Hello Polar Fellows,
My first Toolik blog is from sunny Woods Hole, where I am counting down the days to our trip! I’ll be your contact person on blog-related matters in Toolik Lake and will help out as much as I can.
I’ve been shopping for gear for Arctic field work, probably like many of you. In my case, I was starting from scratch, as my closet contained nothing Gore-Tex or PolarTec or any tech, for that matter. After my first encounter with sticker shock at REI, I decided to find some of the items on our recommended gear list on eBay (used but fine) and in my husband’s closet (large but warm). I did invest in good footwear — leather field boots and rubber Muck boots – which I have been breaking in when I walk the dog every night. In my experience, comfortable shoes are the one thing I can’t travel without!
Again, feel free to call my cell phone to connect in Fairbanks. (By the way, I called my cell phone company to make sure I had coverage in Fairbanks, and they gave me instructions to get on the roaming network there. You might want to check the coverage map of your cell phone.)
See you soon!
