Life in camp

Updated: July 19, 2000

Hi Everyone,

Today was busy, but relatively uneventful! Therefore, we have decided to provide a sort of picture montage of our day and life here.

We spent the day excavating and breaking open rocks in search of fossils. The main pit is about 10 feet deep. We did find some fossils plants and fish, but "nothing to write home about." Tomorrow and the next day we expect to be into the stratigraphic level that will contain better specimens.

Our camp chef (with hat) has been doing a really outstanding job! We are not roughing it when it comes to food. Tonight's dinner is soup for the first course, followed by some kind of stewed chicken that smells delicious. We all have showered, at least once, since arriving here using our solar-heated water. Privacy is maintained by our burlap shower curtain surrounding the tree from which our shower hangs.

Above: Beth at work
Below: Kent and Bonnie.

Bats and bush babies are a continued source of entertainment at night, but otherwise the drier-than-normal dry season has probably kept large game away.

Camp laundry.

One thing to note is that we are all still amazed by the technology that allows us to communicate with the "outside world" from a place where a satellite is the only means of connection. Today we charged the laptop by using the cigarette lighter in one of our Land Rovers (the better one) and yesterday we did the charging using the photovoltaic solar panel. The satellite phone allows us to connect via modem or make a phone call if necessary. Our pictures are taken with a digital camera. We are very grateful for the ability to do this and would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Arthur L. Ruff family for their generosity in supporting this effort.

Today is Gregg's 46th birthday!!! Happy Birthday Gregg. And while I'm at it, happy birthday to my nephew, Brian.

Best regards from Tanzania,
Bonnie Jacobs