5 to 20 million geologic years ago Central California was covered by the ocean during what is called the Miocene Era.  Bakersfield, in addition to being a great depository of oil, is home to fossil beds rich in marine fossils.  The area is known for an abundant collecting of fossil shark teeth.

We venture out into grass covered hills.  The best digging is on hillsides, just below a caliche layer of sediment.  Dig, shovel, sift, repeat is the process that yields fossil finds.  Some shark teeth are a mere 1/8″ and easily fall through the sieve.  Some megalodon shark teeth have been found up to five inches.  We have never found such a treasure, but have found teeth that make nice pendants and earrings.

Our fun and family visits are coming to a close, here in Bakersfield.  Next stop:  the Annual Mountain Festival in Tehachipi.  Hope your week has been blessed.