Well, I have returned from my journey to the Arctic and thought I'd post some photos from my travels. I flew with the 109th AW, based in Schenectady to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland which is the former Sonderstrom AB. I've now collected about 30 hours in the LC-130 (much of which was spent in the cockpit) as we flew to various science stations across the country. I was dropped off at Raven, which is where the 109th practices their t/o's and landings on the prepared skiways. Summit Camp is about 750km inland on the ice shelf and sits perched on the highest point of the country (10,600 feet ASL), hence its name. This is where the majority of global climate change research is done.
Another destination was the NEEM Ice Core Drilling Station. Only a couple of tents adorn the icy surface, with most of the work being done underground. The "offices" are carved out of the snow and descend about 4 stories.
All in all, the cold weather gear provided by the NYANG made for great working conditions. The -35C temperatures were not an issue and it actually felt like a balmy winter day for the most part. The downside is that the winds across the ice shelf are relentless and batter you around.
More can be seen at my Flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/clubber_pics/
