Ralph Johnson / MAPS Residence and Ramanessin Brook

Date: 6/24/2017 12:00 AM

Location: Ralph Johnson / MAPS Residence in West Long Branch and Ramanessin Brook in Holmdel, ,

Attendees: Groundhog Dave, Johan “Mr Calcite” Maertens, Mike “Mr Boca” Machette, Tim “Hitchhiker” Hollister and Mark, Derek Yoost, Bill Mirabello, Mandy and Brian Apgar, David and Julia Tiene Despite an early morning hellacious stormy ride to Cheesequake, The trip turned out to be a major success and was enjoyed by all. We were treated to an outstanding tour of the Ralph Johnson / MAPS Collection at his residence in West Long Branch. Ralph showed us all manner of bones, teeth, and jaws of some of our favorites like Mosasaur and Hadrosaurus. Displays of Enchodus and Ratfish teeth / fangs and bones and jaw parts were also awesome. An unbelievable assortment of Ammonites, Pelecypods, Bivalves and Baculites were exhibited from different locations and formations. A variety of collecting sites along the Cretaceous and K/T boundaries were discussed and fossils from them displayed. Johan presented Ralph with a plaque for availing his collection for our clubs, and for his dedication to excellence. After Ralph’s, we dined at nearby Zachary’s for lunch. Gigantic portions of loaded nachos and fish sandwiches were enjoyed at reasonable prices. We then headed to Ramanessin and noticed the high water surge and the turbidity. We screened for about 3 1/2 hrs at different spots in the brook, all of which were vastly different from last year. Notable finds were Ammonite fragments. Johan found a big one and Groundhog, a small average one, a sizable sea urchin, a few vertebra and the usual assortment of teeth. Derek easily won the smallest tooth award at 1/8? at best.