Author Topic: CFS Alert stories  (Read 1596 times)

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Offline Evander

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CFS Alert stories
« on: June 20, 2011, 18:05:55 »
Hey guys

I'm new here, sorry if I'm posting in the wrong location. I will be working in Alert from September to April for Environment Canada. I will be working at the GAW lab about 8 km from Alert but I will be living on the base. I know most of the general facts about the location, like the total darkness and the really low temps. But I'm wondering if anyone has any past experience of what life in Alert is actually like or could give me some advice on what to bring or tips about living so far north?

-Adam


Offline a Sig Op

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Re: CFS Alert stories
« Reply #1 on: June 20, 2011, 18:14:01 »
The 13 month position or a student position?
"They let you do that?"  "You know, I never asked, they'd probably say no, it is an army base after all."
- Sgt. Bilko

"So what happens if we use this pick with out BEWs?" "Um, you could get a pick in the eye master-corporal?"

Offline a Sig Op

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Re: CFS Alert stories
« Reply #2 on: June 20, 2011, 18:17:08 »
And do you know if you get access to UAB? (Unaccompanied baggage, luggage shipped a little before you fly up)
"They let you do that?"  "You know, I never asked, they'd probably say no, it is an army base after all."
- Sgt. Bilko

"So what happens if we use this pick with out BEWs?" "Um, you could get a pick in the eye master-corporal?"

Offline Kirsten Luomala

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Re: CFS Alert stories
« Reply #3 on: June 20, 2011, 18:17:35 »
Adam
I am here in Alert right now and will be here with you come the fall.  Will pm you the recommended kit list.  However of importance is extreme weather clothing.  Parka, hat, gloves boots.  You won't be allowed on the aircraft without it.  Also look at the holidays that you will be here for might want to bring things for those celebrations.  You'll have  a great time here.

Kirsten

Offline Evander

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Re: CFS Alert stories
« Reply #4 on: June 20, 2011, 18:20:00 »
It's the student position, I'm a University of Waterloo co-op student. My contact at Environment Canada said that in the past they even flew up another student's kayak so I'm assuming I can bring my personal effects.

Offline Kirsten Luomala

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Re: CFS Alert stories
« Reply #5 on: June 20, 2011, 18:21:56 »
I will speak with the EC pers tomorrow and get thier contact for you.  I will also ask him about unaccompanied baggage for you. 

Offline Evander

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Re: CFS Alert stories
« Reply #6 on: June 20, 2011, 18:24:36 »
I will speak with the EC pers tomorrow and get thier contact for you.  I will also ask him about unaccompanied baggage for you. 

Thanks.

Offline a Sig Op

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Re: CFS Alert stories
« Reply #7 on: June 20, 2011, 18:50:43 »
Oh, and as an added bonus, you won't be in the dark the whole time. you'll be there for sunset and sunrise, should have light for September/early October, and again starting mid-February.
"They let you do that?"  "You know, I never asked, they'd probably say no, it is an army base after all."
- Sgt. Bilko

"So what happens if we use this pick with out BEWs?" "Um, you could get a pick in the eye master-corporal?"

Offline Haletown

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Re: CFS Alert stories
« Reply #8 on: June 20, 2011, 19:42:21 »
Haven't been to Alert but I have been all over the Arctic.

My summer travel kit always included a really good folding black out curtain  - a piece of black felt and a roll of duct tape to secure it to any sized window.

Cause that damn sun going round & round in summer can drive you crazy trying to fall asleep.  8)

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Re: CFS Alert stories
« Reply #9 on: June 21, 2011, 06:59:51 »
The windows in the barracks in Alert are shuttered.
"They let you do that?"  "You know, I never asked, they'd probably say no, it is an army base after all."
- Sgt. Bilko

"So what happens if we use this pick with out BEWs?" "Um, you could get a pick in the eye master-corporal?"