28th November 2005, 02:36 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by mercenary
[brI've also found it best to have 2 pairs of boots, which get used on alternate days. Going out with even slightly wet boots will guarantee a miserable day. It also allows the other pair to dry slowly. Critical if cracking of the leather is to be avoided. Radiator drying and oven drying a big no-no. Slapping on polish while wet and muddy doesn't seem right but does preserve the leather.
As for waterproofing: I've not figured this one out yet. Expensive gore-tex does not work. Not surprising when you read the small print where it says dirt will ruin it!
I know that this will re-ignite the supplied PPE thread, but I always wore wellingtons (steel toe + midsole) in bad weather or on wet sites. And Goretex does work (sort of), but you have to wash it following the manufacturers instructions and re-proof it with special liquid regularly. I use mine for activities far more active and muddy than digging and it's still going strong after five years.
As for being rained off, I always brought my team off site if the weather was bad enough to damage the archaeology (usually by walking on it), mainly because this also made it far too dangerous to work.
D. Vader
Senior Consultant
Vader Maull & Palpatine
Archaeological Consultants
The ability to dig a site is insignificant next to the power of the Force