Last full day in Toolik and we were treated to a little helicopter ride out to the burn sites (wildfire in 2006). We took GPS coordinates of the sites and photograph the plots that received various treatments (Burn, Moderately Burn, Sever burn, and Nitrogen/Phosphorus). The flight out to the site is about 20 minutes in an itty bitty helo. Mini flights are taken between each flight. We saw lots of caribou on the ground and one grizzly bear. They look too little from the helicopter to take pictures of but you might be able to make them out in some of the images below. |
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So yesterday was gorgeous and sunny (65 deg) and I wore my sandals for the first time this trip. Today its 34 degrees and has been snowing all morning. Say what? We spent some time packing up our lab space and catching up on emails. I went back outside after the snow stopped and tried to capture some more pictures. Most of the snow at our altitude melted, but just a little higher than us the snow persists. Big change in population tonight. A group of artists arrived on a tour. Campus population has swollen and will reach 100 tomorrow.
Toolik Fine Dining
Safety and MedicalLiving in a remote field station where an encounter with a large game animal that may have a bad attitude is a possibility, safety is important. For any expeditions that are off the pad (main campus) you must sign out on a board with the time of departure, expected return time, and a latest possible return time. Researchers also have their pictures taken upon arrival so that everyone can determine who to look for. Bear spray is also available for check out. For other health needs, there is an EMT on staff and a stock of over the counter medicine in the main office. Remote InfrastructureLocated more than 350 miles or 9.5 hours by car north of the nearest major town of Fairbanks, AK (pop. 32 000). Supplies, energy, water and waste disposal are a concern. Trash is sorted for basic recycling, burn, and no burn. Materials that can be burnt are incinerated. Other trash must be shipped off site. Water management costs the facility 75 cents a gallon (there are signs to remind you posted by the sinks). Personal HygieneWith fresh water and grey water removal both being a concern showers are limited to twice a week, for two minutes each. The shower room contains sinks, cubbies, and shower stalls. There's a bin of shampoo and various other toiletries that guest may use. These are often left by previous guests and come in handy when you forget your contact solution or lotion. Other options for cleanliness include using the sauna which is open at least three days a week. Water in the sauna can be used to take a shower or if you are brave you can take a dip in the lake. There are two flushing toilets on campus, but everyone is encouraged to use the towers. Outhouses that sit up a flight of stairs. Toilet paper and personal hygiene products may not be flushed and are placed in a waste receptacle in each bathroom. The staff does a great job of keeping the area clean and the bathroom trashcans generally had very little need of the paper pusher. ResidencesUpon arrival to Toolik you will be assigned a weatherport or one of the dorms. The weatherports have small portable heaters and 2-6 beds with a mattress and possibly a small dresser. (I'll post indoor photos of the weather port later) The staff and dorms are more like trailers. The kitchen staff is great and it's nice to see they have a waterfront residence to themselves on the pad. Arctic Ground Squirrel - SiksikP Loop HikeThere's a 3 mile gravel hike that goes out to an old landing strip, that looks nothing like a landing strip that you can take to stretch your legs and get some exercise. I didn't figure out how to balance running and the lack of shower, but that is just me. Others have this down to a science and get their regular exercise in. There is also a workout room with mats, treadmills, etc but I prefer the outdoors for exercise. Down Time |
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