To the backcountry by chopper

For three days straight, Nome has been pounded by a relentless rain and wind storm; the radio reported we've received 5 inches of rain in the last 72 hours, and the seas are so choppy that a cruise ship of German tourists has been stuck here for a couple days, and even a group of Coast Guard guys has been staying at the bunkhouse. On top of that, the dead whale that washed up on Center Beach last week has now rolled across the shoreline and is wafting a fishy stench over downtown from where it now rests behind the post office.

I say, no better time to leave for another backcountry trip! :) As it just so happens, this Monday my supervisor and I are taking a week-long trip together to Kuzitrin and Imuruk Lakes on the south end of Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. The best part? We're traveling by helicopter, a first-time experience for both of us. Here's the plan:

Monday morning we take off from Nome and travel to Kuzitrin Lake, where we'll base-camp for two nights. I'm not really sure what to expect as far as what Kuzitrin is like, but I do know it is the site of two calderas  and is supposedly covered with archaeological artifacts.

There is very little information published about Kuzitrin, which made my pre-trip research difficult, but from what I gathered the site was influential in ancient and historic caribou herding. There were 4 populations that lived in the area and built big stone monoliths between which they would seasonally drive wild caribou herds (perhaps like people drove wild bison herds in the Great Plains).

On Wednesday, the helicopter is picking us up again and taking us to Imuruk Lake, the sight of the preserve's most significant volcanic activity. Again, not much information out there about Imuruk, but basically there's a big lake there, and 100,000 acres of lava fields.

On Friday, we're flying further into the lava fields for about an hour to get some photos and video footage (perhaps some of the first documentation the park has of this area from the ground), and then heading back to Nome.

And that's if everything goes as planned, which it never does. So, just as a precaution, as always we're taking an extra 3 days' worth of food, plus lots of waterproofing and cool-weather gear (temps expected to be in the 40s-50s), the usual satellite phone, extra bear spray, and survival kits.

So, look for an update next weekend! :) Can't wait!