March 6, 2010
2010 Arctic Expedition Update #2
Angus and Bill have been in the arctic with Joe and the team for a few days now. They have been acclimating to the extreme cold, collecting firewood to heat their tents, and traveling on skis and snowshoes in the thigh-deep snow.
After comparing the temperatures reported by NOAA for the northeastern Brooks Range with Joe’s reports via Iridium satellite phone, it is obvious that the numbers posted by the weather service are to be taken with a grain of salt. For instance, two days ago, NOAA reported temperatures of around –5 Fahrenheit, but in actuality, it was –35 Fahrenheit. Big difference! But the good news is that the winds have been incredibly calm.
There are still a lot of wolf, wolverine, and fox tracks in the snow and there’s no doubt the area they’re traveling is rich with wildlife. The northern lights have been out in full force, which are always a thrill to see. Hues of green, yellow, purple, and red dance across the sky overhead in a sinuous pattern. Even the dogs let out a howl of excitement at the sight of them.
