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High Arctic Change 09

Hi Mike! I never thought anyone would take flip flops to Svalbard, so I was excited to see you and other REU students wearing them outside. I guess the muck boots are better in the field though. We (my daughter and I) are really enjoying learning about glaciers since we are looking across the water right now in Homer, AK at a a couple of them.
When we hiked next to Root Glacier in the Wrangell Mountains we were amazed at the noises that kept coming from the glacier. Are you guys experiencing the same thing? Is your video camera good enough to catch that audio? I tried, but didn't have much luck with my Flip camera. What are guys up to next? Enjoy! Betsy Wilkening

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 10:07

Mike Rhinard

Hi Betsy, and family,
I thought you would like the flip flops.  You set the bar high at Fairbanks and Barrow.  Figured even though it's warmer here, I'm farther north.  So that's gotta count, right? 
It was 95*F when I left Boise.  Figured I would wear them on the trip.  Was pleasantly surprised that when we did arrive in Svalbard, at oh 11pm or so, it was rather mild out.  But after waiting a while for our ride, I had to put more on.  So the flip flops are my dorm shoes only now.
 
As for the sounds coming from the glaciers . . . Oh Yeah!   Gunshots and thunder is what it sounds like to me.  We always look to see if it's calving.  Sometimes it calves huge and it is loud and echoes along the glacier front.  Quite an experience.
The ice bergs, and bergy bits in the saltwater sound like Rice Krispies snapping and crackling.  Oh, and Popping.  Forgot "Pop".
Keep checking in.  Got some great footage of a huge calving event today on the Pentax from ARCUS.  The Flip just doesn't capture it, you're right.  
I did bring a Sony Handycam, but haven't had it out in time.  Maybe someday.
Keep having fun in AK.