In addition to the work experiences I spoke of in my previous post (Archaeology in Taos: For Awesome!), we also took part in several weekend field trips. These trips were designed to flesh out our experience here in the southwest and also served to strengthen the bonds between all of the crew members.
Looking back on all of out trips, our weekend excursion to Chaco Canyon shines brightest in my mind. From the walkie-talkie conversations on the road to sleeping under the stars, everything was exceptionally fun. We began the weekend with a visit to the Acoma Sky City. The Pueblo has sat atop a three hundred foot tall mesa for hundreds of years. From the summit you have incredible views of the surrounding landscape with scattered mesas, canyon walls, and rock formations that look like works of art.
We then made our way to Chaco Canyon, again with entertaining walkie-talkie conversations to keep us busy. The camp scene that night was an absolute blast. Hobo dinners satisfied the hunger of all and a few relaxed drinks around the campfire brought us all that much closer. Together we slept under a clear sky that supported a brilliant full moon. All the while the fire burned low into the night keeping our bodies and spirits warm.
The next morning brought the real adventure of the trip. We arrived at the ruins at roughly eleven in the morning, ready to walk. And walk we did, five miles around the canyon rim. The heat that day was nothing short of oppressive, but the views of the pueblos and, again, the camaraderie, made the hike the highlight of the weekend. I only wish I had more opportunities for such experiences with my new group of friends.
Again, many thanks to you all!
Cheers!
Cameron
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Archaeology in Taos: For Awesome!
How did I end up here, you ask? Well, I suppose I should start from the beginning. Growing up I had two major loves. Star Trek and Indiana Jones were life. When people would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up I would give one of two answers: Indiana Jones or Captain Picard. Those who have seen Beyond 2000 will understand me when I say I fully expected humans to be traveling in the style if The Jetsons by the time I reached college age. Unfortunately, television lied to me. We have no flying cars, no star ships, and, worst of all, no holodecks. Anyway, as you have probably deduced by this point I was not able to build a career as a star ship captain -lest I spend all of my time and money going Star Trek conventions... lucky for me I was able to let go of the dream-. After the death of innocence I had but one remaining choice. I had to become Indiana Jones.
My sense of duty and obligation to Indiana failed me for a time. My teen years saw my interest in action coupled with archaeology wane. I was once again back on the technology train. I learned Cisco and C++ and followed other terribly arcane paths through the technology jungle. It was glorious. I knew I was set. Dreams of arks and grails had faded into near oblivion.
In early August of 2002 I arrived at SMU with a vision of my future, clean and clear, unburdened by any feelings of doubt. For a while that first semester ran strong, fueled by hope and excitement. But a feeling of dread soon grew heavy in my heart. Before long I began to have doubt in my plan. Did I really want to spend my life in this pursuit?
I will not go into the events of the next couple of years at this point; it should suffice to say that I took time to re-evaluate where I wanted be. The demon was slain and dreams of yore were allowed to sprout and grow once more. Thoughts of arks and grails were again in my heart, now clear and untarnished. I returned to SMU to pursue knowledge of the past and left the crafting of the future in the hands of others. This time dread did not raise its head. Everyday I found myself more and more in love with things past. I truly thought I had found my calling, but there was yet one test remaining: field school.
Now I bring you to the not-so-distant past. In March of 2007 I met Mike Adler while I was working on a project in a paleontologist's lab at SMU. We spoke for a time and eventually he asked me if I had done my field school. I answered in the negative and he promptly offered me a spot at Ft. Burgwin. I graciously accepted his invitation and signed up a couple of weeks after I received the invitation -I procrastinated a little, but at least I eventually got it taken care of-.
I arrived at Ft. Burgwin not knowing what to expect. We had a diverse group of eager students. We had Americans from Texas and California, two amazing kids from the nearby Taos Pueblo, and two wonderful people from Thailand. Fast friends were made and before long we were like family. Together we worked in the community, building trust and friendships. It was an amazing personal experience as well as the keystone that allowed our archaeological work to progress not just unhindered, but fervently supported by the community. We worked hard on our excavation, learning everyday the skills we will need in the future. Everyday our ties to the community were strengthened and friendships flourished, inciting feelings of pride and love for our work. The entire experience has been nothing short of phenomenal. I sit here now grieved to know that I must leave my new friends and the community that has treated us with such kindness and openness. I know I will see many of them again soon, but for the rest fond memories must suffice.
The test is over. I have been given a green light to keep moving. Thank you to everyone who made this experience possible.
Cheers!
Cameron
My sense of duty and obligation to Indiana failed me for a time. My teen years saw my interest in action coupled with archaeology wane. I was once again back on the technology train. I learned Cisco and C++ and followed other terribly arcane paths through the technology jungle. It was glorious. I knew I was set. Dreams of arks and grails had faded into near oblivion.
In early August of 2002 I arrived at SMU with a vision of my future, clean and clear, unburdened by any feelings of doubt. For a while that first semester ran strong, fueled by hope and excitement. But a feeling of dread soon grew heavy in my heart. Before long I began to have doubt in my plan. Did I really want to spend my life in this pursuit?
I will not go into the events of the next couple of years at this point; it should suffice to say that I took time to re-evaluate where I wanted be. The demon was slain and dreams of yore were allowed to sprout and grow once more. Thoughts of arks and grails were again in my heart, now clear and untarnished. I returned to SMU to pursue knowledge of the past and left the crafting of the future in the hands of others. This time dread did not raise its head. Everyday I found myself more and more in love with things past. I truly thought I had found my calling, but there was yet one test remaining: field school.
Now I bring you to the not-so-distant past. In March of 2007 I met Mike Adler while I was working on a project in a paleontologist's lab at SMU. We spoke for a time and eventually he asked me if I had done my field school. I answered in the negative and he promptly offered me a spot at Ft. Burgwin. I graciously accepted his invitation and signed up a couple of weeks after I received the invitation -I procrastinated a little, but at least I eventually got it taken care of-.
I arrived at Ft. Burgwin not knowing what to expect. We had a diverse group of eager students. We had Americans from Texas and California, two amazing kids from the nearby Taos Pueblo, and two wonderful people from Thailand. Fast friends were made and before long we were like family. Together we worked in the community, building trust and friendships. It was an amazing personal experience as well as the keystone that allowed our archaeological work to progress not just unhindered, but fervently supported by the community. We worked hard on our excavation, learning everyday the skills we will need in the future. Everyday our ties to the community were strengthened and friendships flourished, inciting feelings of pride and love for our work. The entire experience has been nothing short of phenomenal. I sit here now grieved to know that I must leave my new friends and the community that has treated us with such kindness and openness. I know I will see many of them again soon, but for the rest fond memories must suffice.
The test is over. I have been given a green light to keep moving. Thank you to everyone who made this experience possible.
Cheers!
Cameron
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