The Unexpected

Spittle bug spittle 

The initial plan for today was changed when we realized we were without a vehicle  for a second day.  Off we went to our site three miles from campus on Phlum Road. We were dropped off by two staff members who were on their way to pick up a car for our team from Traverse City!

The morning sun was warm and quickly dried the dew from the tall grass.  There were a plethora of spittle bugs on this site.  Several times we found ourselves with unexpected wet hands. We were blessed today with a fourth helper who assisted with recording our data.  With this additional help we were able to complete our morning site in 2.5 hours.  At this point we started walking back to campus. 

TransCanada Pipeline Sign
Just beyond our morning site

After a scrumptious lunch we loaded up in the Au Sable new 2008 forester and headed for our site located just north of Waters.  The forecast was 0% rain, we left confident - but prepared for a shower.  With just a few trees left to measure the heavens oped up and the rain began to fall. Interestingly enough all afternoon we watched much darker clouds pass just to our south. However, with the change in the situation we  quickly jumped into our rain gear to complete the site.  The Timothy grass in our last area was 2.5 feet high and one small red pine was not located it appears we may have our first tree mortality.      

Tomorrow we shall travel to Boardman and complete the first round of Survival data.  We are even going to meet with a reporter.  Let the adventures continue!