Permafrost outreach 2009

After installing the thermister and data logger in the bore hole, Kenji talked to the students at the Gladys Dart School (Manley Hot Springs). We spoke with Gladys last night and received a personal welcome, we promised to provide a unique experience for the students. After the talk we all visited the permafrost station in the chilly wind. They were all good tough Alaskan kids!

Soon after the talk, we frantically packed our sleds for our departure. Although we simulated the actual pack over and over again prior to our trip, it took much longer to actually pack all of our gear (mostly drilling equipment).

By noon we hit the trail. Still strong wind from the north was blowing down and across the river. Luckily the trail was well marked and packed down enough that traveling was relatively smooth. But the wind was just constantly hitting us from one direction or another. Kenji's sled had minor problems with the hitch. The bolts holding the sled snapped and broke. The quick fix was to tie the sled with a rope.

4:00PM we arrived safely at Tanana. It was a great relief to make it there without other problems. Dorothy and other teachers welcomed our arrival. Tomorrow should be a calmer day, according to the weather forecast. We shall wait and see.

Due to limited access of the Internet we were not able to update yesterday.