Five of the Joint ED team gathered in Scotia, New York just as the sun was beginning to rise. The friendly and helpful crew of the 109th organized and stacked our gear along as we showed our passports and then waited in a room for flight information.
Sunrise in New York
We were a part of a group of more than twenty plus other scientists, logistics crew, students and contractors. Enthusiasm was evident as the five of us jumped aboard the bus for the plane. Soon to be strapped into our cargo net seat, ear protection employed and a brief safety information speech about emergency exit... we were ready to fly! It took us almost five hours to Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada and it was great to stretch our legs and look at a large world map even if it was short.
Once again underway, most of the folks went quickly back to their books, naps or scrabble games! It might sound uncomfortable to be sitting in a net seat in a crowded plane with people, gear, instruments and pallets of food but really it was all part of the adventure! In between naps and reading my book I stole glimpses through the small porthole windows beside me.
109th packing gear
Cargo seats on board the C-130
Incredible views could be had out the tiny side windows but the real treat was joining the flight crew for the wide vista out the front! Renee made sure to get the students up front so they could get a perspective of land, ice and fjords as we made our approach to Greenland. Lots of photos of the water, land and eventually ice were taken by the steady stream of visitors to the cockpit!
View of Greenland out the cockpit window
Shortly after landing we were greeted by Robbie, my treasure of a planner and support. Once we were transported back to the KISS (Kangerlussuaq International Science Support) building, given our room keys and some information about getting cold weather gear (tomorrow) we were then whisked off to the airport for the dinner meal. This is where we were able to join the rest of our team - everyone coming from Denmark and northwest Greenland arrived earlier in the day, and they were already sitting down for dinner! Introductions and suggestions for food choices turned to conversations about travel, flights and the adventures of the day. It was a good way to start our week together!