Had to choose between two dig sites in Utah last month

One was a known pueblo site with guaranteed finds. Other was a remote canyon rumored to have Clovis points. Picked the canyon. Three days of hiking with gear. Found nothing but old tin cans. The other team pulled pottery shards and a mano. Probably should have played it safe. Any of you ever pick the long shot over the sure thing?

3 comments

3 Comments

hannahsingh15h ago

Honestly, that line about "probably should have played it safe" really hit me. I used to always go for the risky dig myself, figured the payoff would be bigger if it worked out. But after coming up empty on a few of those, I'm starting to think the sure thing might actually be the smarter move most of the time.

taylorellis13h ago

Wait, you actually went for the risky dig more than once? That's wild to me, @hannahsingh. I've seen too many crews come up with nothing but dirt and disappointment after chasing a big score. The sure thing might not be glamorous, but it keeps the lights on and the bills paid. I get the thrill, believe me, but I'd rather have a steady paycheck than a hole in the ground. Playing it safe isn't boring. It's survival in this business, plain and simple.

olivia3983h ago

@taylorellis probably owns stock in shovels the way they talk about digging.