CARIBBEANARCHAEOLOGYFIELDSCHOOL

What to Bring

IMPORTANT!The small inter-island planes we will be flying around the TCI limit passengers to 40 pounds of baggage.ALL STUDENTS ARE THEREFORE LIMITED TO 40 POUNDS OF PERSONAL GEAR!

In addition to our personal belongings, there is much gear and equipment we must cart around with us, and they will charge us $.40 a pound to freight this stuff.I have budgeted for these baggage surcharges, but in order to keep costs down, everyone must cooperate with the 40 pound limit.Please weight your bags before you leave in order to ensure that you comply.

CLOTHING

The average summer high in the TCI is in the upper 80’s, and there is almost always a nice breeze blowing off the water.However, don’t be deceived.This is the tropics, and the sun is VERY intense.While it may be comfortable lounging in the shade, exertion in the open can easily cause you to overheat.

There will be very little shade on the tiny islands we’ll be excavating.I will bring a rain fly to provide some respite, but all of our digging will be out in the open.Your best bet is to protect yourself from the sun with light but concealing clothing, lots of sunscreen, and a good hat.

For days at the sites:

  • Field Shirts: Columbia lightweight fishing shirts work great. Light t-shirts also, but they provide less sun protection. Don’t bring anything that you want get fully clean again. Bring at least 3 field shirts—you can wash them down there and rotate. 
  • Shorts/Bathing suits: Remember, we’ll be working right on the water, and nothing feels as good as a quick dip on break to cool off! Columbia makes lined shorts for both men and women. These dry fast and wear well. Or swim in your shorts, or wear a suit under your clothes. Whatever you’re comfortable with—just remember, there’s probably no place to change at the sites! 
  • Long pants: We’ll be trekking through the bush at times. An old pair of pants is great, and so are those kind with the legs that zip off. 
  • A lightweight, wide brimmed hat. Anything to keep as much sun off your face and neck as possible. 
  • Tevas or similar sport sandals ARE REQUIRED since we’ll be hopping off boats and wading to these islands every day, and there are sea urchins, rocks, etc. that can sting and cut bare feet.  
  • A pair of comfy shoes and a few pairs of comfy socks for working the sites.
  • Good shades. We’ll be on the water a lot, and polarized shades are best for keeping down the glare. 

For evenings, travel days, lab days, days off, etc., 

  • Swimsuits! Remember where we are! 
  • Bring whatever attire you want. WE CAN DO LAUNDRY DOWN THERE, SO REMEMBER YOUR 40 POUND LIMIT!

EQUIPMENT

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT (you must bring these items)

For use during the whole trip:

  • Backpack that’s comfortable and sturdy enough to cart 15-20 pounds of supplies and gear for hikes of up to a mile at a time. 
  • Water containers. Enough to hold 3-4 liters for your personal use at the sites.
  • SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN! A gigantic bottle or two of at least SPF 30 for working the sites, plus whatever else you want for lounging around on days off.
  • Bug spray—the heavy-duty outdoor stuff with DEET.  
  • Notebook/journal, to record your thoughts to incorporate into the final paper.
  • Pens, pencils, sharpie markers, etc.
  • Hand-held flower pruners (for clearing units and cutting roots while excavating)
  • Gardener’s kneeling pad
  • Lawn and garden gloves
  • A watch, preferably one with an alarm if you have it. 

For our stay on Middle Caicos and South Caicos:

  • One air mattress—the really cheap kind that you won’t mind abandoning at some point.
  • Light bed linins for a single bed—a sheet and light blanket are sufficient in the tropics. NO SLEEPING BAGS ARE NECESSARY. Plus they’re too bulky and heavy and will eat up your 40 pound luggage allotment. 
  • Small pillow, unless your air mattress has one built in.
  • A towel. 
  • One solar camp shower—at Wal-mart for $7. 
  • One small flashlight (AA battery size to cut down on weight) and extra batteries.
  • One unbreakable plastic cup (for drinking, brushing teeth, etc.)

