“I am the first?”
“Oh yes. You’re the first.”
“What the first person to ever see it?”
“Yep, the first human to ever see it.”
“Why?”
“Well, this creature lived, died and became a fossil before humans even existed. Until you split the rock open, no human could possibly have seen this creature. Or the fossil of it.”
{sound of penny dropping}
Thursday the sun came out, so we headed down to Charmouth on the Dorset coast. Part of the Jurassic coast. We walked along the beach. Stopped to crack open rocks and found fossils. Including the fossilized tentacles of a carnivorous squid (photo above). The winter weather has sent fresh land slides down the cliffs revealing rich pickings of potential fossil finds. The children picked up fossils and geological interests. We found lots of chert, quartz and even a lump of fools gold (pyrite).
They had fun. They learnt through experience. They asked questions and were inspired……….. And not a family ticket in sight.
edited: We did take this opportunity to discuss other people’s interpretations and how it is important to respect their beliefs.
That sounds like seriously excellent fun!!!!
It was! Apart from the learning aspect, I loved that no one had set it up for us. No points set aside for hammering or railings to keep us in one place. More of a walk on the wild side. Rare opportunity over here.
One chap was half way up the cliff, with his shovel and hammer looking for dinosaurs.
That is simply amazing, on the beach in the great outdoors, you discovered treasure!!! Just wonderful how exciting is that!!!
Hands on learning really is hard to beat. I’m absolutely sure that the day will have a lasting effect on them all. Needless to say, we’re planning on returning. Next time, I’m taking a flask of tea, sturdy buckets, enough hammers, field guides…………..
Oh lovely, priceless moments.
I really enjoyed reading this, studied geology some years ago and still have a big interest in it all. We love the Jurassic Coast – not too far from us so I think we may have to do this sometime with our daughter, she’d love it and I can already hear similar questions coming up too.
Wonderful happy family days, out there instead of at family attractions 😉 . Love it.
To see the wonder on their faces was worth more than I can say.
I’ve only really discovered geology since being an adult. It is absolutely fascinating. I have so much more to learn. It is lovely to pass on my enthusiasm for learning in a genuine way. Do we ever stop learning?
I hope you have fun exploring too.
I think the sun came out for everyone on Thursday! Though we’re back to rain now… I spent the time doing the heavy digging in the garden getting rid of couch grass. Your day look far more fun, we went to Dorset a few years ago and really loved it down there.
Couch grass gets everywhere. Hope you managed to get it clear. I like digging, but I think I prefer my day too. Dorset is lovely.
We love that part of Dorset and fossil hunting! Glad you had such a lovely day and that the sun was shining, was nice to see your pictures of one of our favourite places 😛
I think it has become one of my favourite places. We will definitely be going back. The weather was perfect.
Oh Cheryl
This is such fun. You must have enjoyed yourselves so much.
We visited Lyme Regis and Charmouth a year or so ago and it was wonderful looking for treasures. My boys love fossil finding very much. it was lovely to see your pictures. I will show my boys.
End of last summer we also found lovely fossils at Kilve beach in Somerset. A wonderful spot.
Thank you for sharing your adventure. Magical for both children and adults.
Oh yes, have you see our new spinning blog Spinspiration that Dawn and I have started up?
Best wishes
Kelly
Thanks Kelly. Seeing the children enjoy this adventure was pure joy. I’ll add Kilve beach to my list of places to go.
I’ve been following your adventures at Spinspiration. I am inspired to join in on a Woolly Wednesday. I’m a total beginner, so still building up to showing my yarn. I’ll get there. I’ve already picked up some tips.