Keith Cowing’s Devon Island Journal – 12 July 2007: Dropping Onto Devon Island
Departing the coastline of Cornwallis Island — Keith Cowing
I awoke this morning in Resolute Bay, got a quick breakfast, and headed over to the airport for my flight to Devon Island. We took off shortly after our planned 8:30 am departure and made our way aided by brisk tailwinds.
Approaching the southern shore of Devon Island — Keith Cowing
Just after 9:00 am we began the sudden swoop downward toward the airstrip at the Haughton Mars Project Research Station (HMPRS).
After we circled around HMPRS to get the right approach from the east our Twin Otter dropped onto the runway.
And there I was – my third visit to this amazing place.
Quimmiq, our polar bear guard dog, comes up to greet me as I get off of the Twin Otter — Keith Cowing
Unloading the Twin Otter – everyone helps — Keith Cowing
As I walked down the short road to Base Camp I noticed that the place was amazingly dry and dusty for this early in the field season. Usually things aren’t this parched until the latter part of July.
The “Hub” or “Core” of HMPRS — Keith Cowing
Given this island’s ability to slam visitors with some really ugly weather days like this – blue skies and pleasant temperatures – are to be savored – and utilized to the greatest extent possible.
Our luggage – and tents – at Tent City — Keith Cowing
After some quick hellos I headed over to Tent City (west of Base Camp) and pitched my tent. After pounding some ultra heavy-duty tent stakes into the recently melted soil, my home for the next 8 days was established.
I then unpacked. Having done this several times before I had things pre-parsed as to “tent” and “work”.
My home for the next week — Keith Cowing
Within a few minutes I was at my assigned desk inside the Hub (central core structure) and surfing away over.
Later I managed to get my iPhone configured and was able to use it (via WiFi) to explore the Internet as well (courtesy of some big dishes up on Satellite Hill).
My team mate Matt Reyes arrived about two hours later. We had him set up and operating in short order as well.
After a couple of great meals from our chef we worked until around 11:00 pm – and then called it a day.
Having not had a decent night’s sleep in several days, I did not need much enticement to fall asleep – despite the bright sunlight outside
About Devon Island, The Haughton-Mars Project, and the Mars Institute
The Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) is an international interdisciplinary field research project centered on the scientific study of the Haughton impact structure and surrounding terrain, Devon Island, high arctic, viewed as a terrestrial analog for Mars. The rocky polar desert setting, geologic features and biological attributes of the site offer unique insights into the possible evolution of Mars – in particular the history of water and of past climates on Mars, the effects of impacts on Earth and on other planets, and the possibilities and limits of life in extreme environments. In parallel with its science program, the HMP supports an exploration program aimed at developing new technologies, strategies, humans factors experience, and field-based operational know-how key to planning the future exploration of the Moon, Mars and other planets by robots and humans. The HMP managed jointly by the Mars Institute and by the SETI Institute.
