Orientation So you thought I was going to Russia...Why am I in Alaska? I am attending the 2009 Polar TREC orientation. I along with 19 other teachers, who will be traveling to the Arctic and Antarctic, are learning how to communicate with the world from the ends of the earth. The week has been very busy and I have mixed emotions. In some ways, I feel like I have learned a lot, in other ways I can't believe I will be going home in just a few days... There is so much left to do. Our days have been packed with technology lessons, learning about Extreme Cold Weather Gear, practice sessions and encouragement from some Polar TREC alumni from previous years.
Simone tries on boots with the help of Robbie Score of CH2MHill Polar Services
Yesterday I made my first satellite phone call, after considerable trial and error; I sent my first email via sat phone. In addition, I spent a lot of time learning about how to make and send audio, video and digital images.
I make my first sat phone call
Roy Steele of CH2MHill SRI logistics helps Sarah and Gary send email via sat phone.
Today during a break, we looked out the window to see that the trainers were feeding musher Warren Palfrey's dogs. Several of us went outside to meet the dogs that pulled him to a 9th place finish.
During break time we met the trainer who was feeding Warren Palfrey's (Yukon Quest 9th place) sled dog team.
Look for an upcoming journal entry to see pictures from our field trips. Last night we went to see the world championship ice carving competition and today we explored the permafrost.
Stay Warm