We arose at 8:15 and had a breakfast of coffee and bread in the confitería
before getting ready for the field. We bought lunch at a place in
town and then headed out to the Cianzo section. The <2 hour drive
over dirt roads took us high in the Eastern Cordillera. It was spectacular
with magnificent views in every direction. The Cianzo Syncline is
particularly stunning with multicolored rocks outlining the structures.
We stopped at a large mass of the Casa Grande formation. Jonas led as
we climbed up a Quebrada that worked downsection. We had to climb
over several dry falls. This was difficult for me but I made it.
My left side felt very weak after two days of riding in the car.
Jan Blalock told me to collect skulls for Jennifer Frick. I had been
looking throughout the trip and was finally rewarded with an intact vicuña
skull scattered amongst many used vicuña parts. The hapless creature
appeared to have been a tasty repast for one of the local pumas. I twisted
the skull off of the vertebral column and put it in a plastic bag. Some
desiccated skin was still attached and it felt like a good bit of the brain
might still be inside.
By the time I reached the top I was beat. I stumbled after the others as we went to look at the base on top of the Maíz Gordo formation. From there we descended to the vehicles via a livestock path, finally eating lunch at 4:00. Next we drove up to some Yacoraite outcrops. In my exhausted state, I decided not to climb the steep slopes. Instead I sat in the vehicle writing and talking with Pedro about geology. We drove the 53-km back to Humahuaca in the twilight and then dark. The barren beauty of the area is haunting.&nMay 8, 2007ing. We took showers and then convened at the bus terminal for another great dinner. I had a Lomito sandwich. We were all feeling good. David, Jonas, and Reuben are very interesting guys. Bjoern is very quiet. I was in bed by 10:30 and soon fast asleep. |
