Frequently asked questions.
Transportation
UL Lafayette will provide ground transportation from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus to Greybull (WY), leaving on May 25th, 2024, at 7:00 AM. The field camp starts officially on May 27th, 2024, at 8:00 AM. The field camp ends officially on July 5th. UL Lafayette will provide transportation back to Lafayette, arriving on June 8th.
Laundry facilities and clothing
All the places we stay at (Moab Rim Campark, Cedar City KOA, Greybull KOA, Red Lodge KOA, and motels along the way) have coin-operated laundromats. No need to bring your detergent; you can buy it there. Typically, students do their laundry during their day off. During this field trip, you will experience different weather conditions, from the hot southern Utah desert to cold Montana snow flurries. We recommend layered clothing. Remember that it is always easier to take clothes off if you are too warm than the opposite if you do not bring enough layers. As much as possible, stay away from cotton because it provides poor thermal insulation and is cold when wet.
Cell phones and wifi
Cell phone reception can be tricky, but Verizon and AT&T deliver good coverage in the areas we will be visiting. There is wifi available at most campgrounds. We recommend that you do not bring your laptop because it might get damaged or lost during transportation in fully loaded vans.
More…
Are we camping on the way to/from Lafayette?
No, we will have hotel reservations with shared rooms.
Could we leave for camp a day earlier?
Yes, but you will need to arrange your own transportation. We will provide transportation only from/to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus.
Could we receive a copy of the schedule?
Yes, it is posted here
What is the recommended amount of things to bring?
As little as possible, small tents (1-2 person tents), compression sleeping bags, and about a week's worth of clothes. For a detailed overview, see Equipment & Material
What clothes should be worn in the field?
Jeans and T-shirts are not ideal. You want quick-dry, tear-proof clothes.
Do we need a supervisor in every van on our days off?
Yes.
How much water should we bring every day?
A minimum of 4 Liters (1 gallon) per person is recommended.
What are we doing for food while camping?
We will be able to stop at convenience stores and restaurants. You will cook your food or purchase ready meals - it's up to you. For further information, see Equipment & Material
What are we bringing out in the field while mapping?
Rain Jacket, map board, water, Brunton, hammer, colored pencils, lunch, hand lens, small first aid kit, etc.… Enough for a day. For further information, see Equipment & Material
What gear do we bring?
Day pack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, duffle bag (not hard-cased suitcases), tent. For further information, see Equipment & Material
How many Write-in-the-rain field books should we bring?
It depends on how often/how many notes you take. We recommend using new books. We will provide you with two books.
What kind of day packs should we bring?
Ones without frames. We recommend backpacks with a capacity of 20 to 35 Liters.
Can we bring a pillow and an inflatable mattress?
Yes.
How cold does it get at night?
It will get quite cold (below freezing in some cases). Make sure your sleeping bag is rated for the appropriate temperature.
What kind of shampoo should we bring?
Unscented will help keep insects away; a No-Bite Me soap is preferred, but anything will do.
Do we need any books or field guides?
Optional, just one:
How much spending money should we bring?
~$250 for food and souvenirs works well for most.
Can I have a list and contact information of all students?
For confidentiality reasons, we cannot release the list of students attending before we assemble in Greybull (WY).