Polar Night Trip: 12.30.22, Temp 0 (feel -14). 5 Adventurous Teachers (all from the Midwest) have joined me to experience the Arctic and Polar Night this week. Highlights Today: We learned about coastal erosion, made Arctic sea ice snow angels, visited the Inupiat Heritage Center, learned about the rich local culture, and was given an incredible tour by Search and Rescue.
Group at the whale bone arch.
The team at Search and Rescue gave us a very educational tour of all they do to save lives at the top of the world.
Polar Night Trip: 12.31.22. Temp 1 F,(Feels like -6). It’s so much fun sharing the beauty of the Arctic, Utqiagvik and Polar Night with a group of teachers who really appreciate being here! So far today we found polar bear tracks, explored different parts of town, and met with a very kind and knowledgeable Arctic scientist (Thanks Todd!). Tonight, we celebrate! Happy New Year Everyone!
Todd with Wildlife, taught us about the fishery and changes in the sea ice.
We were able to tour the Barrow Arctic Research Center.
The Anaktaqtitchirit committee hosted the Christmas Games for the New Years week. We were able to watch, learn and take part in the activities.
Arm wresting for the Christmas games.
The Hecharecks prepared a feast of traditional foods for the group to enjoy, including whale, caribou and seal.
We enjoyed many Arctic adventures looking for wildlife. We were able to find Polar Bear and Arctic Fox tracks but our furry friends eluded us on this trip. This didn't dampen any spirits, it was incredible just experiencing the Arctic together. Everyone in the group had such positive, easy going attitudes and that really made all the difference.
Our Arctic Adventure Van.
On the search for Polar Bear tracks.
Arctic moments
Warm hearts and positive attitudes prevailed.
The New Years Celebration at the Top of the World was incredible!
The visiting teachers (and myself) had an incredible Polar Night trip to the Arctic. By the time the experience was over, the group felt more like a family instead of a group of new friends. From the group taking turns cooking meals to helping each other out of snowdrifts, to all the laughs/great conversations, I really appreciate all this group did to make the Winter Trip a positive experience for all! Certainly a trip of a lifetime! ---Kirsten
If you are thinking about joining a future trip, please see the reviews below.
Trip Reviews:
"This trip was such an amazing experience. I never dreamed I would go to the Arctic Circle, let alone enjoy it so much (I hate being cold)! The experiences that Kirsten arranged for us were unique and fascinating. We learned so much about science, history, and culture. The people in Utqiagvik were friendly and inviting. If you like adventure, I highly recommend that you go on a trip with Kirsten!" --Cami Hopper (Winter Trip)
"What an amazing trip! From start to finish our days were filled with informative tours, interviews, and activities. Things were always moving and changing so flexibility is the key but that also granted us even more opportunities than what was on our original agenda. Kirsten worked to make all of our agenda items happen and got us a few extra added items as well. We did miss whaling but that wasn't anything that could be controlled. She listened to what we wanted to see and do and tried her best to make it happen for us. She introduced us to genuinely amazing people who answered all of our questions, giving up their time to inform and educate us. Even after being home for several weeks we are in amazement of all we were able to see and do. We are currently working with Kirsten to plan and implement a unit for our 4th graders, sharing everything we learned and bringing the arctic into our classrooms." ----Deanna Plum (Fall Trip)