Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 03/15/2009 - 16:36
Forums
Spring Plankton and Changing Ice Cover

Hi Ms. Welch, this is Isabel F the one from 2c. I would like to ask you a question. How do you keep your self warm? It is really cold! I will miss you. write back please!

Love, Isabel

Sat, 03/21/2009 - 15:48

Simone Welch

That's a great question Isabel! I've been busy packing up my warm gear and this is the plan...
Layer one: Long underwear (the thick stuff).
Layer Two: Windproof- waterproof snow pants, ski socks and a warm top.
Layer Three: Fleece.
Layer Four: Down Jacket and Snowboots.
Plus, there's the neck warmer, scarf, face mask, windproof hat, gloves AND mittens.
On the boat deck and on the ice I will be wearing a Mustang Survival Suit which is sort of all this stuff rolled into one! It's a big orange zip-up suit that floats if I fall in the ocean. Plus, I will be wearing steel-toed rubber boots since there is a lot of heavy machinery. They must know what a klutz I am! On the ice I will be wearing "bunny boots". Check out the photo gallery to see those.
I will miss you guys too! Keep the questions coming!
Ms. Welch

Sat, 03/28/2009 - 09:15

Louise, 2B

dear miss welch:
I was wondering how do animals keep themselves warm?
Love
Louise

Tue, 03/31/2009 - 19:48

Simone Welch

Hi Louise,
Fur. Fat. Feathers.
Those are the body basics of warmth for Arctic animals.  Some animals have adaptations in more than one of these categories. Polar bears for example, have fur that is shaped like a straw.  The hollowness of each hair not only traps their body heat but lets sunlight through to their black skin that soaks up the rays.  They also have a serious amount of blubber to keep them warm in icy water and alive through the lean winter months.
Birds like puffins have feathers that work like a raincoat when they are diving for a dinner of fish or crab. Keeping the cold water out lets them fish for food without freezing.  Some puffins also use the feathers to line their nests.  Talk about a featherbed!
That's what I know so far.  I'll keep you posted as I learn more!  Thanks for writing!  
Ms. W

Wed, 04/01/2009 - 16:32

Louise, 2B

Thanks Ms. Welch for this reply. That was a really long note. I wish you a wonderful stay in the polar region among the bears, the birds and the sea lions. Can you send me a picture of the polar region? Thank you.
Louise

Thu, 04/02/2009 - 16:03

Simone Welch

Hi again-
I will definitely bring lots back with me! Until then, check out the photo gallery on my expedition page.  I will be adding new photos all the time!  We set sail tomorrow from Dutch Harbor.  Get ready for the high seas!
Ms. W

Fri, 04/03/2009 - 07:56

Guest Carole Whelan

Keep up the great work! This is so exciting! I can't wait to see all your photos. People are going crazy bidding on your auction item. It's over $300 now and climbing!
What is the strangest thing you've eaten up in the frozen north? Whale blubber? :)
Carole W.

Fri, 04/03/2009 - 08:00

Guest Carole Whelan

I love your answer to how animals keep warm:
"Fur. Fat. Feathers." Sounds so funny! Sally Hunsberger just came in and says Sara misses you! They'll blog this weekend.

Mon, 04/06/2009 - 08:20

Guest

Hi Carole,
Thanks for following! There should be two more journals soon. There seems to be a bit of a delay. I miss you guys tons! That's great news about the auction item. I guess I better make this hike a good one and at least guarantee a salamander or two! :) Tell everyone I said hi! I'll keep writing! Enjoy the spring weather, I hear you guys are getting warmed up down there.
S

Mon, 04/06/2009 - 08:22

Guest

Hi Carole- I wrote you back and then it disappeared so I'm not sure if you are getting this twice. Thanks for writing! That's fabulous news about the auction item! I guess I better guarantee at least a salamander or two on this hike! There seems to be a bit of a delay in the journals so tell everyone to keep checking because I have been writing everyday. I miss you guys tons! Hope you are all getting out and enjoying the Spring. Save a little bit for me!
S

Mon, 04/06/2009 - 08:24

Guest

PS No strange foods yet. The "Coasties" just eat normal food so no whale blubber or seal jerky yet! :)