Monday, 26 September 2005
~ Colorado Springs – Pinon Canyon Military Reservation, Colorado ~

Sir Thomas and the archaeological survey crew headed out to another misty morning hosting a high wind chill factor as they embarked upon another day surveying the plains of the high desert looking for and identifying archaeological resources. Sir Steve’s knee bothered him once again, so he chose not to come out, and mentioned to Lady Liz that this is his last day in the field. He refused to do any work, wouldn’t work on flotations or anything else. The crew expected to see him gone by the time they got back from the field.

The field crew had a great day, accomplishing 8 miles of survey by 1 pm. They discovered an old homestead site that they decided to have lunch by. The day was rather invigorating, yet mellow. Sir Thomas was sore as hell from walking though. Once back at Red Rocks ranch, he utilized the solar showers so he could have a soft water shower as the showers in the ranch houses were very hard and mineralized. He decided he would no longer take hard water showers, they were just too awful. Sir Steve was gone by the time the crew got back to the ranch. They were not sure what was going on there. It also appeared that the next field session next week was going to be cancelled since the base was closed for hunting, meaning the crew would have to work in the lab. They also proposed to the crew a whacked schedule that would mess up Sir Thomas’ scheduled trip to Beaumont as well as Seattle. He was not happy with that.

Sir Thomas and Lady Liz had decided they were not going to stay in the ranches as the mouse and rat problem made them substantial “hanta” houses. They decided to pitch their tents in the yard so they could control what came in and out of their abodes. That evening, the stars peppered the skies giving all a great relaxing panorama of the heavens. Early to sleep, the crew went to bed as a big day awaited them tomorrow.

Mileage: Survey Hike 9 miles