Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 08/26/2013 - 09:42
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Arctic Sunlight and Microbial Interactions

Hi Mr. Taterka,

While watching the video, reading the article, and reading some of the journal entires, I became curious as to how you prepared for your trip. Was there certain training that you did for yourself in order to be able to hike so far and frequently in Alaska? Also, what kinds of things did you have to pack to aid you on your trip? How much research on permafrost in the Tundra did you prepare prior to leaving for Alaska? Although these are not very scientific questions, I am very curious to know how one would prepare for such an excursion.

-Liz Guilmette

Tue, 08/27/2013 - 05:57

Anonymous

Liz -
Good questions! Preparation is always important for a major expedition, as well as everything else in life. I spent a lot of time preparing before I went. I read everything I could about the work that the scientists on my team were doing, I read the journals of teachers who had worked at the Toolik Field Station in past years, I checked weather records to see what I should expect, and I gathered gear lists from a bunch of different places to make sure I had everything I needed. I also went to Alaska during our MHS spring break for a week of training. So I was pretty ready, and it paid off because I had everything I needed and the expedition went great. Preparation is the key!
- Mr. T