The Wyoming Expedition
by Kris Leja
...continued
Monday, June 27
There was a rib to be jacketed
and a lot of bones to be exposed. Ray had
to carry the plaster. I carried the water.
Man, it was a pain getting it up the hill
to the site. I worked on the bones (illia
or scapula or hip); it was a difficult
experience because we were on the edge of
a steep hill and had to dig upwards on the
hill. A lot of cleaning around the area
was done.
Jacketing the
Camerasaurus fossil.
Photo: K. Leja
Tuesday, June 28
We ate dinner and then started
the presentation. I was trying to stay calm
but speaking in front of a crowd isn't the
most fun thing to do for me. I told them
about myself and thanked them for being
a part of and supporting Project Exploration.
I got stuttery and nervous. I ran through
the speech quickly and was glad when I was
done. Then came the awards, photos, special
thanks and hugs.
Prospecting at
the track site.
Photo: K. Leja
Ray Vodden and
Paul Sereno at the awards ceremony.
Photo: K. Leja
We went to Dirty Annie’s again for
ice cream—mmmmmmmm chocolate! Then
we went out to the track site. Ray’s
dino walk is hilarious! So were all our
dino poses. We had a blast. I got some marine
shells and saw a real cool sunset—
reds, oranges, blues. We came back to the
ranch and relaxed. Afterwards I packed up
my things and was ready to go. I was sad
to leave but couldn't wait to be at home,
in bed again.
The expedition
team doing dinosaur poses at the track site.
Photo: K. Leja
This has been the best summer. I got to
graduate high school, go on a road trip
with my cool sister Teresa, dig up million-year-old
dinosaur bones, and just recently found
out that I’d be going with the Junior
Paleontologists to Montana in August,
helping me build on my experience as a field
hand.
I’m starting at Moraine Valley Community
College this fall and can’t wait to
start school and continue exploring my options
for a career. I’m learning and experiencing
so many different, new, and exciting things.
This trip has helped me grow and given me
a different insight and perspective on life.
I can’t wait to see the team at Donor
Trip reunion.
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