Through the Lens of Deep Time
This post was inspired by a visit to Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park . It was on that trip as well that I became exposed to the writings of Loren Eiseley —literary naturalist, philosopher, and one of Nebraska’s adopted sons. I’ve enjoyed Eiseley’s work numerous times over the years since then, and even if this post only serves as an introduction to his writings, I will consider it a great success. Please enjoy! Beside An Ancient Waterhole Twelve million years ago, in the savannah-like world of what is now called Nebraska , something that might have looked like the billowing clouds of a gathering thunderstorm began advancing across the land. And as those clouds grew taller and darker and closer, perhaps the animals grazing downwind occasionally lifted up their heads to gaze at them in anticipation of the cool breezes and refreshing water that they might bring. But even as they eyed that approaching storm, the camels...