Preparations still under way for the big summer in AK. I’m now qualified to tell you (after you’ve fallen 20ft and unconscious) that I’m certified in Wilderness First Aid Basics and can help you. Perhaps I’ll leave out the ‘Basics” – it might worry you! I did OK on the First Aid test, just missing a question about identifying a Pit Viper. Never heard of one until Sunday. Thank goodness there are no snakes in AK!
Have you ever wondered why more geologists don’t write blogs? OK, you hadn’t noticed – probably because you’ve never looked. They don’t write them because doing crazy wild stuff is completely normal. Training to work in adverse conditions is a crucial part of undergrad studies. Those that can’t cope … quit. I remember one lecturer – Ian Stanistreet who took us on a field trip into a mangrove swamp in South Africa. “Flip-flops will be adequate, follow me.” We stomped knee deep thought mud with scrunchy crabs lodged between our toes (yes, it was ‘eyuk’). No one made it back with flip-flops (our fearless leader wore running shoes of course) and those that cried didn’t sign on for another year of geology! They trained us tough!
This is a link to a Geologist Reality TV show that was a disaster, from the 'normal' world's perspective. I heard about this from another source as well so there could be a thread of truth in it: http://physics309.wordpress.com/2008/02/29/geologists-reality/ Hilarious, but believable! Should have picked me though, I think I could have given the responses they were looking for!! Geologists live in a parallel universe to the rest of the world. If I stop writing part way through the summer – you’ll know I crossed over and got back to my roots ‘across the universe’. Who knows I may even sell everything, move to Alaska, and become a blockbuster movie next Fall! Maybe…
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Good for you for following your dreams! I'm looking forward to reading about your adventures.
1234
WOW Marian.....I thought an adventure was going to the grocery store with no kids tagging along.....Does this mean your house in colorado is empty??? hmmmm...Be careful and have fun... i can't wait to read your next entry...XXOO Shelly
Marian,
Have a safe and exciting time, but not so exciting you need to fire that gun. Did you remember to pack your ballet slippers, just in case? Flip flops and paper plates will never be the same for me. FYI, my favorite TV show is Men in Trees about a NY relationship writer who moves to Elmo, AK after her fiance cheats on her right before the wedding. I look forward to your major motion picture version about the girl who sells everything, except her ballet slippers and Smith & Wesson and heads off for adventure. See you when you get back. Jeri Deyo McCue
Hey, Marian, all your talk of geology adventures makes me miss my dad; he loved his field work! I hope you see lots of wild life (of the non-threatening kind) and take some excellent shots (of the photographic kind).I'll bring you some pix from Nicaragua. We are getting together with Andres and Ivonne, so I'll give them your greetings. Thanks so much for that opportunity; our trip will be much enhanced for having that contact. Undoubtedly safer, too. I'll miss you at the range this summer. BTW my hunting instructor says 0000 steel wool with a 9-volt battery makes an awesome firestarter that works even in wet conditions. Bon Voyage!
Post a Comment