The Accidental Archaeologist

Back at the Cape

I’ve finally made it to Cape Hatteras and the beginning of this year’s field project. I’ve spent the last hour or so settling into the rental house I’ll be sharing with ten other people, and, since I was the first to arrive, I got first choice of rooms. I’m happy to report that this place has wifi, so no more early mornings at the diner rushing through writing a blog so that I can post before we head out to the field. The house is quite big and comfortable, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a huge kitchen. We’ve even got a washer/dryer and a big porch out back. I think I shall like this place. I have set up command central at a big desk in a corner of the hall, at which I am now sitting to write this blog. A couple of other crewmembers are arriving shortly so we can have a chat and figure out what’s going on in the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, I suppose I should update y’all on the last couple of days. When I last posted, I had just made it to Charleston to visit my folks. It was a lovely visit, but all too brief. My mom’s birthday was on Sunday, so I pretty much hung around the house chatting and playing with the pets. We did the traditional cake & presents bit and spent the evening watching a Netflix video. Yes, the Pittmans really know how to party. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t cooperating this weekend, so my visions of a sunny Charleston were dashed. Instead, it was unusually cold and rainy. Just as well I didn’t need to spend much time outside.

Both of my parents had to go out to work on Monday, so I had a lazy morning of answering emails and planning for the weeks ahead. My dad had dropped off our dog, Topper, at the groomer in the morning, so he asked if I would go pick her up at mid-day. When I went in to fetch her, there was another customer at the counter, and, it being the South, we exchanged pleasantries and got to chatting. This is when I realised what a different environment I live in now that I’m overseas. At one point in the conversation, it came up that I live in England now. She brightened a bit and commented on what a great country and how I must love living there. I agreed. Then she looked very grave and said in a low voice, “And how’s the Muslim situation over there?”

*sigh* (head in hands)

The rest of the afternoon was spent doing the rounds downtown saying Hi to folks. I stopped by the Charleston Museum to see my undergrad field school instructors, Ron and Martha, who are archaeologists for the museum. After that, I was bound for the stables to see my “boys” at the carriage company. A lot of the horses I knew and worked with aren’t working anymore, but I did see a handful of old favourites like Buck, Ralph, and the adorable George along with a few new faces like Ike and Luke. It was good to stand in the stable again and get slobbered on by George. Brought back quite a few memories. Of course, no visit to the carriage company could be concluded without a visit ‘round the corner to Big Johns for a pint with the drivers. I ended up spending way longer than I intended, but I had such a good time catching up with them, I stopped watching the clock. As a result, I came home to parents already in their PJs and sitting in the living room reading and waiting up for me. I felt a bit like a guilty teenager who stayed out past my curfew. Luckily, they didn’t give me too hard a time, and they even fed me before heading off to bed.

My trip to Hatteras today was pretty uneventful. I got a late start from Charleston, so I tried not to linger along the way. It was a long, boring drive, but I’ve never minded solo road trips if I have an iPod to scream along with. It was finally sunny and gorgeous (yeah, AFTER I leave Charleston), and I actually enjoyed the drive. When I got to Hatteras, I found I was the first one here, so I picked up the key to our house and started to settle in. I’m starting to feel fairly optimistic about this dig. We’ve got a comfortable place to stay and lots more locals interested in what we’re doing. Let’s just hope I can keep Mark from getting arrested. It may be an uphill battle.