Back in the US and A

USA! USA! USA!

Our last field week was fairly uneventful, although there were a few things worth noting. We saw a tarantula which was great because the zipper on my tent broke a few days before and the door quit closing. Luckily I had a back up tent that doesn't have a rain fly, but at least has a properly working door. The no rain fly wasn't too bad of a deal, although I did have to bail into MARV one morning and had to sleep in it the next night. At least MARV is huge. Sleeping in my saturn would have been another story. The week was another super long week, but it being the last it went pretty quickly.

Our drive up was pretty exciting, we crossed the border on the first day and made it to Yuma, AZ. The border crossing was easy and uneventful, we decided to cross in Sonoyita into Arizona because it is a much smaller crossing and easier to deal with. We didn't even have to wait at all. We did get stopped several times in Mexico and the US by just about every authority figure if both countries. In Mexico we got stopped by Mexican military, federalis, and regular police, but all of them were really nice and made fun of us for spending two months walking around in the mountains. One federali said "That is way more boring than in the movies". Do they even make movies about geologists? The only one I can think of is that shitty and completely inaccurate movie "The Core", which is so scientifically unsound if I spent the time to explain all the inaccuracies I would pretty much have to recite the whole movie, which may also result in reducing me to a drooling, blubbering, fool. In the states we got stopped by several border police checkpoints, but two white guys in a university vehicle isn't exactly their biggest concern.

The second day began with driving in Southern California. If you have ever driven in Southern California, you know this is a horrible thing and not worth discussing. We got as far as Willow, CA, which is a hundred miles or so south of Redding.

The third day was great weather, and getting back to Northern Cali and Oregon. It was so great to see the trees and mountains again! And to smell the wonderful air! It wasn't even raining! Good ol Oregon, welcoming us back.

We got back Saturday evening, and I have been spending the time figuring out what I am doing with my life. Finding a place to live, work, and figuring out where I will be going to grad school. Molly defended her honor's thesis on Monday, and did an amazing job. I am very glad I could be back for it! It was probably best that I was gone for two months while she was working on it, but I am really glad that I got to be there to see the fruit of her labors.

Today is St. Patty's day, and Luke's annual party, where the whiskey flows like wine. I also found out this year that I am part irish, so I plan on playing the part (aka drinking).

The desert strikes back

Another week in the bag. This week was the roughest, and longest week of our trip. The weather has turned hot in the last week, and the desert seems to have remembered that it is a harsh environment and should kick our ass a little. The first dishing of ass kicking was in the form of cactus spines in the fingers. I fell one day and got about ten cactus spines really deep in my finger, many of which broke off and are still inside. I decided to keep them. I hear the mother won't give them back after they are handled. Actually, it is because tweezers wouldn't get them out, and I don't feel like going at my pinky with a knife. I also managed to get a cactus spine under my fingernail, which is a thing I don't recommend anyone doing.

The other form of ass-kicking the desert delivered was MARV's first wound. In our field area, there are access roads that have many plants hanging over the road, which we have gotten used to hitting the truck. Well, one hit the driver's side window in some magical way that shattered it. Seriously, it was a one and a million shot. So now we have a broken window, and are going to head into Miguel Aleman and try to find someone to fix it.

So, asses kicked, tired, sunbeaten, but fish tacos and ping pong here at the Prescott field station can heal any wound. Tomorrow we head back out into the desert, and plan on returning the favor of ass kicking right back.

Rocks? Whales!

Ok, so we didn't make it out to the field today after all. As we were packing this morning, the marine biologists working here offered to take us out with them on a mission to get pictures of whales. An offer like this is ridiculous to refuse.

As soon as we set out we found whales, and got to see several large pods of them throughout the day. They were all fin whales,

which are the second biggest behind blue whales, which are the largest animals that have ever lived on earth! I am not sure if the fin whales are the second largest animals that have lived on earth, but let's pretend because that is much more interesting. there were a few times that they were within feet of our boat! Even the marine biologists were screaming like little excited babies at the sights. We also saw a hammerhead shark, followed a huge stingray for a while, saw lots of sea birds, and some jellyfish.

Ok, well back to the rocks tomorrow. At least the rocks don't swim around elusively (Not sure if that is actually a word) so we know they are there waiting for us.

Bahia de Kino, Mexico, Week 4

We are back in Kino Bay, and I finally have a chance to get some blerging in. I thought I would have more time, but the combination of spotty internet and so many things to do leaves little time for blogging. Also, there are no students here this week. When they are here they suck up all the internet juice. Actually, all of the Prescott students we met in the last few weeks were all very nice and fun to hang out with. It is good to have more room for the rest of us this week though, and nice to have hot water for showers and get our laundry in, etc.The desert is so beautiful! There is not another person for many miles! We do see hunters every once and a while, but apparently the hunting is really bad this year, which is pretty good for us. Hunting season just ended too, so we won't be seeing anymore for the rest of the field work. There are some cool critters out there with us, we have seen some cool birds, a few lizards, some mice, and one persistent fox. The plants are very large and unforgiving, especially the

cholla cactus. It has these buds on it that will embed themselves in anything except metal. They are insanely painful and difficult to pull out (usually requires pliers), and are all around jerks. The other plants aren't so bad, you kind of have to go out of your way to get stuck by them. The larger cactuses are actually really neat, and they make really sweet disc golf targets. The wildlife out here has left us alone for the most part, with the exception of a fox that has taken to sneaking up on us and trying to grab inedible things. For the first time a few days ago, it went for the garbage bag and we had to run it off. Before this it has tried to run off with a huge duffel bag, a tire from MARV, and my camp chair.

