Working Field Trip - Rio Grand/Red River area

Thursday, October 13th -- an all-day working field trip to the confluence of the Rio Grande and Red Rivers,, where Frank Oatman and Jon Wood independently located a major source and work area for the dacite (igneous) stone that Native Americans used over a long period for tools.  So intensively used was this site that the residue of stone flakes covers a quite large area.  We will be surveying and mapping this major lithic tool site under the supervision of Dr. Robert Dello-Russo, Deputy Director of the Office of Archaeological Studies for the Museum of New Mexico.  For some time Robert's office has been working on characterizing the chemical make-up of similar materials from sites in northern NM; but this site will be a new one for both Dr. Dello-Russo and for that research. 

This trip is not for everyone and is limited to 8.  The hike down from the Wild Rivers Natural Area west of Questa is via a quite steep and fairly long but developed trail; in a couple of places one must negotiate permanent metal ladders in fact.  We'll need to bring enough water plus a picnic lunch, snacks to last us most of the day.  Weather is quite variable this time of year so members will need to carefully check the weather forecast for the 13th and dress appropriately -- likely in layers that can be removed as the day warms.  We'll work and study in mostly open areas, so a hat, sunglasses, and sun-protection cream are advised.  We also suggest good hiking boots.  Personal digital cameras would be useful for our work.  (If the forecast is for rain or worse, we'll postpone the trip via phone calls the night  before.)

 Meet at the parking lot closest to the La Junta trailhead (well signed) at Wild Rivers Natural Area at 9:00 AM on Thur., Oct. 13.  It will take about an hour to hike down to the confluence area, and we'll plan to say most of the day, hiking out in the late afternoon.  The climb out (by the same trail we take down) will take some a bit over an hour for most.  Arrange carpooling with others going if possible.  Equipment needed for the survey/mapping will be provided by Dr. Dello-Russo and the Field  Trip Committee.

Please contract Frank Oatman if you are intrested in joining of this trip - frankjon@taosnet.com