Our first day in the field began with a wonderful smorgasbord for breakfast at 8AM which consisted of homemade bread, numerous toppings, cereals, juices, fruits and vegetables. This is similar to what we eat in the United States, although a few of the items we consider lunch items as opposed to breakfast. It's been great trying new foods and routines (this 24 hr day thing is still in mind boggling!) although the latter is more of a challenge than the former!By 9:15AM we were gathered at the storage garage to pick up our field equipment, and Al mentioned that the goal for the day would be to set up the boats and download some data. Everyone took a few items since our legs are the only mode of transportation to the study site. Al shared the routine for the day and we set out on our hike. On the way we say a pod (or gam) of beluga whales frolicking in the cove, we saw a couple of reindeer foraging for food, and we also saw an Arctic tern (the PolarTREC mascot/logo bird!). It seems as if we hiked forever, but time went quickly as the 13 of us mingled, stopped to take pictures, pick up way-cool rocks and other interesting debris, and listened to Al and Mike share their passionate knowledge of the natural history of the Linne Valley and Lake Linne. As an educator I looked to learn and grow from the teachers around me, and I'm taking advantage of this expedition to not only learn the science, but also to learn new ways to teach. Al and Mike are wonderful educators who challenge and inspire their audience with their inquiry -based teaching methods and enthusiasm for their subject matter. How can anyone not learn from these two dynamite educators!
Al filling the team in on the details of the day
Our hike began on fairly flat terrain, but eventually we found ourselves bouldering and rock scrambling on the moraines from the cliff adjacent to the lake. That slowed the hike down, but watching our footing is a priority. Dressing for the first day in the field was tricky since we knew we would be out for a long day, the weather is changeable, and accidents happen. So this meant packing in layers and bringing extra clothing. In regards to footwear, I opted for my muckboots which are insulated, waterproof, and go up to my knee, and I'm glad I did since we crossed numerous streams and mudflats, and I got sucked in up to my knee in one!
Lake Linne is about 3km long and this is the view from the north end. Our work is on south end
We finally made it to the south end of the lake where there was a little red hut used for storing equipment and for sleeping if necessary, and in here was stored our inflatable boats we use every day to get across the lake. We inflated them, attached the motors, and secured them to the beach of the lake. Next was a short hike to the weather station where we downloaded the data that had been accumulating for the past year. The station measures air temperature, soil temperature, wind speed and direction, downward radiation, upward radiation, rain, and a couple of other parameters. After ensuring the batteries were still working in the weather station, we made our way back to the hut to and then back to Isfjord Radio. By the time we got back to our field station at 6:45PM, we had hiked 20km (12 miles) for the day. This will not be the distance every day since a boat ride will reduce the distance a bit. A tired bunch, we ate a wonderful dinner (lamb, carrot salad, green beans, potatoes) and dessert (fruit salad), most everyone retired to the conference area to either work on their project proposals or have fun analyzing the weather data. Guaranteed that it won't matter if light is sneaking through the curtains tonight while we sleep!
The shack is used to store equipment during the field season and between field seasons
After inflating the boat the team hauls it down to the lake
Weather data is very easily downloaded from the field
After a long first day in the field it was nice to see the Isfjord Radio at Kapp Linne
Task of the day: Plan a hiking trip - and get outside and enjoy it! Be sure to bring family and/or friends to share the time!
(Be sure to visit the photo gallery for additional pictures!)