Heading for the airport, I realize that I am about to begin what will be a remarkable adventure. Leaving my home and family back in New Jersey, I am on my way to Fairbanks, Alaska for the PolarTREC Orientation and ShareFair where I will be prepared for my research expedition in Kamchatka, Russia. This remote Siberian location holds anticipation and adventure to be sure.
The Tanana Trade Center begins to fill with people from all regions of the United States. The mood is eager and energetic as folks arrive and greet each other as we start the PolarTREC Orientation. We’ve all come here to learn about how we as teachers can best assimilate ourselves into the research project to which we have been assigned and how we can prepare ourselves, both physically and mentally, for the expedition that we will soon embark on.
I am anxious throughout the first day or two of our orientation as I learn that I will be the first teacher to leave for their research site from this group. I am feeling the stress and coming to the realization of all that lies ahead of me in the next two months in ways of mental and physical preparation. By day three I am beginning to relax as I synthesize the fact that we are all in the capable hands of PolarTREC aficionados. They have an expertly crafted model and have mapped out a plan to methodically lead us to a place where we will be ready.
By day two I have interacted with the other teachers and staff in the room enough to realize that I am among some extraordinary people. Their accomplishments and adventures seem to run the gamut from space flight to people whom have mountain ranges named after them. The diversity is astounding, yet we all are brought together by one palpable synergistic bond – we are filled with the spirit of adventure.
I invite you to join me as I set out on this polar research expedition and share my discoveries and stories along the way. As I am inspired to go into the remote wilderness, I hope you will be eager to watch and listen my pursuit of science and learn the crazy things that I’ll most assuredly encounter along the way.
Claude Larson walking along the shore of the Tanana River before a group dinner at a local establishment, The Pump House Restaurant.
Claude Larson poses under a record setting set of moose antlers.