Field Camp 299* Fall 1984.
One possible course in geography studies is the field camp. Our school regularly sends graduate students to the Yukon to research glaciers. Also undergraduates have their field camp. It is not a difficult course although intense for one week the rest of the term is free except for the writing of reports on the camp.
One highlight of that years camp was the use of a Portable Computer the Osbornne 1 to calculate data obtained by automatic thermosisters connected to a data logger left overnight in a hollow. The nature of ground temp and the spacing of temperature in the hollow including height was studied. We also learned to use the M2 compass in a field camp contest for free beer. I am happy to say that by using a double measure system my partner and I won the contest. Yes, repetitive observation is important.
In our more urban studies we visited Deep River a company town. We even had a chance to interview a youth about the changing nature of this town. We also studied a two shopping pole town and the affects of the poles was noticed on the urban linear core which was undergoing some limited decline. But now, some fifteen years later, visits to this other town show that in fact the urban core is still vital.
In historical studies we looked at the settlement patterns of the region. Settled by Polish immigrants amongst others this region contained the Opeongo trail. In looking at farm buildings, type of farming, and levels of rural poverty, I came to the conclusion that the Polish had found a land type similar to the hardship they had in their homeland and thus could readily adapt to farming and surviving in this region. We also looked at modern settlement trends including the communes of middle class subcultures whom I know personally. Also religion was looked at in depth by a curious visit to a religious commune. The photo of the church from there was taken with permission of the tour guide from the commune.
In recreation studies we were taught to assess land for use by recreationers. The photos also cover this day.
All in all it was an intense learning experience.
My own project was skewed by technology. I used an altimeter and sling thermometer to investigate temperature and humidity conditions through out the day near the recreational lake and on higher ground. This study was relatively inconclusive
Photos from field camp
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