22 November

Actually saw a few stars for a short time, this morning.  It may have just been the fierce wind blowing snow in my eyes, though.

Doesn't look like the launch window will open until Monday so we'll probably be taking Sunday off.  So far, looks like clear skies are a possibility for Monday.  Sure would be nice to launch on the first day (after being here for two weeks).  Looking at the KHO all-sky camera, there are lots of stars now.  It sure would be nice to see some aurora but I don't think there is any expected.  Stars will do.

We use Skype, during the launch window.  Phone calls, too, but mostly we keep everyone updated by Skype.  One wise guy from the rocket range asked "What caliber rifle are you packing?  People want to know." They seem to enjoy the fact that Miguel is usually at the rocket range, all comfortable and warm, while I'm out in the wilds somewhere :)  I can't complain.  I definitely have more fun.  Well, Fort Yukon at -56 degrees WAS a bit of a challenge.

Saw some of these in the middle of the road, on the way down the mountain.  Pretty sure it's the Svalbardrein (Svalbard reindeer)  Long fur and pretty small. Obviously not my picture, since it's light.

We had stopped to enjoy looking at them and maybe take some pictures when Fred passed me, scaring them out of the road.  Maybe he didn't think they were as cute as we did.  I try to always let Fred take the lead because he drives a lot faster than I do and will pass me if I'm going to slow.  Kind of a big deal when you're on a snow covered road with only poles with red markers to indicate that you're on the road.

We were told that if we want to see some arctic fox, we should go to the back of the pizza restaurant.  I guess the employees regularly throw discarded pizza crusts to them.  I'm sure they're all a bit chunky (the foxes, not the employees).

Walked around town a bit this afternoon.  It has suddenly warmed up considerably.  You can hear the dripping off the roofs.

The "mall".  There are three small restaurants, a pharmacy, a bar, and a few clothing stores.  Mostly you see "outdoor" clothes.  A library upstairs.

Main Street

In the equivalent of a 7-Eleven, Mix,  I spotted this:

A bargain for only $10.  I'm not quite that desperate yet.

Looking over toward one of the mountains:

There's even a cinema. If we're still here 30 November, Hunger Games - Mockingjay is playing. Almost worth staying for!

After two weeks, I decided it was laundry day.  There are two good sized washers (free) and a drying room and drying cupboard with warm air feeding through it.  Unfortunately, with wool being the predominant clothing, the drying cupboard is usually full.  I made do.

The room is so warm, it'll probably be dry later today.  And it was.

Just looked at the Clemson University webcam page.  I shouldn't have.  There's so much light!!!

There's a lot of information about the town here including a map of the town:
University Centre in Svalbard

We've been to Svalbar so many times that we almost expect them to yell "Norm" when we come in :)  Don and Jason and Lamar and I had a great time.  Great dinner, as always.  There was a soccer match on the big screen TV (projector) and lots of yelling from the fans.  Day off tomorrow.  Don and Lamar were planning to have breakfast at the hotel next door.  Maybe we'll sleep past the usual 5 a.m.