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> safety training, swimming, etc.....
Robert_Oddo
post Jul 15 2005, 05:48 AM
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I am learning that Svalbard is really a special place. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream end here and it is where warm oceanic air meets the arctic cold air. This results in drastic changes in weather. At one moment it can be very warm and you can be in short sleeves and then it can be snow and sleet 15 minutes later. You have to carry many layers of clothes wherever you go. Since it is very muddy out and around town, it is a custom that you take your shoes off when you go into a building.

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looking up at the glacier from town

Today safety was the topic of the day. In the morning we had rifle training. This training is required of anyone going in the field. Polar bears have no fear of man and they have been known to stalk researchers in the field. We learned to shoot rifles in lying on our stomachs, on one knee and standing up. I was surprised what a good shot I was!!!!
The protocol here is to first try to avoid the bear or retreat in another direction, second make a lot of noise, shoot the flare gun at the bear and continue to make noise and then as a last resort shoot the bear.
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shooting school
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learning how to hold a gun

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shooting a flare gun

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cleaning the rifle

After lunch we learned about traveling safely in arctic water and that involved survival suits. So we went swimming!!!! If you fall over into the water in the arctic you could only have minutes before you become hypothermic and these suits can save your life.
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So here I am ready to go. Air temp 38 F with strong winds. Water temp. 35 F

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Off for a swim
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to the water
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return from a swim

In the late afternoon, we got together with our UNIS hosts for orientation lectures.

Great Day!!!!
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