08 July Update from the summit
The following report from the drilling team was received through Ellen Mosley-Thompson of Ohio State University:
Communication with the Sajama drilling team was made July 8th by satellite-linked telephone.
At this time Lonnie reported that one core has been completed to bedrock. It was 132.35 meters long and in very good condition. 107 meters of it have been sent down by porters to the waiting freezer truck which is running at -25 deg C. Unfortunately the Soaring Penguin balloon did not fly this past weekend. Although the weather was good on Saturday and Sunday the pilots were too ill to fly and had to return to the base camp.
The drilling is continuing, but with drill problems. Victor and Vladimir were hard at work making repairs. They hope to finish the second hole by Friday. At this time there are 5 people left on the summit of Sajama. Others have left due to illness. The Natural History Magazine writer stayed at the Summit for 2 days and has left, and the photographer has yet to make it up from Base Camp.
As usual, problems with porters and local officials continue to plague the project, but the drilling goes on. Lonnie indicated that their spirits were up and they planned to complete the second core to bedrock, if only the technology will now rise to the occasion.
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Last updated: 8 October 1998
http://www.geo.umass.edu/climate/bolivia/july08.html