Most of the Polaris Project participants have probably heard me say how seeing the airplane that we take from Yakutsk to Cherskiy immediately separates the optimists from the pessimists.  A pessimist would look at the age and condition of the plane and question whether it could possibly complete another flight.  An optimist takes comfort in its 50+ year history of successful aviation!

Fortunately, it seems that again this year we have a group of optimists.  In addition to the unavoidable rigors of traveling vast distances and crossing 16-20 times zones to reach Cherskiy, there apparently has been a cold making it way through the group and abundance cold and wet weather to further put a chill on things.  Yet in spite of this, the group has rallied and students and PIs have initiated several fantastic research projects (which will be the subject of upcoming blog posts) in addition to setting up the remarkable new lab space.  The colds will pass, the weather will improve (well, hopefully – but if not, it will help everyone remember how remarkable it is to be where they are – the Siberian Arctic!), and the scientific projects that have been initiated with flourish.  Have some fun.  There are about 2 weeks left in what will undoubtedly be one of the biggest adventures you’ll ever have – live it fully!

Max Holmes