Re: SUPER COLORFUL FRAME......
Hey folks, I have had a couple of people ask me about walking creeks, and I am posting a little insight that might be helpful to others. I was explaining to leefields that the creeks in my area are different than other creeks in the region. While most creek systems around here tend to be extremely "gravelly" there is one particular region that I focus my efforts on. Corinth, Ms. and it's surrounding areas are situated in a big valley at the end of the Appalachian foothills. According to scientists, this valley was under water a long time ago. We actually find shark teeth and all kinds of weird bones and fossils in this area, so there is truth to that. The creek beds here are hard bottom clay with gravel bed deposits. They all share a unique feature. There is a massive amount of shells embedded throughout the matrix and it is pock-marked throughout by holes in the bed itself. I believe these to be extremely old creeks. There is very little late Woodland and Mississippian artifacts found here. Mostly it's early to late archaic, with a healthy dose of transitional Paleo thrown in. I also find a lot of stuff in the Bluff Shelters located along the NorthFork Creek Watershed system located about 40 miles southeast of my home.These water systems were no doubt the roadways of the ancient age. I believe the Natives traveled up and down these systems stalking and trapping game that was attracted to the water. What was that key word again? WATER!!!!!! They had campsites along the system as well, as they moved from place to place with the seasons. During flooding events, artifacts are eroded out into the streams, where they get carried along until something stops them. A gravel bar, a deep hole, log etc. Maybe some were left behind in the creeks as Natives cleaned their quarry down by the water. Not all creeks are productive. You would be surprised, though. If a creek in your area has shallow spots and gravel bars, get in there and look!!. Don't give up!! Sometimes, you have to walk a long way. I can tell you without reservation that I have found many outstanding artifacts in them. I would urge and encourage anyone who is interested to go walk one. You never know! It is bar none my favorite way to find artifacts. Not to mention the good exercise, peaceful sounds and surroundings, etc. What's not to love? Just look at the photo! If anyone has any questions on a more in-depth level, just shoot me a line and I would be happy to help out. There is definitely a science to it. It's not just finding artifacts and what-not, it's understanding how a creek moves and changes over time. I have seen systems completely transform themselves in just a matter of a few years. -Creekwalker
