Paleozoic Tropics

Now that that snow has melted, I made a trip to my favorite Isotelus spot. More collecting is needed. Here is the find of the day. A complete prone Isotelus hiding under a large pygidium which must have sheltered and protected it from disarticulation during the storm. The cephalon and other half of thorax on reverse side. Unfortunately, I somehow lost the piece containing the rest of the cranidium on the trip home. Gluing the thorax back on at home.. Finished preparation. Not entirely complete obviously but still my most beautiful  Isotelus iowensis specimen after searching over the past few years, so I am quite happy with it.  Isotelus iowensis   Ordovician period  Cincinnatian series  Richmondian stage  Maquoketa group Illinois measures 10cm collected March 17, 2019

After dropping my daughter off at school this morning, I decided to drive half a mile north on Ridgeland Avenue, the namesake of which is the ridge of ancient Lake Chicago. It can be seen clearly here. The homes on the left would have been situated right on the beach and the houses on the left submerged in water.