Scientists Relax
Research Takes a Small Break
Long hours are given to work in the field and lab here in Healy, Alaska. Often the scientists are up early and out of the cabin by 6:00 am and continue working until 7, 8, or even 9 at night to gather all the data, fix equipment and discuss and plan for the next day's work. So, Saturday's are a well-earned break from this toil.
Long Hours Needed to Create GPS map
Hike in Mountains
This Saturday, the scientists and I drove out to the Denali Highway for a tramp up to a high ridge, where we could see for miles and miles. Hiking in the mountains here is not like anything that people from the lower forty eight can imagine. There are few trails, and a hiker is expected to simply walk through the tundra, up the ridges, doing so not on trails and ideally NOT in the wake of another hiker. The tundra is fragile and slow growing, and therefore a disturbance a person makes with her boots and trampling can take hundreds of years to grow back.
View of the Valley from the RIdge
So Worth the Challenge!
The rain stayed in the clouds, giving us a small window, not of sunshine, but at least not of drenching. The way was steep, straight up through short stubby alder, scree and then onto the soft, spongy, sphagnum moss. Once on top of the ridge we were rewarded with a view of mountains covered in a soft green-moss, complimented by the rust red of exposed iron-rich rocks. Lots of caribou sign, a small bird nest sheltered amidst the rocks, and also lots of mushrooms, berries and beautiful lichen.
Bird Nest Snuggled in the Tundra
Contrast of Moss and Rust Rock
Drenched Down the Mountain
A steep descent, slippery with rain. Yes, the clouds moved in and covered us with more moisture. We high tailed it to the car and treated ourselves to pizza down the road towards Denali Park. Yum!
Return Hike to FInd Pizza
Back to Work
Sunday is not a day of rest here in Healy. Scientists rouse early to drive 2 hours to Fairbanks to shower (once every 2 weeks!), do errands like recycling and garbage deposits, pick up equipment and supplies for the field and of course buy groceries. Another 14 hour day! But this one ended with a short stop for dinner and a few moments at the Fairbanks Cultural Center.
Work Combined with Play at the Cultural Center