Monday 16^th September 2013.

Day One of fieldwork, and the weather was horrible. No wonder we archaeologists are obsessed with weather – there we are, getting soaked to the skin in the persistent rain and blustery autumn winds – but do we give in? No, of course not!

Infernal machine!!  (c) photo by Jane Lunnon

We received our instructions from Roger in the black art of geophysics, and then took our turns with the “zimmer frame”, stoically marching up and down the transepts of our grid – neatly marked out by a series of ropes, set up against a base tape and fixed reference points. It all has to be elegantly choreographed – the ropes being moved on, one by one, ahead up the grid, to create the next square, as the machine is taken up and down the lanes, completing the readings of each transept. Throughout the day we covered 9 X 20 metre squares, battling the wind and the rain, while bemused sheep watched us nonchalantly from a safe distance.  

Ruth leads Roger on a merry dance (c) photo by Jane Lunnon

There was some confusion in the corner of the grid where it is cut through by the drystone wall – the series of “dummy” or blank readings we had to log, representing the readings we couldn’t take because they were on the other side of the wall became very mixed up, and ropes that had been taken up had to be put back again. Several lanes had to be started again from scratch – but never mind, we got there in the end.

Vena enjoys her first geophysics experience (c) photo by Jane Lunnon

So tomorrow is more of the same - geophysics on the other side of the wall in the neighbouring field. Looking forward to meeting those new people who have promised to come along at various times throughout the week - Everyone is welcome, so if you are a local resident do come and give it a go!

Jane Lunnon,  UWHG