Today was a full day! We did begin the day with a dog sled ride out past Eight Mile Lake and then back around to the study site. We needed to finish up a bit of snow removal, which will continue for several more days, but we also began clearing the study areas in preparation for installing the experiments and collecting data. Today was the windiest day so far, and even though the wind wasn't strong it did remind everyone of how fast you can begin to feel the cold when you are standing in a wind. As I was putting on more clothes and having a bit to eat, I thought that I should talk a little about the area we are located in. We aren't really in a town or near anything that says, "You are here". But we are in a general area that is surrounded by landmarks and places of interest.
If you flew in to Fairbanks and then jumped in your car and drove on Highway 3 to the Southwest for a couple of hours, you would find yourself near the town of Healy. Healy is a small town of about 971 people. It is known for the Usibelli Coal Mine that is nearby. Healy is also situated 11 miles from the entrance of Denali National Park. But enough about Healy, I will give you a proper introduction to the town after I get to spend some time there.
Healy is located a little up and right of this map.
Back to the directions. Before you enter Healy on Highway 3, you turn off on Stampede Trail. This is part road and mostly trail, depending on how far you take it, which depends on the time of year and the type of vehicle you have. If you take Stampede Trail out from Highway 3 for about five miles, you can look to the north and find our study site.
Looking across Stampede Trail toward Healy Ridge
The site itself is on the tundra with a view of Denali National Park on both the south and the north sides. To the south you can see Healy Ridge with Mt. Healy on the left. Mt. Healy has a bit of a hook on the top, which makes it easy to spot. The study site is in a wide valley that was formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. It is a very peaceful location with a lot of quiet and open space. I like it here!
The clouds have been over Healy Ridge most of the week.
You can almost see Mt. Healy on the left.
As I get out more and learn about the area, I will be sharing some deeper information about this beautiful and interesting area of the United States. Have a great Earth Day 2011!