This entry is more scattered than most, trying to both fill in some details about me adjusting to life in Alaska, and random one-offs from trip up here that I never wrote down.
I feel pretty settled around camp, and am continuing to learn more and more about the business(es) each day. I am so thankful that the people have been training me are both personable and patient with the “old guy” in the group as I learn the computer programs and their way of operating. I’ve spent the last few days over at the ziplines, and been checked off to operate part of it. It was a lot of fun to tell the clients that it was my first day and watch their reactions as I asked if they knew how this stuff worked. I also have working on some basic construction projects.
Random facts/observations
The trip up to Alaska was 6,053 miles, and I only saw 4 police/state trooper cars the entire way.
Poutine (French fries, sprinkled with cheese curds, and covered in brown gravy) is as amazing as advertised.
I’m convinced that Canadian bacon is a lie made up by McDonald’s. Every time I came across a menu that said “Canadian bacon”, I ordered it and was served strips (not complaining). Locals ordered ham and got ham.
Mosquitos in Alaska are big, but they are slow and relatively easy to kill. We are fortunate to not have too many, like Fairbanks and Denali do.
Daily moose sightings have become a common occurrence. One seems very comfortable being near people, and evened walked right by the front porch where two of the staffers were seated.
Ford F-250 diesels are fun to drive on and off road.
I am still amazed by the views and the fact that I am here. Even more fun is to work on the deck overlooking the glacier.
With the closest town, 60 miles away, it’s amazing how you can stretch your food and improvise with what you have.
Going to town now seems like an inconvenience rather than a nice place to have everything you need close.
Alaskan food prices are much higher. A pound of coffee from the brand I like is 30% more here.
I am eating healthier and walking more each day, many time reaching 10,000 steps.
In 4 weeks since I left Florida, I have lost 6 pounds.
Canadian Bacon (1995) - John Candy, Alan Alda, Rhea Perlman. John Candy's last movie to be released. Plot: The U.S. President, low in the opinion polls, gets talked into raising his popularity by trying to start a cold war against Canada.