Fresh Air Frolics

Opportunities to get outside for some fresh air are always welcome. Going with a partner(s) is preferred, and we take a radio with us just in case. During the last week, I went outside on a few walks down Launch Road. Our front and side yards at CNSC feature the remnants of the Churchill Research (rocket) Range which was built in the late 50's to conduct research on the upper atmosphere. The rocket range is my typical choice when heading out for a walk.

There are two rocket launchers in background. The Aerobee launcher on the right is in the position of the last launch it made.

We all loved the clouds high above.

Our first stop was the giant snowpile made from plowed snow. A slide or possibly several slides, made for an exciting descent. I do not know this from personal experience, but it sure looks like fun.

We hiked out to one of the tundra ponds which are snow covered at this time. We haven't had as much wind I guess, for in past years many of the ponds had no snow cover. This whole area has many tundra ponds, but they aren't very deep. Mostly they are drainage for the tundra. Behind the Ramsey sign is a geocache which Brian checks regularly.

We visited some igloos constructed by an Earthwatch team (unfinished)  and a North of 58 group who had been at CNSC for a week. Some of the volunteers and participants did sleep out in the completed one.

Two of our fellow volunteers Bek and Kate slept out in this igloo. "Home 2016"

An unfinished igloo.- just needs a top

Kate, one of our fellow volunteers, is showing off some snow samples from different layers of the snow. What do you think? Hopefully I'll remember to put the info at the bottom of this post.

Kate is holding snow samples from the top and bottom layers in the snowpack.

Mostly we just enjoyed the fresh air and the beauty of the landscape. The strong prevailing winds leave constantly changing sculpted snow patterns. I'm sure you'll see more in other blog posts. Also, where the wind has swept all the snow away, I found some rocks! Couldn't resist an opportunity to include a rock photo.

And here is the info you have been waiting for about the snow samples. The snow on the right is from the bottom of the snowpack where it has morphed into larger crystals.