Loading the twin otter in Resolute for our early morning flight.
Sunday afternoon, July 8. I'm on Devon Island!
Well, I finally made it. We've had a spell of sunny, still weather the past couple of days that has really helped with the Devon Island logistics. It also made me very happy when we arrived and had to set up our tents that we didn't have to do it in the freezing rain. We were originally scheduled to leave Resolute for Devon Island at 4 am today but that was moved up to 2 am. Got the wake up call at 12:30 am, my fuzzy brain couldn't quite analyze what was going on at first but excitement and anticipation soon cleared the cobwebs. We loaded up and were in the air by 2 am, it was clear and the sun was low in the sky making for beautiful lighting. The flight the Devon Island was about 45 minutes, spectacular views the whole way. On final approach we flew over the HMP tent city, then as we were landing the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station was visible to the left side, we had a nice sweeping view of it. At that moment I can't describe how amazed I was. All the pictures and stories I'd been following from last year were coming to life before my eyes. As far as the eye could see, rocks and snow, rolling hills and sharp outcrops. I can't say it looks very Mars like yet because the snow is so late in melting this year, perhaps a spring scene at the Martian polar caps with residual water ice patches covering the landscape.
After a quick briefing from John Schutt, the HMP camp manager, we went to set up our tents in tent city, about 200 meters away from the camp work tents and mess tent. I finally got all set up around 4:30 am, only a few hours before we had to get up for breakfast. I didn't really sleep, the bright sunlight in the middle of the night takes some getting used to. After breakfast we had an all hands briefing, this happens everyday to make plans and allocate resources like the ATVs. This morning the recent arrivals had an ATV lesson from Oz, one of the resident geologists. Then we had a polar bear safety briefing from John Schutt and a shotgun lesson. Polar bears are smart, fast and consider us food, so we have to keep alert and play it safe. Had to do a practice fire of the shotgun, I'm pleased to report that I hit the cardboard box we were targeting. So if you're reading this, Mum, don't worry. Too much. The rest of the day I've been settling in and doing odd jobs. The second shift at FMARS has had it's start pushed back to Tuesday night. The first shift has unfortunately been curtailed because of the bad weather and snow conditions, so they are getting some extra days. That's the way it can be in the Arctic, I don't imagine things will go exactly to plan on Mars either but flexibility can smooth the way.
Loading the twin otter in Resolute for our early morning flight.
HMP tent city from the air, the little specks in the middle are tents
John Schutt, camp manager, giving us a polar bear safety breifing
Shotgun practice - Polar bears (and bystanders) watch out!