This is the "Fossil Friday" post #109. Expect this to be a somewhat regular feature of the website. We will post any fossil pictures you send in to [email protected]. Please include a short description or story. Check the #FossilFriday Twitter hash tag for contributions from around the world!
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Today, we have a Tully Monster that got a second chance. It was found by ESCONI member Jeremy Zimmernan a while back deep in the wilds of Pit 11. Someone had hammered it many years ago, thought it was a blank and left it to the elements. Jeremy picked it up, made it part of his freeze/thaw process, and it rewarded him for his patience. It's not the best Tully, but it's a Tully! It needed some repair as can be seen on the back side. For that, Elmer's Glue works wonderfully and gives you multiple chances if you make a mistake.
When you're out in the field collecting, don't overlook the discards from long ago. Back then, the collectors had more concretions than you can believe. They hammered them and then kept the better specimens with the least damage. Use the freeze/thaw method, yes, it's slow, but gives the best chance for a nice opening... especially with the markedly reduced count of concretions available today!
Thanks for sharing, Jeremy! And, thanks for passing on this valuable lesson in Mazon Creek fossil collecting!
