Rainbows
It rained off and on most of the day yesterday, preventing us from trapping in the morning. Even though it looked like more rain might be on the way, we decided to try to get some trapping done between the storms.
Changing weather at Atigun River
On our drive to the Atigun River research site, we saw the most vibrant and complete rainbow I have ever seen in my life! When we looked at it more closely, we saw that there was a second faint rainbow just above the first. The Arctic never ceases to amaze me with its beauty. I have been looking for beauty here, so I have found it. I think I need to apply the same strategy back in Oklahoma and see what hidden beauty I might have been overlooking all these years.
Rainbow over the tundra, along the Dalton highway on the way to Atigun River
Mosquitoes
Toolik is legendary for its mosquitoes. The mosquitoes are at their peak in July, so I was hoping to avoid them since I leave Toolik on June 28, but no luck on that front! Shortly after all the flowers appeared, the mosquitoes emerged in droves. Hundreds swarm around your head, bite any exposed skin, and even bite through clothing. I’m glad that I brought anti-itch cream with me!
Mosquitoes on Jeanette’s hat
After the mosquitoes emerged, bug spray, head nets, and bug shirts also began to become wardrobe staples for everyone at Toolik. When I tried on my bug shirt at home, I felt a little silly. Now, I love my bug shirt. I don’t feel silly at all when I can breathe without inhaling mosquitoes and set squirrel traps without becoming lunch! Fashion does not matter in field science. Clothing choices at Toolik are all about functionality: staying warm, dry, and bite-free!
Team Squirrel in bug attire at the Atigun River research site (Alicia Gillean, Cory Williams, Jeanette Moore, Kate Wilsterman)