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Arctic Adventure by sailboat has been a longtime dream of American Arctic explorer, Lonnie Dupre. Lonnie has been an Arctic explorer by dogsled, ski, and canoe for decades and is also a film maker documenting the impact of global warming on Arctic environments. His award winning movie, AMKA~One with a Friendly Spirit, shows his connection and his love for the Arctic and Arctic people.

Today's interview with Lonnie was a week after he and his partner, Pascale Marceau and two crew members, already set sail from the starting point of Grand Marais, Minnesota in a Brent Swain designed, 36-foot Bluewater Sloop. While many sails to Greenland begin on the ocean, their start on the Great Lakes brings an interesting course of navigating thru lock systems and rivers that will eventually drop them into the Atlantic Ocean.

Lonnie's website, www.lonniedupre.com is a valuable source of information of this journey and has a link where you can track their exciting journey.

"In April 2025, a 6,000 nautical miles sailboat voyage will begin from the little town of Grand Marais, Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior. Nord Hus will sail via the Great Lakes through the St. Lawrence Seaway and enter the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Quebec. Nord Hus will serve as a support vessel for explorers, storytellers, filmmakers and the curious.Beyond Quebec's North Shore, Nord Hus will sail to Newfoundland, and make passage across the Labrador Sea to Southwest Greenland. From there, to northwestern Greenland and Canada’s High Arctic."

Live tracking at marinetraffic.com - search for NordHus.
For more detailed information, go to Lonnie's website:https://www.lonniedupre.com/nordhus

Thank you for listening to the Alaska Climate & Aviation Podcast.
Katie Writer
ktphotowork@gmail.com

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You can visit my website for links to other episodes and see aerial photography of South Central Alaska at:
https://www.katiewritergallery.com

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On January 12, 2025, Anchorage's Ted Stevens International Airport experienced high winds and severe turbulence that made it very difficult for landing aircraft. Lake Hood was temporarily closed and most of all other air traffic was diverted to Fairbanks International Airport. A heavy 777 Korean Cargo plane had to execute 3 missed approaches before safely landing. The teamwork of the air traffic controllers and pilots, who depend on information from weather models and wind data, can attempt to divert airliners from air pockets that contained unstable air causing the severe turbulence.

Today's special guest is Climatologist, Brian Brettschneider, a dedicated Alaska Climate Specialist. Brian is developing weather models that illustrate variants of month to month meteorological flight conditions such as IFR, VFR and MVFR.

Brian also talks about springtime in Alaska, including wildfire preparedness and awareness as well as discussion of a possible Mt. Spurr volcanic eruption in 2025.

Thank you for tuning into the Alaska Climate and Aviation Podcast!

Katie Writer

ktphotowork@gmail.com

Support the show

You can visit my website for links to other episodes and see aerial photography of South Central Alaska at:
https://www.katiewritergallery.com

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Today's conversation is with climatologist Brian Brettschneider. Recently, Brian was chosen for a new role for the National Weather Service of Alaska as "Senior Climate Scientist" and is a passionate communicator about expanding climate awareness. Topics include: weather forecasting, data & development of evolving technologies, La Nina Winter 2024 predictions and the teamwork of NWS with the FAA in improving weather forecasting.

Weather data is key component for weather forecasting that enables planning for fire fighting, sea ice travel and flooding preparation. The temperature and precipitation station of record for Anchorage is located at Ted Stevens International Airport. Brian discusses some of the history and importance of this data.

Weather forecasting has evolved with modern technology. Brian discusses how the National Weather Service is incorporating AI into creating ways to forecast weather. The technical term is "Machine Learning" or "Nero Network Models". Tune in for this discussion.

Brian also talks about his experience seeing the "fin whale" that was recently beached on shores of Westchester Lagoon, near downtown Anchorage.

Brian welcomes questions about climate by providing his email:
Brian.brettschneider@noaa.gov

Thank you for listening to the Alaska Climate and Aviation Podcast.

Katie Writer
Podcaster/Pilot/Photographer
ktphotowork@gmail.com
http://www.katiewritergallery.com

Support the show

You can visit my website for links to other episodes and see aerial photography of South Central Alaska at:
https://www.katiewritergallery.com