Journal Entry

Prepping for a Field Season

The weather here has taken a turn for the worse. We are now in "Condition 2", which means that visibility is drastically reduced due to high winds blowing snow. With the wind comes windchill, which makes it feel much colder than it really is. For example, right now its 3°F but feels like its about -20°F. Some of the buildings have air flows that make the wind howl as it passes.

"Condition 2" weather."Condition 2" weather.

We've been very busy these last couple of days getting ready for going out in the field, and we probably will be until we leave for the field next Wednesday. We've had lots of training sessions. Our biggest training event so far has been the Dry Valleys Shakedown. It used to be "Happy Camper School" but the trainers decided to rework the program to be more site-specific to where your field camp is going to be. For example, there's hardly any snow in the Dry Valleys, so while making a snow cave shelter would be fun, its not really practical training for us.

At our shakedown yesterday, we learned all about using radios, how to assemble a field toilet and kitchen, how to handle waste products in the field and have a good work flow with your campmates. Unfortunately, the weather was so horrible that we couldn't go out in the field as planned to practice some of our skills. On the other hand, we got to try out our tents and stoves inside, which was more comfortable.

At the Berg Field Center, the warehouse for gear.At the Berg Field Center, the warehouse for gear. G-063 in an Endurance tent.G-063 in an Endurance tent.

Today we got familiar with some of the equipment we will use in the field. I'm really grateful that Tyler and Justin have already got a lot of experience with it. We've got a drill for creating holes in the ice, generators, and a hole-melter for the dive hole. It seems like you need to know how to use the tools properly and also what to do when they won't work, because something is sure to either break or freeze or get stuck. We're preparing to be resourceful when that happens!

Taking a look at a jiffy drill (for ice drilling)Taking a look at a jiffy drill (for ice drilling)

Lastly, we went shopping! There's a warehouse that has equipment downstairs and food upstairs. We need to take 30 days worth of food for five people into the field with us. Some of the food was chosen for us, but we got to choose the fun stuff (cheezits!).

Food selections for field camping.Food selections for field camping.

Comments

Sun, 10/19/2014 - 13:28

Susan Steiner

Looking at the pictures you took inside, it doesn't look overly warm! hope you have lots of warm gear for camping! I wonder if you can get an audio clip of the howling wind.Our classes are following you, great to read your journals!

Mon, 10/20/2014 - 23:11

Lucy Coleman

Susan-
I'm staying nice and warm inside my Big Red, but the windchill adds a new dimension to being outside. The wind has died down a little bit, but if I get a chance to record it for you all, I will! Thank you to all of your students who are following along!

Lucy

Fri, 10/24/2014 - 13:52

Catey, Sydney,…

Is it cold enough in the buildings that you have to wear a jacket? Or do they have a form of heating that works well enough for no jacket? What is the temperature in the buildings on average? Do they have insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in?

Fri, 10/24/2014 - 15:51

Lucy Coleman

Inside the buildings, I’m warm enough with just a couple of layers on- like a shirt and a sweater. They keep the buildings comfortable. If its too warm, you end up feeling like you are completely undressing every time you come in!

On

Sat, 10/18/2014 - 15:36

Blanca Trombatore

Be Watchful and Wise, this is something you do only once, live it to the fullest, proud and thankful to spend time with you and your journals, My God bless you for teaching the masses!! ;)-/@==;