Thursday, September 22, 2011

Nights in the Woods

Then came a brilliant idea, when parts of the weather station equipment delivery was delayed. To take 'soil carbon dioxide (CO2) respiration' readings both in the hottest time (day, about 9 am - 1 pm) and when the sun goes down (coolest). If I was honest, it'd be about 3-5am daily, but I am also human. So.. the itinerary:

7.30 am : Cook, eat, prepare for trip, boil water and store in thermos for bath after trip (because electricity would be cut off at about 12, I can't boil water when I'm back)
8.30/9 am: Set out for 1 h 15 minute hike to site (after signing in at booth)
~10 am : Start CO2 readings, maintain reading site/trail
~1145 am : head back
~1230 pm: Back in Mesilau

IN BETWEEN: Try to rest, read, unwind, dry stuff and prepare for night trip, which consists of about the same itinerary, except that it starts about 6 pm and ends at ~10 pm. Going into the jungle at night alone.. Meh.

Why day time and night time readings? Because when it's hot, the soil may release significantly more CO2 than when it's cool. AND BECAUSE THE JOURNAL ARTICLE SAYS SO. Whew.

Thank God for Jesus, or I'd have freaked out in the jungle from the first time on.

Tomorrow's the beginning of a break - not really, but, yeah. To KK for a night, Miri for a night, then Mulu for 4 nights. Alright world, goodnight. Sheesh, I haven't packed.

Missing home? You bet.

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