Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 08/19/2013 - 13:48
Forums
Drumlin Formation in Iceland

-Hey Mr. Esler I would like to know how you feel about the expedition as a whole. Obviously you enjoyed it.....who wouldn't?! Did you retrieve enough samples to conduct all of the test that you want to conduct? What did you learn about Icelandic culture? and What were some of your favorite parts of the expedition? (excluding the beautiful vistas and the great people). And also if you could walk us through an average day while you were collecting samples (a timeline would be awesome!!!) Thank you for sharing all of these cool journals and videos with us. I really enjoyed reading the journals, looking at the amazing pictures and learning som much about glaciers and drumlin formations. -best of luck and have a safe journey home Nic Steiner

Tue, 08/20/2013 - 02:35

Jamie Esler

Hi Nic,I really appreciate your questions, and am glad that you enjoyed
following along with the research this summer. One of my PolarTREC
Teacher requirements is to write a reflective essay which covers exactly
what you have asked me: "How do I feel about the expedition as a
whole?" Honestly, I am excited enough about the entire experience that
I could probably write my essay here for you now, but I'll give you the
annotated version instead. :)
- Yes, we successfully collected enough samples. The rest of the
research team is heading back next summer for more sampling, but this
summer was very successful based on their expectations of what we would
get done in the 18 days out there.
- Icelandic culture is quite different than what we are used to. In
some regards, it is also quite similar (capitalism, deomcracry, etc.).
A few things I noticed immediately: pedestrians ALWAYS have the right
of way on the roads and cars stop for you no matter where you are on the
street if you are crossing, they eat LOTS of canned fish and sour dairy
products (this took a bit to get used to...), housing is much more
communal that in the states with many more apartments than single houses
public transportation is everywhere and really quite affordable, there
is a belief in elves and elfin folklore throughout the country (more on
this when i get back), there are sheep EVERYWHERE and people wear lots
of woolen clothing, and nearly everyone I met spoke wonderful English
(and often times French, Danish, or German as well).
- My favorite parts of the expedition include the days in the field when
the sun was shining, my hikes up on the glacier with the GPR, the
helicopter rides, and sitting around in the cook tent with the Nordic
researchers and learning all about Nordic cultures (jokes, stories, etc.
it was hilarious!).
- I have TONS of video footage that I am going to be editing into short
10 minute films to show you all in class throughout the year. These
will probably give you the best idea of what an 'average day while
collecting samples' was all about.
This is easily the coolest thing I have ever done as a teacher, and I am
so excited for how it is going to enhance our work together in IBESS
this year.
See you in a few weeks Nic,
Mr. Esler