years. Wyam is among the longest continuously inhabited communities in North America.

On October 22nd, 1805, Lewis and Clark reached the “Great Falls of the Columbia”. In their journals they noted the size of these falls “whole height of the falls is 37 feet 8 inches, in a distance of 1200 yards …[Gass, October 23, 1805].”

Construction of The Dalles Dam along the Columbia River in 1957 silenced the great Celilo Falls. Slack water created Lake Celilo which allows for barges to move up and down the Columbia River. The reservoir waters inundated Celilo Falls along with Tenmile Rapids, Fivemile Rapids, and Celilo Village, resulting in the relocation of the community and roughly 36 families (Information courtesy Center for Columbia River History website, 2008).

Today Elders mourn for the silencing of the falls. The Dalles Lock and Dam disrupted tribal life in the region forever. The falls have been silenced for 57 years. A forever lost significant landmark as long as The Dalles Dam exists.

Below are more readings about the silencing of Celilo Falls along with legislation:

http://thecentralcascades.com/celilo-falls/

http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/celilo_falls.html

http://www.salmonnation.com/essays/recalling_celilo.html

https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2007R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SJM7

[neverinsitu]

Wildfire smoke engulfing the valley near Big Creek, CA. 

[neverinsitu]

Whenever I'm having a bad day I look at this picture. I took this picture in Alaska two years ago at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant in Alyeska. This view is perfect.

[neverinsitu]

View from Old Chief Joseph Gravesite, also known as Nez Perce Traditional Site, Wallowa Lake, Chief Joseph Cemetery and Joseph National Indian Cemetery. This is the burial place of Old Chief Joseph the father of Chief Joseph. The cemetery is a sacred place for the Nez Perce people. Wallowa Lake, Oregon.

[neverinsitu]

Camas blooming in the Columbia Gorge.

Documented Native American food uses for camas:*

Bulbs were pit roasted and made into loaves or little camas cakes

Bulbs were pit roasted and boiled with meat

Bulbs were smashed, pressed together like cheese and boiled in a stew with salmon

Bulbs were boiled to make a sweet, hot beverage

Bulbs were boiled with flour (sometimes butter) and eaten as thick gravy

Bulbs were steamed or boiled, dipped in dogfish or whale oil and eaten

Source: http://www.mrcamas.com/Cooking-with-Camas.htm

[neverinsitu]

Local Fieldwork

In the last month I have been conducting fieldwork close to home. As much fun traveling can be, it is always nice exploring your own home area and being able to sleep in your own bed at night. 

We did a fiber optic survey that started in Vancouver, WA and went along the Columbia River all the way to John Day, OR. Oregon and Washington never cease to amaze me! Gorgeous landscape that always leaves me in awe and unique people

On our last day in Oregon we were wrapping up an area when we were approached by a boy who looked no older than 13. He was driving a brand new SUV and asked if we were lost. Mind you, we were wearing a hard had, an orange vest, and field clothes, does that make us look lost?? I was a bit flabbergasted seeing a 13 year old, with no parent, driving a car, and he was asking us if WE were lost? I responded, no we are doing some surveys out in the area. Then I followed up asking him if he was lost?? He laughed at us and drove away. I'm still in shock.

Later in the day we crossed the Columbia River to find access to a parcel. We were following the maps that the client provided us. We turned onto a small side road off of the highway. As we were driving down the road I spotted some buffalo. I got excited and pointed out to my coworker "Look buffalo!". Then I saw some llamas, then some camels, then zebras!? Guess we were on a safari. Something you don't expect in middle of nowhere! There were signs saying "Please do not feed the animals" and "Stay in your car". But we had to open a gate further down the road! I braved opening the gate when an ostrich decided to pop it's head over the fence. Scared the living daylights out of me. The ostrich proceeded to squat down and do a little dance. I knew it was time to get back in the car. Was an interesting farm!

View near the safari!

[anthrocity]

For the young, the young at heart, or the undergrad desperately looking to procrastinate: a fun collection of archaeology games!

Answer quizzes, solves puzzles, and learn something along the way (and maybe even feel inspired to do that anthro homework)

[neverinsitu]

How Your Coffee Maker Can Cook Gourmet Meals In a Pinch | Kitchen Daily

A couple of websites demonstrating different ways to cook with a coffee maker and iron. Trying a few of these tips next time I have a long stint in the field! I will post my triumphs and failures soon!

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/11/15/245442083/coffee-maker-cooking-brew-up-your-next-dinner

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooking-With-Your-Coffee-Maker/149536218437333

http://www.chow.com/videos/show/chow-tips/128637/cook-breakfast-in-your-coffeemaker