Street scene.

Locals in Nouadhibou.

Setting up the tripod and the theodolite on the roof of the radiosonde balloon shelter.

View from the roof of the radisonde balloon shelter.

The "Great Wall" of the radiosonde shelter... a huge metal door that had to be opened to launch a balloon.

Discussing where to inflate the pilot balloons. From left to right, John Mejia, Ely Mahjoud (our guide and driver, from ASECNA), Mike Douglas, and Amar Ould Sidi—the Nouadhibou station’s chief.

Moving one GIP-3 hydrogen generator from the radiosonde shelter to a location closer to the airport where a second shelter was located.

Loading the GIP-3 into the ASECNA vehicle.

Dragging the hydrogen generator to the pibal site near the runway.

Starting to prepare hydrogen gas... I’m standing back!

Old original French theodolite—in poor condition.

Another view of the original theodolite at the met station in Nouadhibou.

Pilot balloon training session at the Nouadhibou airport.

Observers training with our theodolite.

Observer in training.

Observers getting ready to follow a balloon. Note the woman recording the data—protected by a concrete wall from the persistent north winds and blowing sand.

Following the balloon.

Mike Douglas holding two balloons to demonstrate that white balloons are easier to follow against a blue sky. Test confirmed what the observers thought—the red balloon was easier to follow! (perhaps the dust had an effect.)

One minor disadvantage of the native robes—they blow constantly in the strong winds.

Mike Douglas explaining procedures—but note the diversity of dress!

The pilot balloon station at the airport.

Wind-blown trash bags near the airport.

John Mejia showing the observers how to process and transmit the data.