May 30 2013 - Patience was a Virtue.

Today marked the last day in the field for week four. All students arrived on time ready to get back to work. Thankfully today, although the sun did not shine, at least the rain held off for the majority
 the day.

Stuart, Wendy and Kathleen, getting back to business.

A lot was accomplished today. In the morning, Richard set up a new unit on the south side near the large first growth tree stump. He has already found a collection of cultural evidence: more metal shards, some ceramic and a tin can. Richard also came across a more recent artifact, a hammer, which looks like it dates back at least 5 years, and is most likely evidence of field school students.

White ceramic with blue writing, and a tin can, in situ.

Anyone missing a hammer? Send your info to Bob and he'd be more than happy to return it to you.

Today, after much restraint, Tiana was able to fully uncover and excavate her finding, a very well preserved mens leather boot.  Jeneva has also shown great patience, she first discovered the base of a bottle two days ago, but has been working throughout her excavation unit before finally being able to expose the whole bottle. After uncovering it today, Jeneva was able to make out some writing on the bottle, and we discovered it was an old 8oz Bovril bottle.

Another day, another artifact.

Jeneva and the Bovril bottle she finally got to get her hands on today.

Thursday proved to be another productive and exciting day in the field. Kelsey and Cameron found two bottle caps, Amanda found what appears to be a small gaming piece, and others found more nails, more twisted wire and Japanese ceramics.

Stuart and Wendy working hard at excavating some more tin cans and metal from underneath a tree root.

Amanda sitting proudly with her possible gaming piece.

We also had the pleasure of two more guests this afternoon. Dr. Laura McKay, a professor of Psychology at Capilano University, and her husband- Archaeologist Dave Hall, both guests made the trek out to site on bikes and in the rain. Dave is a professional consulting archaeologist in British Columbia and has his own company- Arrowstone Archaeological Research and Consulting Ltd. Dave took some time to talk to the students about his work in British Columbia as a consulting archaeologist (including the necessity of working in the rain). He works with both First Nations and resource companies, doing extensive field work in both interior and coastal areas.

Laura and Dave, on their way out, excited about the prospect of cycling in the rain. Again.