  The aim of the Gemini Deep Deep Survey is to push spectroscopic studies of
complete galaxy samples (both red and blue objects) significantly beyond z=1;
this is the redshift where the current Hubble sequence of ellipticals and
spirals is already extant. In the Universe at z=2 the only currently
spectroscopically confirmed galaxies are blue, star-forming and of fragmented
morphology. Exploring this transition means filling the `redshift desert' 1<z<2
where there is a dearth of spectroscopic measurements. To do this we need to
secure redshifts of the oldest, reddest galaxies (candidate ellipticals) beyond
z>1 which has led us to carry out the longest exposure redshift survey ever
done: 100 ksec spectroscopic MOS exposures with GMOS on Gemini North. We have
developed an implementation of the CCD ``nod & shuffle'' technique to ensure
precise sky-subtraction in these ultra-deep exposures. At the halfway mark the
GDDS now has ~36 galaxies in the redshift desert 1.2<z<2 extending up to z=1.97
and I<24.5 with secure redshifts based on weak rest-frame UV absorption
features complete for both red, old objects and young, blue objects. The peak
epoch of galaxy assembly is now being probed by direct spectroscopic
investigation for the first time. On behalf of the GDDS team I present our
first results on the properties of galaxies in the `redshift desert'.
