Wrecks of the sparkly sand!

Oh, how the sand sparkles!

Notes from the field: Day 26

We accomplished our first snorkel survey and it went very well!  We were able to map and better document two wrecks close to shore.  The sun was out so photographs were much better.  Did you know that there are places in Indiana where the sand actually sparkles?  I mean really sparkles!  Apparently the one site is or was close to a steel mill and such metal particles were once air-born.   Hmmmm….Still the sparkly sand was very pretty.  The wrecks themselves are actually very interesting.  The one wreck was an absolute haven for big bass.  They were very curious as to what we were doing.

Cheers

Dr. K.

Back-up Plans

Notes from the field: Day 25

We tried to get out to do some measurements and survey, but alas plans changed again.  Thanks to volunteers Sue and David for their patience and generosity to try and help.  Thanks to crew Eric and David for putting up with big waves!  I’ve burned through my back up plans like a cat has 9 lives.  We’ll be on our back-up to the back-up to the back-up.  Red/Green, Tim Allen, and the Pioneer Woman would all be more than proud!

Cheers

Dr. K.

The Fast and the Furious

Notes from the field: Day 24 – The Fast and the Furious

We’re back in the water, sort of.  We did some survey before being chased into another harbor because of bad Thunderstorms.  We barely beat the rain in.   So, plans changed again.  We’re re-grouping for tomorrow.  Amazing how quick the storms change the Lake and waves!

 

Cheers

Dr. K.

People under the train

Notes from the field: Day 23

Well, we’re back for some additional documentation and survey.  We went to better document a re-located a site yesterday and did re-locate the site and at least one wreck.  People who “live” under the train cars came out to see what we were doing.  Another beach-goer told them we were doing police work and then they disappeared for awhile.  Strange to do archaeology in a place where there is this kind of poverty when it’s in your own country.

Today, we worked on technical issues, re-locating another site, and avoiding the lightning and thunderstorms.  Tomorrow’s weather looks much better!

Cheers

Dr. K.

Last Field Day Pics

Drama but not an Epic Drama

Shipwreck facts:  Numerous vessels (upwards of 50) have been mentioned in the literature as having foundered in Indiana’s territorial waters of Lake Michigan. These vessels were not located and not surveyed by DHPA’s MCRS project in the 1980’s.  Some of these vessels may exist in the data that was recorded as a result of this project but the identities of the remains have yet to be clarified.  Problems were noted in some cases where several vessels listed below have the same location information.  Therefore, the certainty of these vessels within Indiana’s territorial waters of Lake Michigan must still be verified.  As with any research, there is so much more to be done. 

 

Notes from the field: Day 22 – Drama but not an Epic Drama

This is the last day in the field… for now.  Whew!  The last day is always crazy getting everything wrapped up.  We dove with the photographer on 2 dives this morning and then did scanning in the afternoon.  It rained sporadically but we were getting wet anyway.  Colin is the best Dive buddy ever!  Tomorrow we make sure everything is cleaned and put away.  After work, Captain Chuck gave us a ride in his Eliminator at sunset.  It was a fabulous way to end the project.  Thanks so much!  It really was an amazing ride.  Now I know, what I want my next research vessel to be.

 

Thanks and Cheers

Dr. K.