With the first of October came the first sub zero temperatures, add winds around 50 mph and it's a harsh environment to work in.
So I was happy in the morning to get assigned a creative task, plotting the GPR Surveys from yesterday, sitting at a PC in the Centre. Even better that it was linked to the internet and thanks to the good old BBC I could keep up with Oxford United's thrilling 0-0 draw at Barnet.
With a New Yorker called Gray (former record producer and all round nice guy) I was on washing up duties after evey meal today... easy when you can chat about David Bowie or Woodstock festival or Ronnie Scotts.
After lunch life got tough as we were taken out into the field. The two Brazilians Leo, Harenton and I got to do GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) My job was working the 'brain', a palm top computer attached to the radar equipment. Sounds easy except you can't wear gloves to do it and by half way my hands were solid... one of those 'what am I doing here moments?' We finished though and since then...
Spectacular payback time... the sky began to clear and we got a beautiful sunset and then tonight as it got dark the sky began to dance. I've never seen the Northern Lights before and by all accounts this was not the best performance as it wasn't in colour but all across the sky strands of ghost white weaved and curved above us. At first we watched from the car park but the cold pushed us back indoors. Inside, at the top of the building, there is a viewing dome where you can sit, drink beer and watch.

Sunset over part of the old Rocket Site. My camera isn't good enough to take pictures of the northern lights.
Hi Bob
Thanks for the e-mail - really enjoying the blog, and despite your stories of the cold (and washing up - still at least the waters hot?) would love to be there with you.
My team won 4 - 2 yestrday, in the league. Sounds easy but we do it the hard way - 3 up inside 20 mins, let them score either side of half time (well score one for them to get them started), need our keeper to make brilliant diving one handed save to keep us in front, then go 4-2 up and make it seem like it was easy. Still made it enjoyable for the fans. FA cup next week and I'll miss it as I'm off to Germany.
Nice morning here, though a chill in the air (probably tropical to you!) - sun came out whilst walking the dog. Loads of birds in the hedgerows - saw too many long tail tits to count, also saw goldcrests.
All the best
Steve
Steve