Journal

Traveling to Utqiaġvik (Barrow)

Packing for Barrow was very hard, checking the weather, going to extreme weather (ridiculously hot) to super cold weather. As I am packing for Alaska it is about 85F at 8pm. After packing my field gear and some stuff that we'll need in the field for the lab, three pairs of hip waders, some sensors, and a rather long stick (to be used in the field somewhere?). Since Barrow weather can be unpredictable I've packed for any occasion. An Alaskan staple are Xtra Tuff boots, which are worn regularly EVERYWHERE! Rain jacket, bug shirt, some comfy shoes to be worn while working in the labs, and lots of layers!

Packing for my trip
All the clothes I'm packing-its all about those layers!

The Research Opportunity in the Arctic Minorities or ROAM for short, has a pretty fascinating history. In 2006-2007, the University of Texas at El Paso participated in the International Polar YearThe International Polar Year (IPY) is a two year (2007-2009) program of international research and education focused on the Arctic and Antarctic. Click here for more information about IPY. by selecting over 20 students and taking five teachers to the Antarctic Peninsula. I was part of the aquatic research team along with a high school teacher, Katie Noonan, that sampled offshore nutrients and parameters. Since graduating, I've worked with the Clint ISD Early College Academy for the past five years. Today, researchers Dr. Vanessa Lougheed and Dr. Craig Tweedie have brought back ROAM, but now it takes place in the Arctic! We are traveling with 10 students to the Arctic to study various projects in Utqiaġvik.

Our plane-departed at 6:20am, so we arrived at the airport at 4:00am! We traveled with six students, Dr. Lougheed, and Angus.

Excited for my polar expedition!
Ruth Rodriguez at El Paso International Airport.
Our first leg was to LAX, then off to Anchorage, and finally Barrow.
View from plane and landing in Anchorage
Two different views of Anchorage!
When we board our plane to Barrow, it's a very small plane and we board it on a stairway. We've arrived at 7:30pm and it's still light out. I have friends who have been to Barrow and said it would be difficult sleeping while the sun is out. I slept pretty great! Our orientation is tomorrow and we'll get our tour of Barrow!

Details
Author
Ruth Rodriguez
Date
Location
El Paso International Airport
Expedition
Research Opportunities in the Arctic for Minorities
Weather Summary
Cloudy and humid-still warm
Temperature
75F

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Comments

Wed, 07/26/2017 - 14:56

Judy Fahnestock

How many of UTEP people flew up together? Let us know how you are settling in and what the weather is like in Utqiaġvik. When you get a chance, you'll have to read about Lee's adventure north. Her trip was *not* so smooth!

Wed, 07/26/2017 - 15:40

Ruth Rodriguez

All together there were 9 of us! Long flight but it was great to get to Barrow! I haven't checked it out, but I will.

Wed, 07/26/2017 - 22:30

Lenore Teevan

Hi Ruth,I am looking forward to reading about your work there. Best wishes to you!
Take care,
Lee

Thu, 07/27/2017 - 14:24

Ruth Rodriguez

Hi LeeThanks so much! I've been reading our entries! Take care & keep warm!
Ruth

Thu, 07/27/2017 - 14:28

Ruth Rodriguez

Hi JanetIts been actually pretty nice out! The fog rolls out by the afternoon-and the sun shines down! Still a bit cool not definitely NOT hot!! :)
Ruth

Thu, 07/27/2017 - 12:18

Janet Warburton

Welcome to Alaska Ruth! I'm so excited to hear more about this expedition in Utqiagvik! I heard the past few days were pretty foggy. It will feel better than all that heat. Your packing journal reminds me of going to the Anchorage airport in December. People are traveling with all their winter parkas and winter gear and wearing shorts underneath (and flip flops!) in anticipation of going to warmer weather in Hawaii or Mexico for vacation. It's fun to see :)
Have a great expedition!
Janet