traveltales: TUNDRA BUGGIES

Sunday, January 9, 2011

TUNDRA BUGGIES

Unique Vehicles

In Churchill, Manitoba, Canada the tundra buggy could be described as an oblong railroad car mounted on huge all weather/terrain wheels/tires. A viewing platform is at the rear. Each seat has a large window which opens easily for better photography.

The tundra buggy can travel the tundra, in fall and winter, over frozen ground and through snow, and in the summer, over soggy terrain. The buggy travels 2-3 mph on the tundra and average about 6 miles per gallon. The front tires hold 6# pressure and the rear 9#.

When loading and unloading the buggy, the bus taking one to the staging area turns around and pulls up so its steps are directly opposite the steps of the buggy, requiring only one step on the ground. Transfers are quick. Polar bears can run 25 miles an hour, and who wants to meet one on ground level.

The permafrost of the tundra is only 6-12 inches below the surface. I never visualized water on the tundra, but we saw many ponds. Some were as small as a 10 X10 foot puddle, and many were very large. The frozen water areas are called thermal karst. In summer they are liquid water in a soggy tundra, and in winter a frozen pond.

Both the federal and provincial governments strictly regulate the tundra. Two companies own the seventeen buggy permits to travel over the tundra, and even that is controlled. Stay on the 'roads' and no running over the tundra like a wild off-road vehicle.

The first tundra buggy was built in 1980. The tundra highway starts out over an old military road and then travels over esker, a narrow raised area on the tundra.

A tundra ride is rough, as the buggy bounces over the uneven ground and rock. The buggies are heated, but everything is relative. Granted, a temperature of 40 is warmer than the outside temperature of 0-minus 10, but when animals are spotted, everyone wants to open their window for the photo ops, and the inside temperature plummets rapidly. However, that was a minor inconvenience for the fantastic experience.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.