Day Four
After a pretty flat day three that involved a lot of digging and even more sweating, day four started on a very positive note. Almost immediately the archaeologists unearthed a 32 cm piece of wood in trench 1 exactly where the GPR told us to dig. The wood was found with a large number of black lumps which turned out to be a combination of wood and rock, fused together by a great heat. The finds were located deep in the creek bed and were not associated with any other wood or material that might have been associated with a flood instance. Furthermore the wood had been worked showing a clear right angle. Cautiously we believe we have found evidence of a brick kiln!
While we haven’t found the actual kiln we have certainly found evidence that was associated with the activities of a brick kiln. More investigation over the next few days may tell us more. It is a good sign that this find was made on the anniversary of first landing in 1824 – 185 years later.
Lots of volunteers and UQ students have worked hard today on what has been a blistering hot day – they are going through the water at a great rate of knots and lots of blisters due to hard work on the shovels and mattocks.
The volunteers have been brilliant and the many visitors to the site have worn us out with all their questions. However the interest has been wonderful and the more questions the better!
Today is the First Settlement Festival and the waterfront has been packed. Lots of folk have walked down to the Museum and the dig site and interest in the heritage of Redcliffe is at an all time high.
Many thanks to the members of the Redcliffe Historical Society, the volunteers and staff of the Museum and the many volunteers and students who have participated thus far and helped make every thing so successful.. All the enthusiasm and assistance has been greatly appreciated.
