26 July, 2003

FANCY FEET

Proper foot-ware is always important, but in the Antarctic it is crucial. Wearing the right shoes and socks will keep your feet warm and dry, thus reducing the chances of hypothermia and frostbite. The proper tootsie attire will also help keep your feet blister free. While I will receive heavy "bunny" boots in New Zealand, my project requires that I have a good pair of hiking boots. While in Maine, Dr. Connell drove me to Freeport, home of L.L. Bean, to purchase several pairs of wool socks, hiking boots, boot liners, and glove liners.

QUESTIONS:

Why do you think while in the Dry Valleys I'll only need hiking boots instead of the issued bunny boots?

"Cotton kills" is the motto in polar regions. Polypro and Wool socks are known for their ability to wick away moisture. What does this mean?

Instead of wearing two thick pairs of socks, I'll be wearing a thinner (liner) sock under a thicker one. The same will be true for my hands. What are the advantages of dressing my hands and feet in this way?

Here I am amongst a pile of different boots.

The store even provides a set of rocks over which customers can climb to make sure they are purchasing the right pair.

Even L.L. Bean's Ellie Bear was willing to pose with me outside of the store's entrance.

Here's your lesson in Maine Geography. The University of Maine is just north of Bangor. How many miles did we travel to get from Bangor to Freeport? In what direction did we travel and on what roads do you think we drove? Which route would get us there faster?