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT (Bring these if you have them) 

  • Leatherman Multi-tools or Swiss Army knives, etc.
  • Machete
  • GPS unit
  • FRS/GRS handheld radios or walkie-talkies
  • Personal CD / MP3 player, etc. and few of your favorite CDs.
  • Mask and snorkel. 
  • Scuba gear, BUT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXTRA FREIGHT CHARGES. 

PERSONAL SUPPLIES

If you truly need it, then you need to bring a SIX WEEK SUPPLY of it.While you can get most of the things you need to survive on TCI, they may not have the brands/quality of things you need or are accustomed to.This is just a list of suggestions and is not all inclusive.

  • Prescription medication—MANDATORY to bring a six week supply. 
  • Disposable contacts and/or contact solution. 
  • Spare eyeglasses in case you lose your contacts.
  • Personal hygiene products: I buy a few of the mini travel sizes of each at Wal-Mart, put them all in a big ziplock bag, and pitch them as they run out.
    • Toothpaste
    • Deodorant
    • Shampoo
    • Bar soap
    • Tampons, etc.
    • Razors
    • Whatever else you need to make yourself presentable
  • First aid supplies. I will have a comprehensive first aid kit for the group. Still, it’s a good idea to bring the basics for yourself just in case I’m not around. 
    • Bandaids of different shapes and sizes
    • Anti-bacterial ointment
    • Hydrocortizone anti-itch cream
    • A small bottle of Tylenol or Advil or whatever you use
    • Benedryl in case you get stung by something
    • Claritin, etc. if you have hay fever or allergies
  • Any other products you use on a regular basis.

Travel Tips

TCI CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION

You need a valid passport to board the plane in the States and to enter the TCI.You’ll also have to complete a Customs and Immigration Form on the plane to hand to the Customs Officer in Provo.Their customs guys are cool and have never given us any real trouble.We’ll discuss this topic more at our pre-departure meeting.

THE TCI HAS A DEPARTURE TAX OF $23.This is payable in cash when you check in at the Provo airport to leave the country.My advice: hide $30 in your luggage somewhere and forget you have it.Then you can pay your departure tax and get a candy bar at the duty-free shop.

FLIGHTS TO THE ISLANDS

Regardless of our origination city, all of us are booked on one of two flights to Providenciales: American flight 673 arriving Provo at 12:52 pm, or US Airways flight 1449 arriving Provo at 1:37 pm.

I will be flying the American route, and Geoff DuChemin will be flying US Airways.People booked on American can meet up with me at the gate in Miami so we can stick together.Geoff will rally the troops at the Charlotte airport.

PACKING

As mentioned above, baggage space is extremely limited on the inter-island flights.There may be times when the plane can’t accommodate all of the luggage, so that some bags will follow on a subsequent flight.Plus, it’s not unprecedented for American or US Airways to misplace bags.Keep this in mind when packing.

The approach I use is to put all of my electronics and valuables PLUS everything I’ll need for the next 24 hour period into one small bag that I carry on in my lap.That way, if my checked bag isn’t there until the next morning (and that’s never happened—usually it’s only a few hours) I’ve got my toothbrush and a change of clothes.

Everything else you can put in a single big bag.Soft sides are way better than hard luggage—the TCI plane crews can stuff them into the hold easier.Bring a lock to put on your big bag in case it winds up spending some quality time on the tarmac someplace.

HOMELAND SECURITY ISSUES

Obviously international air travel has changed in recent years.If you’ve not flown overseas since the terror attacks, be prepared for heightened security.Some tips:

  • Pack ANYTHING that even remotely looks like a weapon in your checked baggage. This includes even innocuous things like nail clippers. A good rule of thumb that I use is if it’s made of metal, it goes in the checked bag. 
  • New guidelines advise you NOT to lock your checked bag, because if you do, they have the right to cut it open. A good thing to use are plastic zip-ties. I’ll dole some out at our final meeting right before departure. (Once we’re in TCI, you can lock your bags when you check them, no problem, so do remember to bring a lock.) 
  • Carry anything valuable in your carry on. Since you can’t lock your checked bag on the international flight, you don’t want your goodies out of your possession. 

