We began excavations at Aparani berd today, laying out a trench on the southwest terrace. The area recommended itself for investigation because of the visible traces of two adjoining walls forming a clear corner in the north east. The stones of these walls (basalt?) appear to be faced on the interior surfaces. The walls are less clearly discernible in the southern. The trench is 4 x 3 meters, covering approximately half of what appears to be a small room. Other rooms are visible in the general vicinity. Material densities were modest, including about half a bag of pottery. The diagnostic materials are largely LBA in date (group D/A?). We collected small quantities of bone (including one polished piece) and obsidian. After removal of sod we encountered a "carpet" of stones across the entire interior of the operation. In attendance were 2 new workers from Aparan (Arek and Argisht!). The operation was opened with the assistance of Salpi, Gabby, and Amy. Plan for the next dig day: Continue to clean the stones in the trench, then close locus 1 and identify an area where we can descend somewhat in order to ascertain whether the stones in the operation are fall or belong to a feature of some sort.