Time to pack up my bags for the Arctic Circle! After meeting with Elliot last month, I knew it was time to get serious about gathering my supplies and gear for the expedition.
Ok kids, how many items can you identify for my Arctic Circle expedition?
I spent several weeks buying cold weather clothing and stock piling food to bring on the trip. I got a helping hand from CH2M Hill which provided essentials like a down jacket, fleece pants, work gloves, and bunny boots. Thanks Robbie Score! I also visited Sports Chalet like a million times looking for thermals, polarized sunglasses, and a sleeping bag liner.
And the answer is........10!
Now boarding, Flight 149!
After throwing in a few more items into my 4 pieces of luggage this morning, such as my best friend - hand sanitizer. I use loads of the stuff. Guess I'm ready to go to Alaska! Farewell Los Angeles.
No need to wear this hat in Los Angeles! Better save it for the expedition!
At the airport, I checked in a whopping 137 pounds of checked luggage (that's more than I weigh) and I still carried on a backpack and roller bag. I have three stops on my way to the Arctic Circle. First I stop in Anchorage, second a stop in Fairbanks, and my final destination is Barrow.
Come fly away, come fly away, come fly away with me…
Each of my stop overs are about an hour and I was lucky enough to spot my first Alaskan polar bear!
This polar bear really likes me; he really likes me!
On the plane, I sat next to Courtney, a super nice local girl. She's 13, the same age as the students I teach back in Los Angeles!
I'm Famous!
By the way, I made the front page of the Daily Breeze newspaper!! A reporter, Rob Kuznia, visited me at my house yesterday to write an article about my research expedition. I thought the story would end up in some obscure section somewhere in the back, so I was totally surprised when my sister Armida calls me on my cell as I'm waiting in line for baggage check and yells "You're on the front page of the Daily Breeze! I'm getting 10 copies!"
I made the front page of the newspaper!