Back In Service

The water level is so much
higher than this time last year 

Though it feels as if I have been back in Alaska for months, it just dawned on me that I got back only one week ago! After I flew in last weekend, I spent two days shopping with a few other friends. It was great to visit with them while we ran around trying to get everything we might need for the next four and a half months. One of the downsides to life out here is that I rarely get to see my friends that work throughout the district, so it’s nice to soak up friend time whenever I can. We even got to meet up with some of the district’s new hires for dinner one night, and it brought back many memories from my first trip out here. I never thought I would be in my third year, offering advice and suggestions to a group of Alaskan “newbies".

2 out of 8 bears spotted at Katmai

Once I shopped, shipped, and packed up all that I needed, I was able to get on another plane to get home to Nondalton. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t want to cooperate, so I had to spend some time in Iliamna waiting for the sky to clear up. For awhile there, I was a bit worried that I would have to spend the night. However, after a couple of hours, the fog lifted and a plane was able to take me home. As I unpacked, I couldn’t help but feel lucky to have the chance to experience another year out here. I spent my first night back at home curled up on the couch, looking out on the lake and enjoying the fresh air blowing in through the window. I wish I could bottle up the air and send it to people, but everyone will just have to take my word for it when I say that the air here smells and feels cleaner than anywhere else I have ever been. 

The salmon Caitlin caught!

While I wanted nothing more than to sleep for two weeks straight, my friend Caitlin had other plans in mind. She went out fishing Tuesday and brought home some salmon for us to fillet up. I wish someone had recorded the experience, because we were a hot mess. Neither of us had cleaned or filleted fresh salmon before and therefore we had our work cut out for us. With improper knives and Youtube "how-to" videos on replay, we got to work. Somewhere upwards of two hours later, we had butchered I mean neatly and properly cleaned and filleted six salmon. I was even paid for my labor and got to take home the three fish I had prepared. It was one of those experiences I will never forget, and we proudly showed off pictures of our fillets even though they were nowhere near up to par (“A” for effort, right?). Our friends who actually know what they are doing grimaced and laughed at our final products, but applauded us for giving it a go and being willing to try to do it on our own. For the sake of us and the fish, we have decided that next time we will reach out to some more knowledgable friends for lessons, and also find ourselves some proper filet knives.

My first Alaskan-caught fish! 

As most teachers know, each school year begins with teacher work days, or in-service days, in which the staff gathers together to get things in order for the year ahead. Because of the unique situation my school district is in, all staff members travel to a common meeting place to complete these work days. Last year, we skipped traveling for August in-service and instead worked from our school sites through online meetings. However, this year we were all lucky enough to be able to travel to Katmai Lodge for our in-service. I had heard great things about the lodge, but actually getting to stay there was a whole other story. We worked during the day, and had the opportunity to take part in different activities at night. 

Our fishing group with our guides:) 

On Thursday, a bunch of the girls and I went on a guided fly-fishing trip. Just imagine fourteen girls who have no clue what they are doing, decked out in waders, and hoping to catch some salmon; our three guides were very patient men who laughed both at us, and with us. Again, it was a night to remember and I caught three fish (but could only keep two as they let females go) so I consider it a success. Not only did we catch some fish and have some laughs, but my boat group and I saw four bears, a wolf, a moose, and an eagle. Our guide knew we wanted to see some wildlife and he did a great job of making that happen. Throughout the week, we saw four other bears, which brought the total to eight beautiful brown bears! I had never seen a bear up close in Alaska before so I was excited with each one we spotted. 

A few of the fly-ties I made 

Friday was our final night, and while some people went fishing again, my friend Shelby taught me how to make some fly-fishing ties which I will hopefully be able to use to catch some salmon in the next few weeks. After a sauna trip with a few of my favorite ladies, the rest of the night was spent at a bonfire that the lodge workers had built for us. We ended the inservice on a relaxing note and I think the trip made for a positive start to the school year. I wish I had been able to spend more time with my friends and other colleagues, but school starts Wednesday and I have a bit of work to do before I get to see my students!