Work (finally)

Well, I guess that I've put this off about as long as humanly possible....so it's time for me to talk about the actual work that I do up here from 9 - 5 :) I'll probably spread this out over 3 weekends, with this weekend being an overview, and the next two talking about flasking and filter changes, respectively.

To begin with, the day is more like 8 - 4. As I've said, breakfast is at 7, so we roll into work when we finish eating and start the day then...it's pretty relaxed. The pictures below are of our office that is part of the main station complex. It's one of the bigger ones on Station and, as you can see, we have more luxuries that you'd think :) Two comfy chairs, couch, 42" TV, surround sound, aquarium...almost makes you forget you're at work at 82.5°N! The fish are my responsibility, and so far they've survived...they can go for about a week without food, so there's not much that I can screw up :P Days spent in this office are Tuesday and Thursday, when miscellaneous things such as preparing shipping and cleaning are done. Lots of filters and flasks come up from down South, and when we finish with them, we have to send them right back. Some filters even need to remain frozen, and have to be escorted back down South in coolers with an Operator!
As you saw on the maps that I posted earlier, the lab that we travel to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays is located a good 7km South-South West of the main station. The road doesn't have winter maintenance, so 'technically' it is snow covered. But, up here the snow is so fine (as a result of the cold) and the wind is so strong that the drifts are compressed into near concrete strength. There are large drifts in some areas though, which is why the truck that we use has tracks on it in the winter. If you look closely to the right of the front-right track in the picture, you'll see the steering assembly dangling down...I SWEAR, Not My Fault!! :P
The lab itself is relatively small, although this picture makes it look smaller still, due to the fact that I'm actually standing on the ground and the 12' drift beside me is blocking your view. This is where all the equipment is stored, which I'll get pictures of for next week. We have to walk in about 650m from where we park the truck, to avoid contamination of the air samples. Lugging a sled full of equipment behind you it's a pretty good workout!

Alright, I think that's enough about my general work environment. Post up any questions that you want me to answer in a mid-week post. I'll talk about the specific tasks that I have next weekend.

Miss you all, safe trip home Age,
Graham