Ichthyosaur

 

 

             While not as close to Icky as we desired, the chosen camp site offered a splendid view of the terrain surrounding the area. The elevation of the site was 561 meters (1,840 feet). To the east was the high ground above Icky where a 762 meter (2,500 foot) mountain rose steeply above. To the south was a five mile view across the low ground to the 609 meter (2,000 foot) snow capped mountains bordering the opening of a long narrow valley. To the north and west was gently rising terrain providing excellent visibility. One of the most fascinating things about camping north of the Arctic Circle is the fact that the Sun never sets at this time of year. It simply makes an orbit overhead. Attempting to get some sleep can be difficult, and being in this environment provided the soldiers with some beneficial training in circadian rhythm adjustment.

 

 

         
A view to the south of the camp site, with 89-00176 at 200 feet AGL hovering in a photo op.

 

 

             Another concern in choosing the camp site was the impact that we might have on the local indigenous populations - specifically the Raptors (birds). One the first day, we observed only a few birds and it appeared none were nesting in the local vicinity. On Tuesday, the team did observe a Grizzly Bear, weighing in at approximately 272 kilograms (600 pounds), stalking a Caribou that was escaping across the hilltop to the east above Icky. The bear came within a quarter mile of the camp, but never threatened any member of the team. CW4 Mark S. Morgan, team maintenance test pilot, was walking the hills above Icky and, unknown to him at the time, came within 182 meters (600 feet) of the critter - as observed by personnel in the camp. Later in the week, several Caribou transited the area, including one that ran through the camp between the tents and the helicopters.

 

 

         
The Team sets up Camp near the Ichthyosaur extraction site.

 

 

             Once camp was established, the evening meal needed to be prepared. Shown below, SGT Jason Wainwright, one of the newest selections for the Army Warrant Officer Candidate and Initial Entry Rotary Wing Flight School, is seen preparing Burritos while CW2 Gene Frazier salivatingly looks on:

 

 

         
CW2 Gene Frazier watches SGT Wainwright prepare dinner in the field.

 

 

             And, of course, the job's not done until the paperwork is complete. UAF volunteers and soldiers working together constructed a field latrine - just in the nick of time. The camouflage cover gave the soldier the feeling of being at home - a nice added touch. However, we weren't sure what the barrel was for...

 

 

         
After eating there is always something else to do. So we built the Outhouse to take care of business.

 

 

             Personal hygiene under tactical conditions is a learned art. Shown below, our West Point Cadet volunteer, Luke Roberts, learns how to shave and bath in a glacial fed stream. Cadet Roberts was on loan to us from West Point for a few weeks so he could learn more about the "real" Army prior to his graduation. We all looked like that at one time - didn't we Mom?

 

 

         
Personal hygiene is a must in the field. Here our West Point Cadet is seen freshening up in a tactical environment.

 

 

             Within a few minutes of our arrival to the site, work began on examining the find to determine it's condition. The low shrubbery and small trees near the base of the fossil were trimmed away to make room for the preservation and packaging phase. Meanwhile, other team members were unloading the helicopters and setting up camp.

 

 

         
Ichthyosaur excavation site preparation, looking east.

 

 

             Perched on the high ground, Chinooks 89-00174 (left) and 89-00176, having performed very well on the flight up from Fort Wainwright, await the next assignment:

 

 

         
89-00174 and 89-00176 take the only high and dry ground in the vicinity of the extraction site, looking to the northeast.

 

 

         
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