Eleven elite paleo enthusiasts were flown into the Tyaughton area near Castle Peak north of Goldbridge 007-style in a shiny new Jet Ranger helicopter. We were interested in the local geology and fossils from the Jurassic/Triassic exposures high in the alpine. Camping at about 7,500 ft, we were treated to all four seasons and some great collecting over the course of the week. Past trips have included grizzlies at close quarters. This trip we saw fresh tracks and scat, but the bears were actively avoiding our camp, just leaving enough evidence to give us the heads up that this is their territory.
Over the course of the week we collected beautiful marine specimens and saw a buck with a sexy set of horns, flocks of Franciscans and a majestic lone wolf.
The area is home to active research by UBC paleontologist, Louise Longridge and boasts abundant marine fauna - ammonites, bivalves, belemnites and have a chance to see the Triassic-Jurassic boundary – a rare treat.
As with all fossil collecting, our search for treasure has a higher goal. All of our finds are lovingly photographed, catalogued and available for study. If fossils are your thing, visit www.bcfossils.ca to find a local society and get on out there.
Originally published at getawaybc.com
