Our Fall Arctic Odyssey trip hosted Deanna and Angie, two amazing 4th grade teachers from eastern Oregon.
Highlights Included:
Beach walks to learn about, and experience the effects of, coastal erosion first hand in communities in the Arctic. We also witnessed the evidence of the efforts, over time, to save the community. We found skeletons of past lost battles that included old tires, metal barrels, and sandbags scattered along the beach. We also learned about new efforts coming in the future, as well as the costs, including a possible sea wall.
We visited with scientists who taught us about the caribou and other wildlife migrations and adaptations, as well as the challenges scientists face conducting their research in the Arctic. Above are radio collars for Caribou used over time. We also got to tour the NOAA facility and learn about the air quality studies, including rising CO2 levels, that scientists are tracking in the Arctic.
We were lucky enough to sight a family of polar bears napping on the tundra after enjoying a meal provided by the latest whale hunt. They were laying down across a not so frozen lagoon and we enjoyed watching them through our camera lenses and binoculars.
We took a tour of Alaska only Tribal College, Ilisagvik College. One of the few colleges located in the Arctic around the world, and located in an old WWII Arctic Naval Base.
We toured the North Slope Search and Rescue Facility, with its director Heather, responsible for savings lives throughout the Arctic.
Then it was off to learn about Utqiagvik's Utilities Tunnel with Yves Brower. This helps keep the lines of the city from freezing during winter and makes it easy to fix issues. This was a 1+billion dollar project when these tunnels were created.
This was a special treat. The ladies got their change to go dog mushing in the Arctic with Utqiagvik's last dog team. To learn more about this team: https://www.ktoo.org/2019/03/01/taking-a-ride-with-the-last-dog-team-left-in-utqiagvik/
The Northern Lights even showed themselves for us briefly one night. Special thanks to Monica Lugo for driving us out to the edge of town so we could get a better look!
All and all our Fall trip was a success! Both Deanna and Angie were easy going, flexible and up for anything. Their trip didn't always follow the schedule. As a result of their willingness to go with it, they were able to experience so many of the wonders of the Arctic. Thank you ladies!
Each trip will have its own highlights, be its own adventure, but will always be an experience you will never forget. If you'd like to join me on a future trip, please contact me by emailing kirstenalburgstudio@gmail.com. I'd love to have you!
Upcoming trips: New Years, Spring, Summer.
Best Wishes, Kirsten
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