Day Eight — Thursday, May 10, 2007
Kangerlussuaq to New York
Many enjoyed one last Danish pastry for our 6:00 a.m. breakfast. We’ve grown use to these tasty delicacies … and our pants have grown tighter.
Last night, all of our luggage was packed into a pallet and loaded onto the C-130. Wearing the clothes we’d slept in, we were herded onto the bus, dropped off for a head count, and herded back onto the bus. You may wonder why they made us leave the bus for a head count. Our driver needed to quickly pick up students and take them to school. There is one elementary school here in Kangerlussuaq. High school students attend a boarding school in Sisimiut, about 100 km away. Students speak Greenlandic and Danish in school, learning English toward the end of their elementary school career.
The flight home was somewhat more jovial and relaxed than the flight a week earlier. We were leaving with new friendships and a sense of camaraderie. Snacks were shared and Ashley started a C-130 blog. People offered DVDs and viewing screens to neighbors. With less cargo flying home, we had more room to stretch out. In truth, the six hour flight sped by more quickly than expected.
After a quick check through customs (where Joe washed his rocks), many headed to the Albany airport to continue the trek home. Thunderstorms kept some waiting at the airport. My flight was eventually cancelled, so I flew into Baltimore and drove home from there … finally getting home about 4:00 a.m. — that’s 6:00 a.m. Kangerlussuaq time.
I find myself telling details of the trip to anyone who will listen. I want them all to hear about the town, the mountains, the animals, and the people. Each story has a new leading character … sharing tales of musk oxen, 20-year old miniature Christmas trees and “squishy tundra.” It was a magical week … in a magical setting. I not only learned LOTS about the magnetosphere (like Jon Stewart), but LOTS about a dedicated and creative bunch of scientists. We all warmed to each other in a setting that’s usually chilly.
Many thanks to Mary and Eggert for their hours and hours and hours of planning and attention to details. Many thanks to NSF for helping to fund GSSS2007. Many thanks to ALL for your patience, flexibility and generosity throughout the interviews. It has been an honor and privilege to get to know each one of you.
I’ll let you know when the web site with the interviews is up and running.
Thanks for all of the memories!