June 16, 2008 – House Mouse
Talk about a change of pace. Today I spent the day in sweatpants and fluffy slippers at 65 deg. in the climate controlled Big House. Today was House Mouse day!
Everybody who spends time at Summit Camp signs up for a day to be the House Mouse. Craig Clements and I held the esteemed position today. The House Mouse (or Mice in our case) is responsible for all of the dishes, scrubbing the floors, vacuuming, assisting the cook, etc. One would think that cleaning all day would sound dreadful, but Craig and I were actually pretty excited. It is nice to have a change of pace. Anything new is something to look forward to.
Team Craig (Beals and Clements) take on the duty of House Mouse at Summit Camp. Washing dishes and cleaning the Big House kept the team busy all day!
Speaking of looking forward to things, Camp was all abuzz again today because a small "Twin Otter" plane was flying in to refuel at noon. The pilot and passengers joined us for lunch before they continued their flight back to Kangerlussuaq (where we boarded the Hercules with skis that brought us up to Summit). The plane was outfitted with radar transmitters on the wings and as the pilot would fly over the ice sheet, the scientists in the back analyze the radar signal to gain information about the thickness of the ice. 300 gallons of avgas (aviation fuel) a warm cup of tea and some left over green shrimp curry and they were on their way!
It is funny how a plane landing can give the whole camp something to look forward to. We spend most of every day in an area about the size of a city block and even though there is plenty to see and do, an incoming plane is still a BIG deal for most of us! (It’s the little things ;)
![Flying Otter](/files/members/craig-beals/images/willowbentwinotter.jpg "Summit staffers Willow (mechanic) and Ben (equipment operator) await the "all clear" from the pilot of the Twin Otter so they can start refueling the plane. The staff not only takes on their daily duties but also act as air traffic control, ground crew, and refueling team when planes stop at camp.")
Summit staffers Willow (mechanic) and Ben (equipment operator) await the "all clear" from the pilot of the Twin Otter so they can start refueling the plane. The staff not only takes on their daily duties but also act as air traffic control, ground crew, and refueling team when planes stop at camp.
Food Update:
Lunch: Leftovers for lunch (I had the curry…again…) and fresh baked monster-sized chocolate chip cookies.
Dinner: Turkey with mushroom gravy, steamed veggies, portabella cakes, and sourdough chocolate cake. Oh, and of course, salad with homemade dressings and artichokes on top!
Stay Warm!!
PS. I have had many great suggestions about my journal closer ("Stay warm!!”). Today I received one from a good friend (John Wishman) that made me chuckle; "Keep your stick on the ice!”. Five bonus points to the first person who can name where that phrase comes from! ;)