Been busy... but what else is new?

Chris, Shea, Erin, and I recently got back from the 76th Annual Western Snow Conference, where we presented a couple of posters. This summer I'll actually be able to post a link to the papers... so stay tuned!

Had a damn good time there; there were a few thousand years of experience in the room at any one time, but everyone was laid back, friendly, and just made for a wonderful experience.

Long hike up Deer Ridge today; had to park way the hell down at Slab Camp and hoof it to the top of the ridge (2 hours, thank you very much! This ole guy can still hike, even if I can't keep up with the 'young 'uns'). Our ^#@ snow scale gave out after two courses, but at least we got some depth readings. Also got some snow for Bill, Jay, and Jessica in the microbial group; we'll see if anything interesting turns up outta that. If it does--hello pubs!

Got a fun video of Shea and Chris coming down a slope today. (Snow?!?! It's almost May!!!) Enjoy...

Clouds like a glacier, Dungeness watershed

view from the top

Been busier than the proverbial one-legged ass-kicker with snow work recently. Chris, Shea, and I have installed all but one remote weather station, and the last one was the best one... as far as the view goes.

Not as far as the 60# pack goes. Yep, I hauled in the instruments and the tripod tower. Them young whippersnappers had wussy light packs, in spite of Shea's claim to the contrary, and yours truly took the heavy load. GO OL' TIMERS!

So here's how I was at the bottom of the ridge (note the smile):


Here's how I was when I reached the top:

But of course it is all worth it, if for nothing more than for the pure joy of science:

Now ain't science great???

Our project in the paper...

Last week, Sequim Gazette printed a pic of Erin and I working in the Dungeness for our NASA project. Chris took the pic, but did not make the credit page!

There is this old tradition in the fire service that if you make the press, you have to buy beer or ice cream for your crew (which depends on if you are working the following day!). I guess Erin and I owe Chris a beer...