How many gloves do you really need??
This has been an exciting week! I have been receiving FedEx packages all week! It feels like Christmas when I open them up and find out what is inside.
It feels like Christmas when all the FedEx packages started to arrive!
I have the task of matching Dr. Ashjian's personal packing list with the items that I have received from Robbie at Polar Field Services and my own personal collection of winter gear. What a TASK!!! Let's start with the work clothes...my work environment will change based upon the needs and Plan of the Day. I could be outside on the deck, I could be in a cold room or I could be in a regular laboratory setting. I have to be prepared to work in all of those conditions!!
I am anxiously awaiting my Mustang suit. This will be provided by the United States Coast Guard aboard the Cutter HEALY. A Mustang suit is a full body neoprene cold water immersion suit that also acts as a floatation device. I will be required to wear this each time I go out on the deck. That eliminates the need for me to pack lots of bulky coats and pants.
Dressing in layers is the key...I have been told to be prepared to add or remove layers to control comfort of body temperature. If I am working in the lab, I will wear regular clothes. Jeans, a fleece undershirt and hooded sweatshirt fit the bill! If I am in the cold room, I will add long underwear to my outfit. I also have fleece hoodies, fleece pull-overs and a Down vest to add more layers as necessary! I am confident that I have made good choices in my clothing options!
My friends joked that I will be wearing "the official shoe of Alaska". These are Xtra Tuf's - steel toed rubber boots. Of course I will need wool boot socks, wool felt boot liners and I'm planning on taking "Hot Hands" to wear in my boots as well! My feet should stay toasty warm!!
The official footwear of Alaskans! (So I'm told!!)
My face and head will be kept warm with a turtle fleece neck gaiter, balaclava and new fleece-lined neoprene face mask. I have a fleece hat and a collection of other hats I plan to bring aboard to remain both stylish and warm!
So..how many pairs of gloves do I need? I need specialized gloves for working with the samples we collect. These are heavy rubber gloves with fleece lining (1). I need thin undergloves (2 and 3) to go under my latex lab gloves for working in the cold room or with cold water samples. I need fingerless gloves (4) for working in the cold room. I need warm mittens (5) - thank you BRIAN for letting me use your ski mittens! I need old padded gloves (5), work gloves (6) for general work purposes and (7) a spare pair "just in case!". Is 7 gloves enough to keep my hands warm while in the Arctic?? We shall see!!
So many different kinds of gloves!
Stay tuned to this journal as prepare to embark on this very exciting expedition! Until then…
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mohandas Gandhi
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