12 November

Long day on the mountain top.  Dug out an area for the tripods only to find out that we could expect a lot of drifting snow on that side of the building.  Keep in mind that this was snow up to my chest.  So, tomorrow we set up on the road.  Exciting drive up to Mine 7 with lots of switchbacks.  Then we piled in to the Hagglund

for the last leg of the journey.  I was lucky to ride in the front car.  Several people were in the back car with nothing to hold on to :)  I can't even imagine.  Andrew did say he banged his head on the ceiling on the way back.
We didn't see the sun but you can see that there was some light behind the mountains.  That lasted a few hours. 
So, I have to get firearms training.  Since I'll be outside the building, it's required.  I guess I'll carry a rifle as I check my camera boxes :)  Sounds funny but when you're standing out there in the dark, you can't help but listen for oncoming polar bears.  It's a very serious issue.  I am happy that I will have two Japanese observers with me, since I've heard that polar bears like Japanese food.
It's a bit of a pain to have to take your shoes off every time you go inside, especially when you are going right back out.  I've learned to bring my own slippers, since guest shoes are not great.  You leave your outside shoes in the bin.

Walking in town this morning, to get a sandwich for lunch, you could actually see a bit.  That's a mountain at the end.

The main University building is really nice.  All wood with lots of angles.

I love this hat!

So, back at it again tomorrow.  Progress has been made in that we determined where to put the cameras and where to put the laptops and run cables.  Small details left, like getting around having to enter a code each time we want to come back into the building.  A very small keypad, very big gloves - you get the picture.  Just raise the garage door, they tell me.  Right.  I can barely budge it! 
The big boots kept my feet warm and I have yet to wear the down pants.  This is definitely NOT Alaska!!