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Horseshoe Bend Field Trip

  • Sat, December 17, 2016
  • 9:00 AM
  • Oklahoma Tourist Bureau Rest Stop I-35

Horseshoe Bend Field Trip*

Saturday, December 17

by: Roger Farish

At the west end of Lake Texoma is a horseshoe shaped bend in the Red River (see any area map.) On the Oklahoma side of this bend are three tall, steep bluffs exposing the Duck Creek Formation. In the past we’ve found both the keeled and non-keeled ammonites near water level, including the hernia-sized Eopachydiscus, plenty of oysters and echinoids and even a few shark teeth. Depending on how intent your collecting is you will probably need the heaviest of tools (hammers and chisels) to liberate an ammonite from its limestone resting place. Sturdy boots are also a must. You may also want to consider some means of getting your 40# ammonite back up the hill.

There is a steep, rough 4-wheeler road down to the river from the parking area that’s on top of the first bluff. The hike down to the river is arduous and not for the physically challenged. Some 5-gallon buckets will be provided.

Meet at the Oklahoma Tourist Bureau Rest Stop that’s a few miles into Oklahoma from Texas on the northbound side of I-35 at 9AM Saturday morning, December 17. Consult your navigation utility to see how long it may take you to get there since where you live in the Metroplex will determine how long it may take. Alternately, a few of us are meeting at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Denton on the east side of I-35 just north of Hwy. 380 (University Dr.), just as you’re heading north out of Denton, at 7:30AM. No need for reservation or sign-up for the trip, just be either of these two meeting places when you’re supposed to be there. Roger’s cell phone is 972-898- 2700, but please plan ahead to join us for access to this seldom-collected site. We’ll be accessing the river through very private land so respect must be on the forefront. Hopefully, we’ll have a special lunch treat and more collecting in the afternoon?

*This trip happening is dependent on the water level of the Red River. If headwater rains intensify, the trip could be postponed. We also need tolerable weather conditions on that Saturday. So, EVERYONE, before you head out for the trip, check the Paleo HotLine 817-355- 4693 to make sure the trip is a GO. The HotLine will be updated no later than Wednesday evening ahead of that Saturday. This is the link to the Red River gauging station at Gainesville: http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/rt. Hover over the green dot that reads, ‘Red River near Gainesville.’ We would like the level to be as low as possible – below 6’.

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The DPS is a group of professional and amateur paleontologists that want to exchange information, interact, and continue their education in paleontology.  We meet once a month on the second Wednesday evening of the month at Brookhaven College, Building H.



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If you have a question, if you have a fossil that you cannot identify, or need a site investigation, contact the Fossil Bureau of Investigation for help.

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