It is bittersweet to be heading back from Wyoming and the amazing study afar trip I participated in there. I, however, am excited to apply all that I learned in and outside of the classroom in the upcoming semesters at Pitt. This class really has solidified my desire to major in Anthropology and to explore archeological techniques in my future classes. When looking for lithics I loved the hands-on experience it provided and the way I was able to touch what I had seen in history books. With the local University of Wyoming archeologists I was able to correctly identify flakes and some tools from Native American tribes in the area. Furthermore, we were able to see tool use marks on animal bones and skulls at the University of Wyoming museum. I am excited to be able to look out for these items in the future at museums I will visit. 

For those looking to go on this trip I highly recommend exploring the town of Laramie and enjoying the activities at AMK Ranch. In Laramie I found a used cowboy boot shop where I purchased my first pair, a favorite keepsake from my time there. We also visited several local restaurants in the town, and my friend tried bison pasta which looked delicious! At AMK Ranch there is a lake where you can go both kayaking and canoeing to multiple islands in the body of water. I recommend exploring the bay and taking a swim on the beaches, it’s a beautiful backdrop to a fun adventure! Moreover, being able to lay in the hammocks with the view of the mountains was my favorite way of relaxing especially after a long hike.

The hammocks at AMK Ranch

For those who will be embarking on this journey to the preserve in Wyoming, I wish I had brought a nicer camera. The views are breathtaking and my phone cannot do justice to the scenery I had seen. I absolutely loved being able to take views of the mountains, the lakes, and my archeological finds. Good luck to all who will be visiting next year!

Grand Tetons view from AMK Ranch