The second day of Armed Forces Day has begun. The main events today are The Arctic Games in the gym and a craft sale. There is another movie today. Every weekend the base plays movies. I am enjoying my weekend and I took advantage of the late start to watch a little TV in bed. At the Community Center the base personnel and visitors to the base can rent movies. I took advantage of this and got out the entire first season of Homeland which I have always wanted to watch. All of our rooms have microwaves, refrigerators, TVs, and a DVD player. I don't have to share my room but the bathroom is shared. It is a very nice room. Very posh for field work. I am thankful I have internet and heat. Many of the other participants in PolarTREC live rough.
A Polar Bear Tooth that was on display at the craft fair during Armed Forces Day at Thule Air Force Base.
For brunch today there was some traditional Danish Food. I enjoyed having the chance to try some new dishes. The main cafeteria here is called Dundas. It is buffet style. The food is plentiful and tasty. My favorite meal of the day is breakfast, but if you know me that is no big surprise. They have pancakes every morning which is one of my favorite things to eat. Both lunch and dinner come with dessert. I am not gong to lose any weight while I am here.
Traditional Danish Food Served at Thule Air Base Greenland.
After brunch I made my way over to the gym to watch the Arctic Games. The participants had to jump hurdles, do a long jump, do a high kick where one kicks a ball that is above ones head. It was crazy to watch. There was also a run outside. I unfortunately wimped out and only watched the indoor activities. The gym is gorgeous and I had a chance to use some of the equipment. There is even a rock wall, sauna, and massage lounge with hot tea and coco. I was very impressed. I stayed there for several hours just playing, and I intend to go back this week. We leave for Kanger on Thursday so I am going to get as much Thule time as I can.
High kick, taken during the Arctic Games at Thule Air Base for Armed Forces Day.
It has been nice to have some down time and to get to know the crew and some of the base personnel. Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. Life on the base is fun but there is nothing around for miles. It is light here for the entire day and night. I have never had a problem sleeping and even though it is still light at night with the curtains drawn I can't even tell.
It has not gotten above freezing but the snow is still melting. It refreezes and it does not melt a lot. The sun is so intense that even thought it is still technically freezing some of the snow will melt. I wear my sunglasses everywhere because it is extremely bright out. I like to walk outside during the day even though it is cold because it is very nice and sunny even if it's not warm.
I am including a link to an article written in the Washington Post about the mission flow last Friday April 14 2017 by NASA Operation IceBridge P-3 over Peterman's Glacier. Here are some photos from the flight of the Glacier.
Calving front Pertermann Glacier. Courtesy of James Yungel.
Drainage Channels in Petermann Glacier. Courtesy of James Yungel.
3D rendering of the ATM T6 wide scan Lidar elevation plot over the drainage channel of Petermann Glacier. Courtesy of James Yungel.
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