"Packing is my pet hate." -Seal (musician)
Today's journal entry was inspired by questions from Piedmont students Marley Mooney, Sarah Stetz, Kendal Morris, and Bradley Karibian.
They all wanted to know what I would wear and did I have to buy anything special.
I really didn't buy that much, it appears summer in the Arctic is very much like winter in Oklahoma! But how do you pack for a 33 day trip and in unfamiliar weather conditions? I did some research, but there isn't a ton of information available when you Google, "How to pack for a research trip in remote North Slope of Alaska." Go figure. However, the PolarTREC team, my mentor teacher DJ Kast, my researchers Dr. Oberbauer and Dr. May, and of course, my personal clothes fairy from CPS logistics, Fran Kohl, have filled in the gaps. I'm sure I have missed something, but basically I have packed:
- 4 shirts and 3 pairs of pants
- Rain gear (rain jacket and pants)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Regular sneakers for around camp
- 3 sets of thermals for different temperatures (It will be colder in Utqiagvik than in Toolik.)
- Lots of socks and underwear!
- Heavy winter coat
- Fleece jacket
- Bug jacket
- Ballcap and warm hat
- Gloves
- Towel and toiletries (but just the bare minimum)
- Laptop and electronic devices (I have wifi at both Utqiagvik and Toolik and cell service in Utqiagvik only.)
Somehow it all fits in two duffles and a backpack.
Everything packed and waiting!
One thing I know as a teacher is how to be resourceful and flexible. The classroom teaches you very quickly that things rarely go as planned and you are always thinking on your feet. Even if I don't have every material possession I need or wished I had, I'm confident I can make it work!
Add new comment