Drilling, Deep Creek, and Darlings

The ice core drilling continues. Julia sent more fun pictures; she's the "popcorn queen" of the camp. She said she thought maybe another week. I hope the weather holds and they will have enough (healthy) food.

A quick trip to Deep Creek Lake for relaxation and catching up with the Sarrges and Austins. It was hard not to have Chad there, but Buddy's presence is comforting. Loving on that dog makes you feel better. Thank you, Lisa and Tony, for taking Buddy in and caring for him.  

The necklace with Chad's thumbprint came in. Perfect choice. Mom and I met with Vera and her darling girls at Fairfax City Square. They have one speed--fast! They can run like no one else. Adorable and good medicine for the soul.

Ice Coring and Weather Delays

I cannot imagine having to hunker down in a one-man tent on the side of a mountain while a storm is brewing--but this is Julia's reality! Yikes. I guess more time to paint and some alone time. :) 

Thankfully, the team has made progress drilling for the ice cores and getting them off of the mountain. There is a picture of her kneeling beside the cores when they were loading them onto the helicopter (while it was running). They are not finished yet and the storms have delayed progress. Again, I am thankful they have Wi-Fi and Julia continues to send proof-of-life (and breathtaking) photos. Check out her laundry picture--clean and drying on the snow. Food pictures include a peanut butter/Nutella and peanut butter/jelly bagel and some sort of hummus, pickle concoction on a bagel or rice cake(?). 

In DC, I went to the American Art Museum for a team-building activity. We did a scavenger hunt and it was a lot of fun (probably because my team won!). 

Gardens for Chad

Mom set up a beautiful garden in front of the house. Dave and Jackie Raszeja created a memorial garden for Chad as well. So touching. Jackie made the stained glass.

Mount Waddington Year 2

Mount Waddington! Camp is set up. The drilling has begun! So thankful that Julia has Wi-Fi and can regularly check in and send amazing pictures--the mountain, the ice cores, the sunset, and a sample lunch sandwich (hummus, pickles, cheese, pepperoni, mustard, and honey!). Oh boy. Praying for her continued safety and health. I was concerned about the weather--but she said it is warm enough to go barefoot (see picture)! Grateful she has the opportunity to do what she loves.

 

Last Few Days and the Research Journey Begins

We enjoyed an extended time with Julia and Benjamin. It was also sweet to visit with Mariam on her way back to Plymouth. Then Julia jetted off to Seattle, and they drove into British Columbia, Canada. As of today, they are waiting for better weather (traveling via helicopter) to make camp up on Mount Waddington. She'll be there for at least three weeks to drill for ice cores. Exciting! She brought a portable watercolor set (I think inspired by her Uncle Chad) with her when/if they have downtime. 

Steven and I celebrated 22 years of marriage on June 15. I'm so thankful to have such a solid rock by my side.

I visited the site of Chad's accident, and the memorial from his condo building is still there. :( The stained glass window that Jackie had made for Chad was hanging in his window. I'm so happy we can return that to Dave and Jackie Raszeja.

Congratulations Julia, PhD Candidate

Congratulations to Julia, who has completed all of her coursework, aced both the written and oral examinations, and is officially a PhD candidate! This means that she will now be solely focused on fieldwork and her dissertation. Amid difficult times for the family, we are proud of Julia for being able to get it done and to do so well.