Communication, communication, communication!
Learning about journal writing.
The last two days in Fairbanks, we have focused on communication. Journal writing, camera and photo management and techniques have allowed me to become an "expert" in creating and posting journals on the PolarTREC website. Tuesday began with a webinar with all of the PolarTREC researchers from around the world, who had access to a phone, to meet and briefly discuss their research. This allowed us to experience what a real webinar is like and how the PolarTREC staff coordinates and manages the experience. Next we went on to learn more about journaling, a tool for reflection and outreach. We all shared our ideas of what makes good journaling and created a list of those ideas for later use.
Cold weather gear.
After lunch, we got to go on a field trip! We boarded the big white van and drove to the CH2M Hill Polar Services Arctic Field Research Support warehouse. There we met Matt Iriniga, who showed us the type of cold weather gear we might be issued prior to our expedition. Robbie Score, who actually searched for meteorites on Antarctica with a previous professor of mine (Dr. William Cassidy, University of Pittsburgh Department of Geology and Planetary Science) reassured me that I would be completely outfitted and ready for Summit, Greenland. Even though temperatures will dip below -40 degrees Fahrenheit at times, the clothing will protect the human skin as long as you have the right gear. I agree with the Norwegian Proverb "There is no bad weather, just bad clothing". Thanks for the great gear Robbie!
Screen shot of PolarTREC Web page.
Wednesday morning began with more journaling and an intro to Virtual Base Camp (VBS) by Ronnie. This is where a person would go to learn more about the expeditions. Ronnie walked us through how to upload, save photos in the correct format and size. After that, we got to work in groups and upload our first entry. Jeff Peneston (PolarTREC 2008) shared with us some tips and strategies on journaling. Ute Kaden (PolarTREC 2007) finished off the morning by encouraging us to "live in the moment" and not to get too overwhelmed by all of the "stuff". Speaking of stuff, we had some white stuff falling from the sky today! Good luck to all the PolarTREC teachers going on the 5k today (you're crazy!).
Snow on May 5th in Fairbanks, Alaska.
The afternoon involved a field trip to the University of Alaska Museum of the North. There I got to take in some great Alaskan art and experience Alaskan wildlife, history and geology. Our tour guide took us "behind-the-scenes" to see specimens that were not available to the public. She was also carrying her 7month old daughter, Lilly, in a wrap. It reminded me of my wife and three kids back home in Pennsylvania. They all spent some time in carriers like that. I sure do miss my wife and kids. I also wonder how families function when one or both partners travel for several weeks or months out of year? Quiz time!!! Does anyone know the year the University of Alaska was founded? Check back tomorrow to find out.
All the best,
Jim