An Afternoon Stroll

This afternoon, I went on a little stroll out to the building referred to as the Control Shed. It is in the BEO (Barrow Environmental Observatory) and has heat power and Internet. What more do you need? The last time I was in Barrow, I went out the the Control Shed a couple of times. There was a network component on one of the instrument towers which prevented data to be fed back to San Diego. I installed a temporary wireless bridge and SDSU sent up a replacement part. Today's trip was to install the replacement part and retrieve the wireless bridge.

There is a lot more water than there was on my last walk. But at least I can see where the trail is. Last time the walkway would just vanish under the snow and I was sort of on my own to connect the pieces. Most of the trail is made from these plastic egg-crate panels zip tied together. Occasionally, there are these wonderful wooden walkways. But only occasionally. I was hoping for some nice weather but I got some sleet on the walk back.

Unlike the last time I was here, I wasn't the only one around. There was a small research group working out here checking out there equipment and see what survived through the winter. I actually ran into a couple of tourists out taking pictures. A lot of birders visit Barrow as it's supposed to be a great place for bird watching. I spent most of my walk staring at the ground.

This is the Control Shed and I think that it was originally built by SDSU as part of their research project. Initially power was provided by a generator and someone would have to go out and refill it with gas. Now there is a very expensive power line running all the way out from the road. It's only a 2½ mile walk round trip but I'm ready for some Ibuprofen and a nap. I must be getting old...