So, to summarize.Put all of your valuables and a 24 hour supply of everything you need to get by in a small carry on you’ll keep with you at all times.Everything else, including anything made of metal, goes in the big soft-sided bag you’ll check at the ticket counter.REMEMBER TO WEIGH BOTH BAGS AFTER YOU’VE PACKED THEM TO ENSURE THEY DO NOT EXCEED 40 POUNDS COMBINED! If they do, something’s coming out!

FieldSchool Guidelines

In simplest terms, the only rule I expect students to follow is this: Work hard, play hard.If you show up on time, do your share of work in the field and the lab, and get along with the locals and your teammates, you will have a rewarding experience and receive a great grade.With that in mind, here are a few specifics:

  • Show up on time. I am a Type A when it comes to punctuality. Everyone runs late now and then, but habitual lateness is rude. In the field the impact of being late is amplified: boats can’t leave on time, the entire crew is idled, and work is put on hold. This ultimately eats into everyone’s free time. Please, just be where you’re supposed to at the appointed time. 
  • When we work, we work. I am anything but a slave driver, but an archaeologist’s field time is a scarce commodity, and when we’re at the site, we need to capitalize on that opportunity. 
  • Don’t do anything at night that will affect your performance in the morning. Too many umbrella drinks can wreak havoc on your archaeological abilities. I’m not going to be anyone’s mother, but you will be expected to work in the morning, headache or not. 
  • Be a good ambassador. The University of Florida has earned a stellar reputation in the Turks and Caicos Islands because we do good science, bring dedicated workers, and respect the local people and custom. Let’s continue to build on that reputation.  
  • Don’t do anything illegal. The TCI / British legal system is very similar to our own. Moreover, narcotics laws are stringent, and given the island’s history as a drug runner’s haven in the 70’s, they are now VERY rigorously enforced. Passing the duchie on the left hand side so you can meet Jah in Zion is likely to land you in serious trouble.  I’m talking jail time. DON’T DO IT. 
  • We are a team. We’ll be sharing close quarters for six weeks, and everyone’s likely to get a little frayed at times. Let’s just keep it civil. There will be plenty of time to get away and do your own thing in the evenings, on travel days, and on your days off. 

ROOM ARRANGEMENTS:

The schoolhouse in Middle Caicos has two rooms—one for the women and one for the men.The place is pretty big, so there’s lots of room.We will all be sleeping on air mattresses.

The SFS field station in South Caicos has dorm-style accommodations, also divided by gender.We’ll all get a single bunk.

On Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and Providenciales, we’re staying in regular hotel rooms.Most of the time we’ll be four to a room with two queen or double beds, and once again, we’ll split up by gender.Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me how people sleep—if people don’t feel comfortable sharing a bed with someone, they’re free to sleep on their air mattress on the floor and rotate every night or something.I’ll leave it to you.

MEALS:

We will be preparing our own breakfasts every day.In Middle Caicos we’ll grab stuff at the schoolhouse, and at the field station we’ll get what we need from the cafeteria.On the other islands, most of the hotel rooms have kitchenettes.This will make it easier for you to prepare breakfasts for yourself.Supplies are included in your fee, so I’ll stock the fridge.

We’ll take lunch at the site, and on lab days, in our rooms or wherever it’s convenient.

Dinner is a more formal affair, and attendance is required (unless it’s your day off).Eating together gives us an opportunity to discuss the day’s finds and make plans for the upcoming events.

At the end of a long day, the last thing any of us wants to do is cook.Therefore, we are going to have people prepare dinner for us throughout the trip.We will have a local lady cook for us on Middle Caicos, and I have hired the field station’s cook to take care of us while we’re on South Caicos.Arrangements are not yet finalized, but I am working to have a special menu available to us from restaurants on Grand Turk and Salt Cay, and Provo.

Unless we’re eating at a restaurant, we’ll be doing our own dishes.I will set up a revolving schedule of three person teams responsible for doing all the dishes on a given day.

FIELDSCHOOL FOOD REQUEST

NAME:

For Breakfast I eat:

For Lunch I enjoy:

For Dinner I’d love:

My special dietary requirements: