Dhiban Excavation and Development Project

08/07/2019

Got rather busy the last couple of weeks, but here are some photos from our field trips to Petra, Wadi Dana, and the desert castles!

07/19/2019

Survived an especially hot work week and ended it with a visit to the spectacular Wadi Mujib!

07/14/2019

Drawing under the watchful eyes of a baby donkey

07/12/2019

Lecture on the Iron Age with Dr. Bruce Routledge

07/10/2019

The backdirt is outta here.

07/08/2019

Tour of Tall Dhiban, intro to tool use, and backdirt removal. The season is on its way!

07/07/2019

Second breakfast on site- the first of almost 30 days of hummus and falafel. Too much hummus you say? Not possible.

07/05/2019

The 2019 season begins! Here is the group on our Madaba walking tour.

07/05/2019

Students are here and we'll be on site on Sunday!

When we're digging our primary concern is always safety, particularly from the sun and dehydration. Know the signs and take a break when you need to!

Today is Trail Tip Tuesday!

With hot temperatures this time of year it is important to be aware of the causes, symptoms and treatment of heat related illnesses.

Heat Cramp Symptoms:
Muscle cramps
Heavy sweating
Fatigue
Strong thirst
Nausea

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include all signs of heat cramps, as well as the following symptoms:
Damp, cool skin with goose bumps when exposed to heat
Dizziness
Faintness
Headache
Low blood pressure
Weak, rapid pulse/heartbeat
Dark-colored urine

Symptoms of heat stroke include all signs of heat exhaustion, as well as:
Change in mental state, such as confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things) and slurred speech
Increased body temperature — 104 degrees F or higher
Hot, red, dry skin with no sweating
Rapid breathing
Vomiting or diarrhea
Trouble walking
Seizures

If you’re concerned you or someone else may be experiencing heat stroke, seek medical assistance immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks utilize 911 for medical emergencies at the park. QR codes in red are located at every intersection of the starved Rock trails to better help visitors communicate with 911 their precise location on the trail.

Drink cool liquids. Water and sports drinks are the most effective warm-weather drinks. Avoid Alcohol Consumption-alcohol is not allowed (illegal) on all trails and the park campground.

Shed extra layers. Ditch long sleeves, and make sure your clothes are loose enough so your body can breathe.

Take a break somewhere cool. Find shade or an air-conditioned building to take refuge on a hot summer’s day. The Starved Rock Visitor Center and Lodge are both air conditioned and shade trees along the picnic area, and bluff trails at the park can provide cooling temperatures from the suns heat.

Avoid sunburn, it inhibits your body's ability to cool. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

Don’t leave anyone or any animals in a hot car. This is never a safe practice, even if you crack the windows.

Give your body time to adjust to the heat. Try a short hike to starved rock itself which is only 3/10th of a mile from the lodge or visitor center before starting off on a longer hike to one of the canyons or waterfalls. Plan a hike earlier in the day when the park opens at 6:30 a.m. to beat the mid day temperatures on the trail.

Information adapted from the Mayo clinic. More information can be found following the link below.

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/staying-safe-in-scorching-temperatures/

Photo courtesy of Weather.gov

06/04/2019

The 2019 season is around the corner - I hope you are excited! - I know I am, because at the moment I am stuck in my office finishing my marking ... compared to this the summer will be FUN!
Bruce

05/31/2019

Congratulations to DEDP Co-Director Dr. Danielle Fatkin on her Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor of History at Knox College!