Although we are all working very hard to wrap up our summer field projects, we have also managed to make time to appreciate the place and people we have become so close with this summer. Orbita has become nothing short of a home for the four of us, encompassing where we do lab work and where we get to hang out after a long days work. Meals have been truly divine. Not only are they delicious but meals are a special time we get to spend with the Zimov’s. Nikita’s two beautiful daughters have finally warmed up to us (so much in fact that the baby allows Travis to play with her). At meals we share stories about adventures, family and culture. To my amazement we have a lot in common with the Zimov’s, even though our homes are very distant. They have welcomed us with open arms, allowing us to join birthday celebrations and even life milestones like the babies first tooth.

The main mission of Polaris Project is to advance arctic research and student skills, both of which I have hopefully accomplished this summer. Underpinning this mission is to build international relationships in order to understand unprecedented changes attributed to global warming. With fewer of us here we have been able to appreciate the Zimov’s contribution to our projects. Nikita has used his knowledge of the area to help find new locations for us to sample. He also engages in our thoughts and ideas, allowing for productive thought.

I believe to build a strong relationship it cannot be science 24/7. Therefore we have taken the liberty to find common passions and share a hint of culture. Valentina, our great cook, taught us how to make Palov (one of our favorite moose stew dishes). In return we taught Valentina how to make chocolate chip cookies. For Anya Zimov’s birthday we gave her the decorated chocolate chip cookie cake and sang happy birthday. Today Nikita, Travis and I went to the gym in Cherskiy to shoot some hoops. All three of us were in our glory, as we all share a common passion for basketball. We are trying to convince Nikita to build a hoop attached to Orbita (I will keep you posted).

Tomorrow I will be traveling to the Anui’s (large tributaries connected to the Kolyma) on what could be my last boat ride of the summer. I will be sure to soak it all up; the landscape, the breeze, the amazing sky, the wisdom, the knowledge, the people, the moments.