Ram River Fossil hunt

Yesterday, Saturday June 30th saw three guys headed to Ram River Falls in search of fossils. We wanted to go earlier in the year when the water level was down but June rains just wouldn't cooperate. Finally the weather and water levels made it possible for the trip. Leaving at 6:30 a.m. we arrived at the falls via Rocky Mountain House.

Our objective was a narrow shale lined creek upstream from the falls and we were eager to start our search. The climb up this valley was not difficult but a misstep would land you quickly into this fast flowing stream. Our objective was the small waterfall seen in the far background of the photo below.

We arrived at the waterfall and searched for concretions, telltale signs suggesting fossils within. We were disappointed. Our decision then became to see what there was above the falls and this became my job. While the other two searched the shale banks of the creek below I climbed up and around the waterfall and dropped back down into the valley above it. On my way up I was rewarded with a scaphite fossil sticking out of the shale face in front of me.

Once over the top and back down to the creek and search began again. Although it look promising, nothing was discovered. Some pieces looked like they may have contained fossils but nothing showed up. I headed back down and joined my friends. I did make another find while heading back down the stream and yet another one while kicking along the river edge later in the day. A beautiful day with some success.