Well here I am in Longyearbyen, back in the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) offices, borrowing a network connection. Need to check e-mail, download some satellite photos and make sure my credit card is paid off before I go.
Oh, I did get my luggage (even had a rush sticker on it). The only problem then was that my toothpaste had opened inside my toiletry bag, but that was easily solved with a rinse.
Today we did some searching for someone's equipment (not ours as we knew where it was). Found that and then went for breakfast. We then had three hours of gun training which was good as apparently there are lots of polar bears around here (someone was attacked near town last week).
We had to practice shooting, loading, safe handling etc. I did pretty good, kept my groups tight and could do a good job whether laying, kneeling or shooting. We practiced at 30m with a 30-06 (for those of who know gun caliber). We also got some practice in with flare guns which we can also use for scaring away bears (have flashbang cartridges).
The afternoon was spent cleaning the guns and then getting some gear to use on board and on the ice from NPI (this includes boots (winter and rubber safety), parkas, toques, mitts, waterproof mitts, coveralls, and most importantly survival suits (for working in on the ice or when we go in the small boats).
I think that this cruise will be a little more intense for me than the Larsen, sound like there will be lots of going off the boat in small boats out onto the ice, but as I am also supposed to do HEM flights, we'll see how often I am involved. I am looking forward to this cruise, hoping to be busy but also to have time to do some writing and processing of data. We will see.
Tonight we have a quick packing session at 6pm and then 7pm is a group supper so that everyone can meet. I have met many people already and I think I can convince them all to write a short post on my blog so that you can all learn why everyone is here.
I don't have much other news to report. Look for a blog post sometime tomorrow or the day after.
Cheers
Justin
Glad to hear your bags caught up to you! I hope the transition to the ship goes well.
ReplyDelete