More of everything. Crew shots and Mal Pais.
…Raquel and Stawski. 
…Francois.
…View from the Mal Pais. 
…Cows.
More Mal Pais…
The mal pais has proven to be a far larger site than we originally expected. The vegetation is also a lot more dense than we originally expected, but that is inconsequential considering the enormous site we have discovered. In three days, we have mapped approximately 200 habitations. This is not just a site, but a city. We have teamed off into two groups to better map the many features of this site, each group working at break neck speed to map and photograph as many features as sanely possible this summer. Needless to say, the excitement and energy for this, is amazing. We are thrilled! 
…Anna on top of a habitation.
Few crew shots.
This not a comprehensive photo archive of all of us, but here are a few of us. 
..Jason. 
..Kristin. 
..Olivia. 
..Jen(author (had to take photo of myself)). 
..Dr. Fisher (our fearless leader).
Mal Pais
Nothing to be worried about, the Mal Pais which translates as ‘bad country’ is actually a beautiful, isolated and far more lush area than the previous survey areas. There are mosquitos in the Mal Pais if that is any indication as to the climate there and the contrast is evident in the vegetation. The reason for survey there was clear immediately. There are, at this point, innumerable architectural structures. The sherds are a little more difficult to locate because of the ground coverage, but on Friday (our first of many days on the Mal Pais) we were able to locate plenty enough to determine, in conjunction with the structures, a sizable occupation. 
Cerro Buena Vista
Ahead of schedule. Who us?
These hillsides and mountainsides are no match for this crew. Considering the size of this crew, we are making major headway and covering a lot of ground. And there is no shortage of many sherds, lots of laughs, no broken ankles, few sunburns, limited encounters with dogs, limited disagreements, tasty lunches, questions from locals about what we are doing and lots of hiking. Who could ask for more? 
Muy bonita…
The view from Cerro Buena Vista after finishing our first full day of surveying!
First day: The Treasury- a disappointing discovery.
What a shame, on our first day in the field we found what was going to be an exciting survey, to be damaged. The site which Dr. Fisher discovered last year after ironically having been there since the 16th century, has been trenched for unknown purposes by unknown persons. He was incredibly disappointed and confused by what had the potential to be further examined as to its purposes. We proceeded to survey for sherds, which proved successful, despite our dismay. 
Tzintzuntzan
model -Minus the palapa on top of the Yacata and the completed state the model is in, the resemblance is relatively accurate.
Llegamos…(We arrived)…
We made it late last night to everyone’s mental relief and backs from sitting in the car for three days. Also to everyone’s surprise, the houses where we are staying are lovely; charming, colonial and comfortable. Not much to report from last night, except a great nights sleep, delicious gorditas and exploration of our abode for the next two months. Today however, we have taken advantage of the downtime, to take a small tour, experience a downpour and hail, buy many luscious vegetables and fruits from the market and found a plant that grows jelly belly’s, as seen below. Anything is possible in Patzcuaro.
