Computers were in front of us. Pens, pencils, post-its, papers, and binders surrounded us. A never-ending stream of sandwiches, fruit, half-cooked brownies, coffee, water, and ice-tea kept our energy up.
And we were bombarded. Information was hurled at us. Practice webinars connected us to experts, scientists, and former PolarTREC teachers who shared tidbits and advice. Experts came in and educated us about climate change and the natives of Alaska. Professionals brought satellite phones for us to try out and clothes for us to become acquainted with. Yes, at times we rested our brains and stretched our legs by doing some sight-seeing and souvenir shopping but overall we spent this week in Fairbanks getting ready to communicate with all of you from remote locations like icebreakers, ice fields, and even from stations under glaciers.
Which is smarter?
Am I smart enough?
Our days started early and ended late. Few of us had more than a couple of minutes between activities and often we raced to our rooms to change clothes before heading out to the next thing. Most of us were up till midnight doing homework. We had to practice creating these journals in a way that would hopefully be interesting for you and, important for us, efficient and easy so we can do them quickly and devote more of our time in the field to helping the scientists and researchers. Others were up early, at 4, getting ready, getting a run in, or thinking about what was to come.
It's the first night - all smiles!
Brainstorming at the end of a day
On our last night we did get to go to the Chena Hot Springs, a resort 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. Crippled prospectors came to this magical place in as early as 1905. We went to get an idea of what our expeditions could be like.
Will we be in magical places like this ice castle?
Destroyed once due to a refrigerator problem, this magical castle houses 4 rooms and a bar!
Will our beds be made of ice?
Will I sleep in beds like these?
Will we get to enjoy appletinis served in ice glasses in the icy bars?
The coolest bar
It's even better in a glass of ice
Will we be soaking in natural bodies of water consisting of sulfate, chloride and sodium and sipping icy appletinis?
sipping from an ice glass, getting a back massage and where am I?
Cheers from the pools of Fairbanks
Ok, so maybe our expeditions won't be so luxurious but we're ready for whatever we will face.
On our last day we went around the circle and shared some reflections about our training and our upcoming expeditions and about our feelings and states of mind. I'd like to share some of them with you.
"The training exceeded my expectations" – everyone said this
"This was the best professional development I've ever had" - we all agreed
"This could save my school. My school, Gateway School of Environmental Research and Technology, is in danger of closing and this is environmental research and technology! This is it and it might save us."
"This is a phenomenal program."
"We're leaving here with an awesome foundation. There's a lot of building up to come"
"I'm excited to fly in a helicopter. I'll try not to get hit in the head with the rotor" (said by the tallest PolarTREC teacher)
"Telling us not to worry was stellar. Robbie laughing at us with how giddy we were calmed me down"
"This allowed me to connect to a cohort."
"I'm so psyched right now."
It's been a long week
"I learned about fabulous outreach opportunities. I'm worried about live connect from outreach sites."
"This exceeded my expectations."
"I'm nervous my colleagues will be threatened or jealous."
"I'm in a whole different place."
"I'm super pumped to actually get out there for real."
"It's easy to write and take a picture. It's not easy to put it all together."
"I'm an old guy and I needed something new. I got it here."
"I have new friends."
"I'm most excited about just going there."
"I've been dreaming about this for 37 of my 42 years of existence. Now I'm doing it."
I'm ready