Aug 13 - Chopper Day 1!

We stumbled into the kitchen at 8 am sharp, with the smell of a delicious, scrumptious breakfast filling our nostrils. After eating our assortment of oranges, eggs, and potatoes, we set out to try to get an early start to our work for the day but despite Carla’s best efforts, we didn’t get out till 10:30 (we were aiming for 9:15).

A select few of us were very excited because those people were about to hop on a helicopter to far-away sites to do some important data collection (Kara, Quinn, and Sami).

As the chopper landed at our first site we were welcomed by a gigantic moose who was hanging out right at the tree line. It was almost as awesome as the mama polar bear and cub that we saw along the way! We got to work right away breezing through four transects in one spot. The sun was shining off the water surrounding us as we trekked on eating blueberries and crowberries along the way. We eventually wrapped up, hopped onto the chopper, had some lunch, and got right back to work as soon as the helicopter touched down in our next spot. Same drill as always, and in a matter of time we were right back on the helicopter on our way to our last sight. We landed in the drenched fen, tired but ready to conquer it. Words cannot describe the beauty that we were surrounded by. The sun beginning to set in the sky, the fen cooling our feet through our Hip Waders, and all of us are as happy as can be. After a quick victory celebration we were right back on the chopper for our hour-long chopper ride back to our home: Nester One.

As the sun was beating down on the larger group back at camp, we walked our short 1km hike to the site, and dove straight into our fieldwork. Despite our sluggishness, we were able to complete our one site in a normal amount of time.

Once we got back to camp, we were able to have the most relaxing afternoon of the trip so far, with most us napping and playing games until the helicopter crew finally returned! 

The team arrived in style, with the helicopter absolutely wrecking our campsite, sending tents flying everywhere. Once they were safely on the ground, we were told of their adventures seeing polar bears, caribou, and other animals in the helicopter. We enjoyed a nice chili and pasta dinner and then winded down with some games around a fire. 

Over and out, 

Emily and Nathan.