As I count down the days until we leave for the trip (as of today twelve), I am occupied with packing, reading and preparing. Last week I had the chance to meet with Principle Investigators Bill Sobczak and Karen Frey to discuss general plans for sampling this summer. From last summer’s experience I learned that plans must be made with flexibility when working in such a remote location. This summer I plan to continue stream and river survey biogeochemistry collections (DOC, nutrients, absorbance etc.) with the addition of a new measurement for pCO_2. This measurement accounts for the CO₂ movement between water and the atmosphere. By measuring alkalinity and pH while in the field pCO₂ can be calculated in the lab. While meeting with Bill I was able to familiarize myself with the Hach Digital Titrator, which I will use to measure alkalinity. I look forward to continuing to build off the skills I learned last summer and to learn new sampling techniques.

On another note I have begun to get all my gear together to pack. I plan to bring a big container of peanut butter, as last year there was only one jar in which we had to ration off for the whole month. I brought a fishing pole last year that I hope is still at the station. I have to redeem myself this summer as I came up empty handed last summer. (Kate, I look forward to learning how to flyfish, maybe I will have better luck at that). On my wish list from last summer were shoe/sandals that were easy to slip on with socks and durable for walking on the barge and to the labs, a hooded sweater and gloves that were better fitted to my hand so that I could filter samples while wearing them.

I wish everyone the best with preparing for the trip. See you all soon!

-Blaize