And so it begins...

Here is the beginning of my adventure thus far:

I left for Alaska on Monday, May 5.  I left with Caitlin, the other girl who is going to be working with me this summer.  Quick background on Caitlin, she is 19 and is from Logan, Utah.  She is a very nice girl and we are becoming great friends already :)

We flew out from Salt Lake around 11 on Monday.  To make a very long story short, we had several connecting flights--and we ended up getting stuck in Anchorage due to fog in Kodiak (where we were going to stay the night and then take the float plain to Afognak Island where I will be working.)  We had to do a lot of figuring out--but ended up getting a flight out for the next day at 6:25 a.m.  Because it was already 12 --a.m., we opted to stay in the airport--that was really fun :).  We got to Kodiak the next day around 8 and finally checked into our hotel.  It was glorious!!  We got stuck in Kodiak for longer than expected due to the fog again, but we tried to stay very positive.  After a lot of phone calls and coordination, we were given the call that they were going to fly us in!  

When we got to the dock, I was amazed at the beauty. There were 3 float planes at the dock.  The pilot came and introduced himself.  His name is Peter.  He is a nice guy who is probably around 27 years old.  He has been flying here for about 2 years and loves it.  He is originally from Austin so this is a change for him!  He was a big tease and reminded me a lot of Brian (both in looks and personality! haha)  He loaded the plane and then it was time for us to head off! I sent off texts saying goodbye to the world like I wouldn't be able to see everyone again..then on the plane we went!  We were taking two men with us that we were dropping off at Kitoi Bay along with their mail.  As we were about to get on the plane, Peter turned to us and said "Ok, I need someone to fly up front with me and the rest will be in the back."  Everyone just stared at each other awkwardly and I finally said "I'll do it!!"  So I had the privilege of hopping in first.  I was really excited to experience riding in a float plane!  I didn't really know what to expect, but I was really looking forward to the experience.

I must say--this was like nothing I have ever experienced before.  We put on our big 'ole headphones and the engine revved up.  We started taxiing out of the bay like a boat would.  Suddenly we shot forward and then up in the air!  As the plane rose up my breath was taken away by our beautiful surroundings!!  I can't even describe how beautiful it was!!  Although it was foggy in parts and visibility wasn't completely clear 100% of the time, that enhanced the beauty!!  The lush mountains would just appear seemingly out of nowhere amongst the puffy clouds and eerie fog.  I can't wait to send pictures!!! (I gave Caitlin the job of taking pictures because the back seat was less obscured).  We made several stops so that we could drop off mail to the various places.  So the first stop was Kitoi Bay.  It seemed to be a more industrial island--like a hatchery. It was beautiful.  We dropped off the two men with us and then we headed off again! The cool thing about Peter is that he wanted us to really get the full experience especially for our first time. So he flew by the dock at Seal Bay (our bay)  He pointed and said, "That will be your new home!"  There were people on the dock and they waved at us as we flew by.  It was really cool because he dipped way down low so we could get a good look.  It was amazing.  Next we headed to Blue Fox bay which is another lodge, but this one is more like a getaway for families and just for relaxing.  Our lodge is much more centered on hunting.  It was fun to meet our neighbors.  They seem pretty cool :)  I doubt we see them again! The last place we stopped before home was Port Williams.  Port Williams used to be an old cannery. It was really cool!  There were these old run down buildings and old boats tied up.  It looked a little creepy and abandoned!  But there was a man there who we picked up.  He had been alone on that island for a month!  It's a wonder that he wasn't insane!!! 

As we flew, Peter told us fun facts about the places and we just chatted a little bit.  It was just such a great experience all around!  We saw a whale's tale briefly. The lay of the land is just gorgeous!!  It was amazing!  The plane didn't even make me sick!!  It was actually quite a comfortable ride! The taking off and landings were very smooth.  It was just a really awesome experience!! :)

We finally landed at Seal Bay where we were promptly greeted by Shannon with hugs and we unloaded the plane.  They got on their way shortly after that.  We dragged our stuff upstairs to our quarters right after that--and Sharon showed us around.  We live in a building that is all staff.  Right now it is just us upstairs in the upper left corner.  Our rooms is not huge, but it is a nice size.  We like it!  There are several rooms upstairs that will be occupied by the handyman that will be here in a couple of years.  He has worked here for about 5 years and Shannon says he is a sweetheart.  Luke and Josh, Shannon's sons, live downstairs.  Their cousin Jordan is down there as well.  There is a kitchen down there as well as a living room with a TV and such.  Downstairs there is a room with all of the tack and a lot of firs and guns and things.  Next to that room is the processing room where they process the fish and deer and things like that when they come in.  That's our house :) 

After our tour of the lodge we live in, we unpacked and got settled.  We were then introduced to the cook, Brian.  He is a really cool guy--really nice.  He has been cooking since he was 5 (now he is 60-his family owned a bakery).   He is an amazing chef.  We will be working with him a lot (as we understand thus far..)  

The rest of the day we spent unpacking and getting things all ready for our stay here.

This is quite a detailed account of the start to this adventure--but this is acting as a journal for me :)  I will be interested in hearing your feedback or questions that you have for me about my adventure here in Alaska. :)  It is an incredible place--the most beautiful place I have ever been!  Stay tuned for the next installment!! :)