Yosemite Survey

[Rob_LS]

I had a great time in Yosemite with Prof Jim Lutz, the U WA students, Ric, Marta, Birk, John, Greg, and John... I wish more CLSA members could have made it... Amazing experience indeed... I understand the Sunburned Surveyor will be there this weekend... Others should consider joining for at least a day if possible... Plan on cameraderie, steep slopes, any type of weather, the occaisional mosquito, and incredible old growth forrest...

[squid]

Ditto what he said. My husband (John Knox) said that in his almost 30 year career as a surveyor, he's NEVER had so much fun, while working. He'll be working there today and tomorrow, I think he's the only surveyor there for these 2 days. Come join him! (no, not me, I'm a wimp).

squid

[RAM]

I was there today, just in another area of the park on a company job. Glad to hear every one is having a good time and glad to hear John is coping with the environment. From home I have been watching every afernoon the cloud buildup and thinking it was creating a different expericence for a few of the folks.

[Berk Blake, PLS CA]

Thanks for John, we enjoyed our visit and time with him. The last time I saw him, he had a big smile on his face.

Berk Blake

[JKnox]

My thanks to all the surveyors who participated - Berk, John, Greg, Robb, Ric, and Marta. I think we represented our profession well and left a great impression on this particular branch of the scientific community. Our hosts were so appreciative, and the students hustled all day, every day. By the time I left on Friday, we had completed grid lines A-R, plus some of S, and the students were set to branch off of my most northerly control, continuing on through line U on their own. We each gave them our own version of a crash course on survey theory and practice; I think they'll do just fine.
I have to say that this has been the most fun I've had working in a very long time. Witnesses will report this as a true statement.
And as I was the only one left at the end of the week, I scored a 15 minute interview with BBC International, who showed up to report on the project - be watching...

[Berk Blake, PLS CA]

Alright, now you have to let us know when it is being broadcast.

Berk

[squid]

I've got friends in the UK watching for it, and I've got my eyes peeled here. Hope John's interview is shown!

[Jim Lutz]

I'd like to send a big thank you to the entire CLSA and to the eight surveyors (Marta Alverez, Berk Blake, Karen Blake, Jon Bratt, John Knox, Ric Moore, Rob McMillan, and Greg Rice) who came out to help some ecologists in the woods.

We finished our 2009 campaign with just a few points under 20 ha gridded out at 20-m intervals and with 10.24 ha of trees identified, tagged, and mapped to the grid.

I was pretty impressed at the closure Berk Blake and John Knox were getting when they checked in with each other.

But I guess I was most impressed and happy that so many people from such different life experiences could have a great time working together in the woods. I sure learned a lot - and not just about surveying!

Ric is leading off on an article for the surveying journal, so we will stay tuned for his updates.

The BBC came out with a reporter and cameraman for a few days after most surveyors had gone. John Knox was there, and I bet they use some of his sound bites. The information I have from the BBC is that the piece (four minutes) is slated to run on July 20th - I'll post more when I have information. No idea what the "spin cycle" is going to look like - they shot a ton of tape, so they could make a piece look like just about anything.

Based on the GPS readings taken on the road, and some more GPS data taken by Berk at his control points, we are on track to generate a very accurate grid that is tied into the real world. It's up to me to generate the combined set of grid points from all the survey teams - and I shall surely do that as soon as I finish digging out of the hole you get in when you leave the office for a bit more than three weeks!

Many, many thanks to you all.

[Jim Lutz]

The YFDP is in the news. Monday July 20th, 16:00 Pacific Time. Five minutes on BBC America news (unless there is some huge breaking news that bumps us). No idea what the content looks like or who is featured. But check it out.

[Ric7308]

That's channel 189 in my area (Verizon - Camarillo)...let's hope I get that.

[Berk Blake, PLS CA]

Here's what I found on the BBC website:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8159025.stm

[squid]

It aired on TV tonight. The video on the BBC website shows a different report, without John's interview (but he is mentioned in the text of the article). The TV spot did show part of John's interview! :-)

I will spend some time tomorrow putting the BBC TV piece on YouTube. Will post the link here when completed. (Unless someone beats me to it! Go for it!)

[Berk Blake, PLS CA]

Hello Squid:

I look forward to your posting

Thanks

[Ric7308]

It was cool seeing the short segment on the story. Hopefully someone can figure out how to post a youtube version of what was shown on tv before I have to delete it from the DVR.

[squid]

That's my assignment for the day, Ric! Will post a Youtube link if/when I get it up there. If I can't, then in a few days the BBC reporter might have it on his website. Will post that info here.

Till then, here it is on the radio:


See: Item at 0821
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/listen_again/default.stm

For what it's worth, the Today prog is the most-listened to morning
show in the UK (on TV or radio) and a slot in the 0800 half hour (peak
listening) is much sought after.

[RAM]

John, can I have you autograph.

found this link on my local e-newspaper this morning.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8159025.stm

Way Cool.

Wish it was here. 108 yesterday, 102 in Yose Valley. Uhggg

[squid]

Youtube link to story!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6Dn9fGvJuc

[RAM]

I think this means John buys ice cream at the gathering next June.

I still want an autograph.

[Berk Blake, PLS CA]

Thanks Squid, say Hi! to John.