Mini Vacation

I haven’t written a blog entry for some time-- reason being a mix of procrastination with busyness from adventures on my post contract #1 miniature vacation. My final trip aboard the Golden Fleece was a good one. We fished for Rock Sole which presented somewhat of a physical challenge from a sampling perspective, but as the fish is shallower, we stayed closer to land, providing the luxury of cell service while at sea. One last hard push, and my first contract was over as quickly as it began. Fond memories, and when it was all said and done, even some friends were made. It is hard to not make friends when you work in a positive environment; even if you’re supposed to maintain a certain distance. We’re all human.

After a quick and successful debriefing, I took a 2 week vacation and flew my girlfriend up after not having seen her for 4 months. We stayed in Palmer, AK with my best friend’s grandparents, whom I have become very close to. We had many adventures such as exploring downtown Anchorage, hiking many trails (and off the trail) and a glacier, and some salmon fishing. I have mostly lived without the mountain hiking and fishing experience, but it is something I am getting into more and more with time. I have slowly tried to ease my girlfriend into it, so that we may do these things together, and am pleasantly surprised with how receptive to it she has been. She has grown up without being heavily exposed to the outdoors as well.

We experienced several places that only a picture can describe. Hatcher Pass with its vivid green valley’s mottled with purple Fireweed on a backdrop of cloudy blue skies dancing with more ominous rain clouds - The rocky wet stream bank trail that led us to
Thunderbird Falls, a waterfall and somewhat secluded grove that is the stuff of fairytales - The crisp Matanuska Glacier with hews of blue that you can only find in ice that’s been carefully cultivated by mother nature over very long time periods. This is just a taste of Alaska and what we were able to enjoy. I plan on working up here for a few years, which means I will have no shortage of these experiences.

I was sad to leave Palmer and send my girl back home, but I never meant to take a long vacation. After having already completed my briefing for my second contract, I am now in wait mode. I have the apartment to myself, which is nice, but slightly boring and I am ready to go back to work. I have received no definitive word, but I will likely be sent to Dutch Harbor for Pollock, which will be a nice change of scenery and a different experience. Good things are in the works. I will try to be more consistent in my updates.