My first week has ended successfully. Like starting any new job, this week was stressful and I explored the unknown with trepidation. But by the end of three days in the field and two in the office, I feel more confident of my abilities and think this summer is going to be OK.
I am interning in the Heritage department of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Basically, we are responsible for making sure priceless archaeological remains don't get destroyed by changing land uses. So before recreation puts in a new mountain bike trail, fire does a controlled burn, or the forest turns over land to cattle grazing, we survey the area. This entails walking, eyes glued to the ground, looking for flakes, points, ceramics, or anything else man made. If we find anything we record it and map it. If we think its important, we recommend the area is preserved in the name of heritage.
So yeah, thats what I'm doing. Hopefully it's clearer than my previous explanations that sounded something like...
"err...I'm not really sure. I'm doing something involving archaeology and mapping in the middle of nowhere."
I'm still adapting to living here, but I am enjoying myself more or less so far. If nothing else, the landscape is gorgeous, and I'm hoping to get the opportunity to explore it a little more. I meant to go adventuring this weekend, but it's nice to have a couple days off to twiddle my thumbs, read, play guitar, and veg out.
More soon.
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