Day 48 Update

Hey there readers,

Greetings from Leigh Creek Elementary School, sadly for the last time. Alas, we are four days away from the end of the field season, and thus will not be returning to this quaint little town that has served us reliably as our resupply station. It's a bit ridiculous to think that we've been in the field for almost a month and a half now, though it definitely shows--the backs of our hands are about fifteen shades darker and look a bit like wrinkly bird feet.

Anyhow, since my last update, we:   

• were caught in a very wet rain that delayed us for three days in Leigh Creek, but met the most positively kind Australians in the caravan park who treated us with fresh, homemade gourmet desert
• ran into more Beast trouble with a sheared bolt and missing nut on the rear left wheel, causing another day of delay
• finished mapping breccias within a 1-by-0.25 kilometer area at Saint Ronan (see this post)
• went ash hunting and scaled up a steep ridge of Wonoka (see this post)
• stumbled across two sun-bathing lizards and a bunch of baby emus

For the remaining four days left in the field season, we will return to the national park to measure a high-res section. Change of plans. We're heading back to Adelaide right this instant due to logistical complications. That's field work for you! Anyways, catch you all in a bit!

Christine

UPDATE (8/5): Due to my hasty choice of words, I may have freaked a bunch of you out. Sincerely sorry about that--Jon and I are quite well, with all ten fingers and toes present. We'll be continue to be in Adelaide for another day before heading back to the Flinders Ranges National Park to check out the Trezona limestone for some kicks and giggles (check out this old news story).