On My Way to the High Arctic

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 64

13 July 2004

Hello ”virtual” adventurers!

Are you packed and ready for the adventure of a lifetime? I am finally on my way to the High Arctic . . . well today is the first leg of my long journey.

I left San Antonio at 6:30 AM after a night of packing and repacking to make sure I had everything I might need. Essentials included the satellite phone, lots of warm socks and gloves, my rubber muck boots, hiking boots, several layers of clothing, camera gear, computer equipment, pack, survival gear, travel clothes, personal items, some pins and decals to trade, and the list goes on and on. I crammed it all into two medium-sized BUM duffel bags. Then it occurred to me that if one bag were lost in transit, I might end up without any of something essential. So, I started over, splitting my gear to have some things in each bag. It almost turned out to be a very wise move, because one of my bags was actually lost for several hours! I spent the afternoon in the Hartford, Connecticut airport hoping the missing bag would arrive on an evening flight. Since I was spending the night in South Hadley, Massachusetts at Mt. Holyoke College, I had some time with which to play. Luck was on my side, and the bag arrived in the early evening, making for a long day! After a stop at a dorm to drop off my gear, the 7 undergraduate student participants, 2 principle investigators for the project, and I converged at the science building for pizza, introductions, slides, a brief orientation, and the last-minute packing of scientific research gear.

As I fell asleep, I felt relieved that I had all my gear together. I felt excited, yet a bit apprehensive, about the days to come. Some of the concerns that passed through my mind as I drifted off included:

-Will the gear I have be sufficient for what I will face?

-How cold will it really be?

-How will I handle all this gear after so recently injuring my shoulders?

-Will other participants understand, or at least accept my role in this adventure and contribute to its success?

-Will each of the team members respect all of our goals so that our projects will be enhanced by our mutual support and collaboration?

-Will I actually see a Polar Bear, a Walrus, and some Reindeer in the wilderness?

-Will I have the stamina I need to endure six weeks in the High Arctic?

-Will I finally be able to lose some of the weight I put on while living the high life in D.C?

-How will this project compare to other research and educational endeavors in which I have participated?

-After so many years of taking care of all the details and making sure programs run smoothly, how will I handle not being the one who is “in charge” and will finding my niche be seamless or difficult?

-Will my family, friends, and students post to the TREC site, contributing to an exciting experience for all?

-Will I quickly be able to start developing innovative materials that inspire students and teachers while promoting Earth System Science and Polar Studies in K-12 and Undergraduate Education? Will these contribute to International Polar Year, which is just around the corner (2007-2008)?

-Will I be able to address the technology challenges that certainly await me with posting via satellite phone and from such remote locations?

-Will I be able to avoid sea sickness as we travel the last leg of our journey?

-Will I . . . .zzzzzzzzzzzzz! More tomorrow!