Shark teeth hunting and more

I made it to Ernst Quarries for a day of shark teeth hunting at Shark Hill. After a brief orientation about all the teeth that we could find, along with many fossilized bone, about 18 of us went ahead and started digging and sifting through this very silty, not sandy, but silty fine soil, which is basically the bottom of the ocean floor, at 14.6 to 16.2 million years. 

It took a while to get the hang of things, trying to find the pieces, but after meeting Scott and his son Oakley, I learned to use the screen sifter technique, which is when then I found my larger shark's teeth.

We all signed a one-page waiver against any possible liability, and I wound up in an area where people dig below the silt line, and like so many quarries, and fossil, or rock digging locations people tend to dig out underneath that top ledge creating a cavelike overhang. I have dug in many areas like this. This particular soil is clay-like sand stone. 

I shared this 20+ foot long x 3 foot high horseshoe shaped area with Scott and Oakley, and before I could react, the ledge collapsed on top of my legs. Let me just say, right now I feel okay, but I was completely pinned from above the knee down. Scott who is a psychologist, along with another man, came to my rescue, to remove large sections, and helped to dig me out. I couldn't move a muscle even though I struggled and struggled. They both told me to stop, they would do the work, and to just breathe. I tried hard not to panic, and I really understand the instinct of survival with wanting to get out of this trap. I literally could not move a muscle, including my toes, and felt like my sneakers were an anchor. Within 5 minutes I was loose and managed to regroup. I am pretty sure nothing is broken, however I have a very large swelled bruised area, so I have ice on it now 24/7 and trying to keep it elevated. I decided to stay in the city of Bakersfield, instead of going off to the forest, which was my original plan for the evening. 

So a very small voice did indicate that perhaps I should move away from this ledge, but I didn't listen to it. I dismissed it, even though I promised myself that I would not dismiss my intuition anymore. This was another life's lesson, that if something doesn't quite feel right, dont ignore it. Listen, and respond.

Along with ice and keeping it elevated, unfortunately, this is my right leg, the one with the messed up knee, and dermatitis, among other things. I am suddenly feeling my age.

So, Jo Jo and I are in a safe place, cleaned up, comfortable, and relaxing from a memorable, and trying day. I hope this pattern of fortune and misfortune is not becoming a habit. I am determined to move forward.