6 January 2015

Ugh.  -31 this morning.  Not looking forward to getting into that cold car.  Unfortunately, I have to take Jon and Andrew to the University so that they can catch a ride with the truck heading up the Dalton Hwy to Coldfoot and Toolik.  It's a week before the launch window opens but the truck only goes once a week.  Gives a few extra days in case of bad weather.  Atigun Pass is sometimes closed for a couple days.  For all you Ice Road Trucker fans, you will recognize the name and recall that it is a very steep mountain they drive over.  On the way, they stop at the only truck stop between here and the Arctic Ocean.  That's one of our camera sites, Coldfoot Truckstop.  I've spent several weeks there, over the years.  On one of the trips, one of the employees took me out on his dog sled.  He drove it, to begin with, so that the dogs would get some of the energy out of their systems.  I sat in the sled for that part.  Unfortunately, in addition to getting energy out of their systems, they also got a lot of gas out of their systems.  I was at gas level.  I personally think that THAT is why he drove the sled to begin with.  Much better once I was up above their level.  Fun!

The truck departed on schedule with only one minor hitch.  When I got back to the Wedgewood, I noticed a WALLET on the passenger seat.  After a quick call, I was able to meet them before they left town.  Disaster averted!  Both arrived safely and will now proceed with site setup.

One of my favorite places to be here is the Barnes and Noble.  A warm spot with Starbucks coffee :)  Love to sit in front of the fireplace.