Trammel and Hueston

The Harkriders (our CSA family) say that the weather has been a bit bipolar this year. Amen to that. I was just outside today watering my garden. And then all of a sudden, it's like the sky opened up.

So I'm glad we took our mini fossiling trip yesterday. Can't imagine trying to gather fossils now~ Thank goodness our dogs are used to sudden noises and flashing bright lights.

So it's been a bit busy recently. First our fossiling adventures continue. Paul's a bit obsessed about trying to find this particular dude.

I have to admit, it's kind of cool looking (even though big bug-y things usually give me the heeby jeebies). Trilobites became extinct about a quarter billion years ago, so they're part of the Paeleozoic era like all the other fossils we're looking for. Apparently, they are something like the holy grail of fossils (aside from big reptilian dudes that are worth millions of dollars and get put up in museums)... and Paul sees them as his ultimate goal in life. Also, REALLY NICE specimens that are museum quality go for thousands on ebay. Go figure. We hope to find one that's maybe worth $10. That would be awesome.

Trammel Fossil Park in Sharonville, Ohio, and Hueston Woods State Park in Oxford, Ohio are two places that are supposed to have trilobites so we started our hunt there. It helps that these places are <20 miles from home. Also, Paul and Tim used to go to Hueston Woods all the time so there's a bit of nostalgia associated with the place.

So Trammel was pretty nice... as far as fossil parks go, I assume.

Too bad it faces west and so the sun pretty much beats down on you as you dig around in the dirt. *Note to self: Go to Trammel in the A.M.*

Paul ran around in shock standing on the mound of fossils. It reminded me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When all of the winners go through that door to find the entire landscape made of candy?

Yup, that's the one.

OMG fossils.

The sun was pretty intense though, so I found refuge under a tree.

It was at least 10 degrees cooler under there. I sat down on the rocks and sifted through the debris.

The fossils here were definitely different from the ones we found by the creek beds. The bigger horned corals and brachiopods were harder to find (non-existen), but coral was plentiful and very very detailed.

Here's part of my haul.

Paul decided to take on the sun because the trilobite area was a littler further up the hill....

Haha, he's so little.

He's now very, very freckly.

He finally decided to take my advice, and joined me under the tree for more fossil hunting.

We didn't stay too long at the park. Probably brought back a pound or so of fossils, but Paul was incredibly sad about our find. In his words, "I'll take big and dull fossils any day over tiny detailed ones." It was the saddest I've ever seen him after a day of fossil hunting.

Anyway, Hueston woods was much better. Tons of people at the park. Dogs too :)

I didn't take too many pictures as I was too busy trying not to fall into the slippery creek floor.. but we did see this cute little guy.

Why hellooooo there!!!!!

I hope he turns into a pretty little butterfly one day :)

Well, I'm sure Paul has plans to return to Hueston Woods soon... it's such a big park. I'm hoping I can convince him to combine one of those trips with some camping at some point. Gotta use that tent we won at Christmas!

I'm off to wash the puppy and maybe do some baking!