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23 May, 2000The crisp wind and stinging snow greeted me as I walked out the door at 4:30 am. I was in search of an Arctic fox to capture with my camera. I had been told that they frequented the runway at such hours. The walk took a long time as I weaved in and out of the many buildings lining the runway. I scanned the area ahead, and sure enough, I saw a fox running across the road and diving under a building. So much for a photo-opp. I had to hurry back to the Science Support Center to pack and get ready for the flight to Summit. The bright light pouring through the windows blinded us even before we landed. A quick, smooth landing on skis and I was on 3 kilometers of ice. Wow./ I trudged toward the main house with legs that felt like lead. I made it though, had lunch, and then drug my gear out to the tent and collapsed for a long nap. A slight headache let me know that I should take it easy to avoid a full-blown case of altitude sickness. From sea level to over 10,600 ft above sea level is very hard on the body trying to adjust to the major change in pressure on the body. Also the thin air doesn't supply as much oxygen with each breath and it causes one to feel tired. Plenty of water, rest, and carbohydrates are the order of the next 2 days. Warm regards, Besse Dawson
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