Jump to content

Fossil Hunt In Downtown Chicago


sixgill pete

Recommended Posts

EDIT: Moved to new forum 12/13/2015

My wife and I spent the last week in the Chicago area with our granddaughter. She had won a scholarship for a week long dance camp at one of the areas very best dance academies. She won this from performing at dance competitions here in North Carolina. We are both very proud of her for this accomplishment and it gave us a chance to visit a place we had never been before.

On Tuesday my wife and I went to the Field Museum while she was dancing. What an amazing place. Besides being able to see Sue and their other exhibits, they had a great special exhibit titled "Mammoths and Mastodons".

We arrived about 10 AM, parking in the garage at Soldier Field and walked over to the Museum, this is what I saw upon entering.

(this will be a long post as the pictures are large and I have compressed them as much as I am able to)

post-4130-0-34092100-1437343352_thumb.jpg

The kid in me made me run right over to it.

post-4130-0-75720300-1437343458_thumb.jpg

another view

post-4130-0-43051700-1437343601_thumb.jpg

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now these are TEETH........

post-4130-0-84696400-1437343751_thumb.jpg

post-4130-0-55180600-1437343873_thumb.jpg

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here I am next to her, would not have done this during the Cretaceous period. Would have been a snack.

post-4130-0-15356300-1437344233_thumb.jpg

and a view from upstairs

post-4130-0-55749900-1437344353_thumb.jpg

A great entrance and way to start the full tour of this museum. I would recommend to all, if you are in the Chicago area, make time to go and see this place. ( and I didn't even get paid to say that)

Next ..... Mammoths and Mastodons ....................................................................................

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Walking into the Mammoth and Mastodon display this was the first thing we saw, my wife remarked "that's a big bone".

post-4130-0-55677400-1437345404_thumb.jpg

then a few jawbones with teeth

post-4130-0-94732900-1437345289_thumb.jpg

post-4130-0-23561600-1437345240_thumb.jpg

post-4130-0-04946900-1437345537_thumb.jpg

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

Link to comment
Share on other sites

and more ....

post-4130-0-24548300-1437345661_thumb.jpg post-4130-0-83126200-1437345732_thumb.jpg

post-4130-0-44831300-1437346419_thumb.jpg

post-4130-0-55426600-1437345948_thumb.jpg

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now some very nice teeth .......

post-4130-0-23907600-1437346784_thumb.jpg

post-4130-0-74433000-1437346986_thumb.jpg

post-4130-0-55176400-1437347151_thumb.jpg

post-4130-0-73605300-1437347361_thumb.jpg

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As nice as it is to take photos at a place like this...they never seem to convey the experience of being next to the bones of these giant creatures. But, it never stops me from taking photos, either. :D Thanks for sharing them, Don. Hope you have more.

The human mind has the ability to believe anything is true.  -  JJ

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tusks

post-4130-0-54730800-1437347881_thumb.jpg

post-4130-0-65206600-1437348079_thumb.jpg

mammoth skin and hair

post-4130-0-45255300-1437348237_thumb.jpg

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow Don, great pics :) Thanks

Every once in a great while it's not just a big rock down there!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Last one for now

some of this is a cast, but not all

post-4130-0-53812600-1437348443_thumb.jpg

Without a doubt, the best museum experience I have ever had ( sorry N.C. Museum of Science in Raleigh)

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Chicago Field Museum is an amazing place. I've been there many times since the first time I went back in 2nd grade and I enjoy it more with each visit.

...I'm back.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As nice as it is to take photos at a place like this...they never seem to convey the experience of being next to the bones of these giant creatures. But, it never stops me from taking photos, either. :D Thanks for sharing them, Don. Hope you have more.

John, you hit the nail on the head. Pictures never can truly convey the actual experience. But like you, it does not stop me from snapping away either. I took hundreds of pics, but I promise not to try and post them all.

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

Link to comment
Share on other sites

John, you hit the nail on the head. Pictures never can truly convey the actual experience. But like you, it does not stop me from snapping away either. I took hundreds of pics, but I promise not to try and post them all.

Well, at least your photographic 'comparative collection' was expanded. ;)

The human mind has the ability to believe anything is true.  -  JJ

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm happy to hear you enjoyed your visit to the Windy City. And it's always a joy to hear the enthusiasm people share after experiencing The Field Museum. I certainly share that same enthusiastic sense of holy molyness every time I walk in the door there. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

Finding my way through life; one fossil at a time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very cool. I have no desire to ever visit that city but the museum looks good.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Very cool. I have no desire to ever visit that city but the museum looks good.

You know Rick, if it had not been for my granddaughter and her dancing, I probably never would have went there. The downtown area was crowded, busy and much different from here. I have been to other big cities, nice places to visit, but I surely do not want to live there.

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I lived in Chicago, the city and the 'burbs, my first 40 years -- it's a fantastic city (as big cities go), and a much better place to visit if you know a local who can take you where the tourists don't generally go. The Field Museum has an absolutely amazing collection and is largely responsible for my lifelong interest in science. If you just have a couple of days in town, the other big one to hit is the Museum of Science and Industry, 20 minutes farther south along the lake. Every kid (and most of the adults) I've ever taken there have had to be pried out with a crowbar. The U-505 and the coal mine are all kinds of fun. http://www.msichicago.org/.

Bonus: Mazon Creek is 90 minutes south of the city. I'm just sayin'... http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/Mazonia-Braidwood.aspx

Mark

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mark, Chicago was ok. I am just not a big city person. I live in the country. The county I live in has only 10,000 people in the entire county. I did not go to the Museum of Science and Industry but did hit the Shedd Aquarium also (it was ok) also the Art Institute of Chicago. That place was awesome. My wife and I are big art fans, we have several original paintings ourselves. I would recommend a trip to Chicago to anyone if they asked.

But, as you said the Field Museum is an extraordinary place. I am glad I was able to see it, that is why I made this post. To share what I could about it with those who have not been there.

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...