We were able to complete the northern Aparan inter-ridge bay today! Weather was cooler and cloudier, permitting uninterrupted transect-walking in the unfinished northwestern portion of the bay.
Our first transect of the day (11) entailed walking the northern rim of the bay and, crossing the rather deep gorge at its eastern boundary, and climbing the large hill that sits to the west of a small forest at bay center. Two primary clusters were identified during this work, one at the base of the western rim (Ar/Ar.AG15.15) and one towards the bottom of the large hill, on a wide bench that sweeps down to the flatlands (Ar/Ar.AG15.15). Other transect walkers came across clusters and isolated burials as well. Transect 11 ended at a rather high elevation, though not at the top of the Tsaghkunyats here. It may be that ridge walking is required to complete the checking of peaks here.
Transect 12 then took us back down the flatlands and completed the survey of this bay. A scatter of lithics and ceramics at the base of the hill resulted in a site being recorded there as well.
Following lunch we began reconnaissance in our new survey sector: the portion of the ArAGATS foothills to the west of Aparan. We walked the ridges directly south of Aparani Berd, across the Kasakh River and recorded additional site architecture and surface materials, including lithics, ceramics, and a Paleolithic projectile point! This complex is extensive, featuring terraces, rooms, and a corridor/staircase approach. It is likely part of a larger Aparani Berd site complex.
The rest of the day was spent traversing the next survey sector, identifying N and S drainage boundaries and bisecting that space for transect walking. We will spend the next one or two days performing magnetometry at Lusagyugh.