First Days

Wow – first day.

We are at our first project. We’ve had several days with lots of orientation, learning how to use gear, and procedures. Information overload!! Today was the first real work day. We are expecting some analysts tomorrow - investors, etc to look at the property. In preparation they need a large runway to accommodate the Caravan they’ll be flying in on. This morning we flew (Cessna) to this airstrip and 5 of us spent the day brush clearing the airstrip – mostly by hand pulling small shrubs out by the roots. We cleared about 1250 x 75ft swath of brush in about 7 hours. I took a double dose of ibuprofen when we got back … I think we’ll be very sore tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be some geological traverses, so that will only entail a lot of hiking, helicopter hopping and carrying a backpack. Piece of cake.

By the way – the scenery is spectacular and today the temperature was perfect! Miss you all.

Day 2 - first day of sampling. Helicopter hopping is interesting! We had a range of weather - sun, wind, hail, rain, sun! Interesting. We did brush bashing and climbed steep hills - pretty tough with the pack and field vest. Tomorrow will be the first day of sampling by ourselves. Not sure how I ended up with the most rugged area. At least their is no brush, its way, way above the veg line. I'll do another post if I survive!!!

Photo - from our camp, we had sat internet installed today, it is a bit slow, but great to have a connection to the outside world!