In the heart of our ranch, nestled among the rolling plains and whispering grasses, lies a hidden treasure from the past—a late Cretaceous trackway that has brought joy, wonder, and a deep sense of connection to our family. This extraordinary discovery was first made in 1997 by a hunter who, while tracking deer, stumbled upon something far more ancient and extraordinary. The hunter, knowing our ranch's history of dinosaur bones, raced back to the ranch house to share his find with my grandpa Leonard. Initially skeptical, Leonard scratched his head, aware that the Lance Formation was not known for dinosaur tracks. Nevertheless, curiosity led him to the site. To his astonishment, he found tracks, which would later be identified as those of Struthiomimus, etched into the rock. Leonard's quest to uncover the truth about these tracks was met with skepticism. His initial call to a university was dismissed, the expert suggesting they were merely cow tracks. However, Leonard’s determination never wavered. He knew in his heart that these tracks were something special. One phone call led to another until finally, paleontologist Martin Lockley arrived and confirmed the incredible find. The trackway is a marvel of ancient life, offering a window into a world long gone. You can see algae patterns that once thrived on the muddy surface, the intricate skin impressions in Edmontosaurus tracks, the swish marks of a crocodile tail, and even the tiny holes where snails once lived. Each mark tells a story, like the pacing of a Tyrannosaur or the dried mud pushed into the wet ground. Among these fascinating impressions is the world's only known track of Saurexallopus Zerbsti. Though time has not been kind to these tracks, with the Struthiomimus impressions fading and one of the Saurexallopus Zerbsti tracks sadly destroyed by a visitor, their legacy endures. We’ve taken molds of the remaining Zerbsti track to preserve it for future generations. Seeing these tracks in their original state is an experience that remains awe-inspiring. The discovery of the trackway has brought people from all over the world to our ranch, creating a unique way of life for our family. This blend of ranching and paleontology has given us a profound appreciation for the land and its ancient secrets. My brother, my mom, and I have found immense joy and peace in hunting for dinosaurs, each discovery deepening our bond and enriching our lives. This trackway is more than just a collection of ancient footprints; it’s a symbol of our family’s curiosity, resilience, and connection to history. It has turned our ranch into a living museum, where every visitor can step back in time and walk alongside the giants that once roamed our land. For us, it’s a source of endless fascination and a reminder of the incredible stories that lie hidden beneath our feet.
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