On The Road
Dispatch 2 - Mammoth Hot Springs
Subject: Mammoth Hot Springs
From: "Bob Schmitz" <robruth777@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:57:41
Hi, Hope everyone is doing O.K. There is so much to see in this part
of the country that it may be a scenery shock when we start across
other states. After enjoying watching all that was going on at Crazy
Horse, we went to Hot Springs to visit the Mammoth Site.
The Mammoth Site at Hot Springs is the only in-situ (left as found)
site for mammoth bones in America. It is a 26,000 year old sinkhole
fed by springs, which created a pond where mammoths, bears, lions,
wolves and other wild life came to drink and fell into the pond. The
slippery sides of the pond prevented the animals from climbing out
and there they died.
Over thousands of years the pond drained and was naturally filled in
with earth – thus creating the site as we know it today.
A modern day landowner, preparing to develop the site, unearthed a
large fossil bone, and after it was confirmed that it was indeed
authentic, generously gave up title to the site..
The entire site is about 175 feet by 150 feet and is completely
enclosed in a 36000 sq. foot visitor center. There is a walkway
around the entire site that enables visitors to view the work
firsthand and see the exposed fossil remains. The work is ongoing
and is being conducted not only by professional researchers but also
by volunteers.
The paleontologists estimate they have about 60 feet lower to dig
before they reach the bottom of the sinkhole and will find ?????
The experience was more than worth the trip.
Love, from the homeless two – Virginia and Bob
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