THE Much Anticipated Pre-Field Call
For every PolarTREC teacher, the Pre-Field call is one of the most anticipated events prior to the research expedition. I was excited when I received my ARCUS computer and again when I received my camera for the expedition...but nothing compares to getting to sit down and get to the “nitty-gritty” of EXACTLY what is going to happen when I am in the field!
Our Pre-field call happened earlier this week. It was a chance for the PolarTREC/ARCUS management team, the Chief Scientist; Dr. Carin Ashjian, the Polar Services Provider and myself to go through all of the logistics of the expedition. I was SO excited to finally be moving to this phase of the project! We are getting close, within a month of departure!
Chantelle on the Pre-Field Call
Our expedition is a ship based expedition on the United States Coast Guard Cutter HEALY. We will be taking many samples in order to gain chemical, physical and biological information about the winter Arctic waters. Much, much more will come about our science, the tools, processes and discoveries once the mission is underway!
Our research team will be divided into two shifts. I was very excited to learn that I will be working the DAY SHIFT!! And my next question...what are the hours of the day shift? 10:00 am to 10:00 pm!! To put this into perspective, my normal school work day is 7:20 am to 2:20 pm...7 hours! Of course, I take work home; papers to grade, lessons to plan, etc...BUT I am physically at work for 7 hours. THIS WILL BE A CHANGE! I anticipate spending every waking hour on the ship working and learning and talking to all of the interesting people that will be on-board! I am hoping to be able to work the night shift at least one night as well!
We squared away our airline arrangements, anticipated day to day activities, and necessary cold weather gear and clothing. More on my gear in the next journal!
Living conditions were discussed...I will be in a college style dorm room with bunk beds, fold out couch and sink. Between every two rooms is the “HEAD” - the toilet and shower to be shared by 4 people. Meals are tasty! There is a coffee shop and an exercise room and I am expected to do my own laundry – no change there from home!
The ship has internet service and is expected to remain in low enough latitudes to keep service for the duration of the expedition. Though we will have access to the internet, no Facebook, no downloading music, videos and only low bandwidth activity is permitted. Our email service is through the Iridium satellite system. The Iridium satellite constellation is a system of 66 active satellites used for worldwide voice and data communication. It is unique as it covers the entire Earth, including the poles, oceans and airways! I will dedicate a journal entry to Iridium satellites later during the expedition.
Stay tuned for more! Until then...
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever” Mohandas Gandhi