Progress Report: November 2, 1999
Team Members:
William
B. Barr, MA (Project Director)
Cecile
Hollyfield, BFA (Director of the Celtic Legacy Foundation)
Scott
G. Sutton, MA (Archaeological Consultant)
Ben
B. Hollyfield (Field Technician)
Amanda
K. Saum, BA (Field Technician)
Written by Scott G. Sutton
November 2, 1999
Early this morning, the team rendezvouzed at London’s Gatwick Airport. Battling
jetlag, the team successfully navigated the hazards of roundabouts and left-side driving
to arrive safely in southern Wales. The evening was spent organizing the field gear and
confirming the field methodology for the next day’s activities. By departure, the
team hopes to have completed background research, site
reconnaissance, and mapping. If proper authorization can be
acquired, the team will also conduct preliminary testing to identify site features and
schemata.
Several factors may impede the team’s progress in coming days. First, the weather
in this region is typically cool and wet in autumn. Steady rain would prevent use of the
survey transit, the primary tool for site mapping. Changing conditions will require
flexibility in task prioritization and adaptation in order to make optimal use of
available time. Second, the wireless transmission signal in this region of Wales appears
to be weak and sporadic. The signal is required for wireless internet
access to update the web site for project updates. Using this technology, the team
also intends to transmit mapping data and photos to project members in South Carolina and
Texas.