Being back at the field school is pretty great, we watched the super bowl yesterday at our favorite restaurant, La Palalpa. We were the only gringos there watching the game, and two of three people watching it intently. It was fun to watch in Spanish, the sportcasters were hilarious. And we have gotten to know one of the servers at La Palapa and he started giving us free shots of really good tequila. Score! They also may have the best fish tacos I have ever eaten. We are getting pretty good at getting our way around town, and have discovered where to get the best fruit and tortillas. I don't know if I can ever eat American tortillas again. They really know how it's done down here. I am also going to have to stock up on Sonora sauce, which is their hot sauce standard down here. The field school is really great, we have a great roof to kick it on with a sea view. Also, great beach access. Bahia de Kino is not that touristy, and it is where people from Hermisillo go on weekends to get some beach time. There is also a large old white people population here, in the form of RV and vacation home. Seems like a great place to retire. They all drive around on four wheelers all the time. It's pretty hilarious, I wonder what the Mexicans think of them.

So everything is going really well, getting lots of sun and exercise, getting some good mapping done, and haven't picked up any viruses, although we both got sick from the milk here and had to give up cereal. They use different bacteria here to pasteurize the milk, and our American stomachs are not used to them. It was basically like being lactose-intolerant for a couple of days. It would really suck to be lactose-intolerant. If any of you are, I am extremely sorry for you. God must be punishing you for something. We have managed to stay quite healthy on a diet that is about 80% tacos, which is a pretty great diet, if you ask me. The weather has been really nice for the most part, although we did get rocked by a pretty big storm out in the field the first week and we have been rained out of work a few half days, (we were told it rained here once a year. we were lied to) it has been mostly sunny and beautiful. So for a little rain we have no reason to bitch. We could be in Oregon getting rained on everyday right now.

Right now we are set to head back to the states on March 9th, and be back in Eugene on the 11th. It's a pretty long drive, but it will be fun being back in the states! USA! USA! USA!

Bahia de Kino, Mexico

Well, we made it. Just got done with our first week in the field, and about to get headed back for week two. We crossed the border about two weeks ago, got our work visas and headed down for Bahia de Kino, Sonora. The Prescott field station is amazing! It's right on the gulf, and there is beach access right out front. Most of the time, however, we are in the desert north of here. Out there, we are probably 30 miles away from anyone. Last week when we were there the only signs of people were the occasional plane and satellite. The weather for the first week was good at first, but a few days in a huge storm swept in and we got hammered by wind and rain in the night. Luckily, the days were still nice, so we were still able to get some work done.

My time is limited right now, we are about to get packed up to head back out to the desert. We will be back in a week and I will have more time to post then. Salud!

Tuscon, Arizona/More Hamm's

Day four. Drinking Hamm's in a hotel again, this time in a motel 6 in Tuscon, Arizona. Plans have changed a bit since the beginning of the trip. We spent the last two days in Borrego Springs, California, camping in Anzo Borrego state park and touring around the area, looking at some really cool geology in split mountain gorge. Our guide was Becky Dorsey, the PI on the project we are working on and a really great stratigraphic geologist. It was really great having her as a guide though the area, she knows a lot about the area having worked there for years. The park was really beautiful, although it is expensive camping there, I highly recommend it.

Our original plan was to cross the border near Yuma, but we needed to ship Mike's passport down from Oregon to get him into Mexico. So we decided to get it sent to Tuscon because it would take too long to get it to Borrego Springs, which is a little remote. So here we are in Tuscon, ready to pick up the passport in the morning and cross the border though Nogales and then head to Bahi Kino and to the Prescott field station. Then, the real fun begins. Life at the field station sounds like it will be pretty cushy, but out in the field is going to be pretty rough. However, this is what being a geologist is all about, so I think the field will be pretty fun. I am just hoping that we don't pop a tire or get M.A.R.V. stuck or run out of gas. We are going to be out in the middle of nowhere so who knows what we would do then. I bet it won't be too bad, no reason to worry now, we will cross that bridge eventually.

For the time being, I am really excited to go back to Mexico! I had a blast last time I was there, and I am sure this time will be even more epic. Well, it will definitely be more epic. Two days versus two months. Epic. I will be listening to a lot of Ennio Morricone.

Lodi, California/Hamm's

The journey begins. Drinking Hamm's in a Microtel Inns and Suites (not as small as it sounds) in Lodi, California. We got started a little late this morning, packing and getting last minute things together, replacing headlights, eating Glenwood eggs benedict, etc. Got to see Mount Shasta at sunset, play hacky sack in a few random rest stops and gas stations, and get some extremely tasty bbq at Fatboy's in Redding, thanks to Leland's suggestion. It was a really nice drive, it's good to be back on the road (Willie Nelson enters with guitar). M.A.R.V. handles like a dream. For those who don't know, M.A.R.V. is the new name of the former, less-awesomly-named Orca, a University vehicle and our wheeled companion for the next two months. M.A.R.V. is actually an acronym, which over many evolutions in the past few days now stands for Mexican All-Terrain Research Vehicle. It is a white 98 Chevy Suburban and is extremely full of things right now.

Tomorrow we head for Burrego Springs, in southern Cali. We will set camp there for tomorrow night, and spend Monday field tripping around southern cali, looking at, thinking about, and talking about rocks. Monday night we will stay again in Burrego Springs and cross the border into Mexico the next morning, making our way through Sonora and into Kino Bay and the Prescott Field Station. Hide the fish tacos!

In other news, I noticed I now have followers! I was under the impression that no one was reading this, like I was just throwing words into space. I feel like I have to be more eloquent now. Just kidding! fart fart fart.