I’m on the top of the world looking down on creation…
I have to thank the Carpenters (yes, middle school students they are musicians) for that one. I am on the top of the world, spiritually, mentally and physically! I hope you are too.
Last night, I had a great dinner at the world famous, most northern Mexican restaurants called Pepe’s. Fran is the charming owner who gives all newbie’s a Pepe’s calendar and a certificate of being a Life Time Member of Crossing the Arctic Circle. She is so right - I am official now and nothing can change that. I am in the Arctic Circle.
Fran is a doll. She even gave me gifts the first time I met her!
Steve- Dr. Oberbauer, my PI – principal investigator, Paulo Olivas and Jose Luciani, an undergrad at FIU showed me around last night and introduced me to so many people.
I slept great, even though the sun was shining. I used my nifty eye bag and it seemed to help. I settled in to my cozy little room this morning and took my time showering before I sauntered over to the lab – Barrow Global Climate Change Research Facility, where I found Steve, Paulo and Jose.
We ate a great lunch and headed to the field. Wow! Am I really still in the United States?
Steve gave me a grand a tour and if I recall even only a quarter of what he taught I am smarter already! He is a born teacher!
This station has all sorts of measuring devices, ivolving wind, air, temperature and most of all methane and carbon levels in the air.
Besides the tundra, new to me birds and Lemmings were highlights of my day.
The Lemmings were everywhere! They are adorable and frolic about in and out of snow and sedge tunnels. They are also eating mass amounts of the sedges at the base of the plant, just below the roots and above the blades. Left over blades of dead sedge are piled and floating everywhere. They even got stuck in the water pump.
Lemmings are really like little hamsters. They are everywhere scurrying about. Don't you want one?
They placed a water pump in this site because one of the tests involves water and one does not. So they are pumping water into one area while draining it from another.
These 3 FIU guys are checking out the pump to make sure it is working properly. Pay close attention to the snow. Rumor has it, it won't be around long.
## Bird of the day
These birds are being watched closely around here, there are signs up requesting any sightings of nests
See ya at the top!