| Oct 28th, 2002
Brian Grigsby
Today we dedicated to do 2 issues. We wanted
to investigate an ancient outflow channel that
seems to be a part of the Lagunas system. At the
same time, we wanted to keep up with our training
for our Licancabur ascent as a team by climbing
a nearby mountain, “Tres Cumbres”,
or “Three Summits”. This is a beautiful
mountain that has three peaks on it. We started
our science activities by following along what
appeared to be a large outflow channel that at
some time in the past fed into the Lagunas region.
As we followed this further, we noticed in several
areas where the water was welling up from the
ground near the mountains. This will be an area
that we will investigate in the coming days.
Once we noted sites for investigation, we drove
to the base of Tres Cumbres, and we started our
hike. I never really knew how important this training
would be for our team. We had the opportunity
to again, to work together, and be aware of our
safety procedures.
By about 3pm, we reached the summit at 5400 meters.
What an amazing site. You could see in all directions.
One particular site that struck me was a mountain
to the east of us. This mountain is the location
where 3 countries borders intersect. Chile, Bolivia,
and Argentina’s borders come together at
that particular peak. It was very interesting
to see.
As I panned around, to the south was a pair of
volcanoes that were perfectly shaped. An we could
also see an active volcano off in the distance.
Further to the west were Juriques and Licancabur,
the Lagunas and the refuge.
Continuing around, were more of the Andes Mountains,
and a place where sulfur covers the side of one
of the peaks. I was told that this was a sulfur
mine, because sulfur naturally comes to the surface
at this site. It was amazing to see how a geological
process could do such a thing.
Eventually, the wind was blowing hard enough that
we all were exhausted and needed to head back
to the vehicles. It was exciting to be able to
participate in a science investigation, and at
the same time see some truly amazing things.
Upon writing this, the air outside is crisp and
cold. To step outside and see the bright and glowing
stars is an awe inspiring thing. Being in the
southern hemisphere causes me to see some familiar
constellations, but from a different angle. I
can’t believe how clear the sky is here.
The Milky Way galaxy arching overhead, and some
new sites, such as the Magellan Clouds, and the
Southern Cross, make me realize how truly lucky
I am to be able to be here. Off in the distance,
toward Argentina, there is an electrical storm
lighting up the sky. This is a beautiful place.
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