One Month...

Today marks one month that I have been here in Ketchikan. I have made some amazing friends and memories already, and the time is flying by way too fast! There has been sunshine for the last 3 weeks (which is completely unusual since we live in a rain forest), so I have been taking advantage of every minute that we have!

Leather Sea Star

Last Friday we kicked off our weekend with a bonfire on the beach with some of the Forrest Service staff. We watched the most beautiful sunset on a black sand beach! We roasted marshmallows, made smores, and got to know new people. At some point someone pulled out a guitar and 4 different versions of Wagon Wheel were sung...good to know that no matter where I live some things never change!

Playing with an Ogre Sea Star

My favorite moment of the night was sitting on a rock with Kayla looking out over the water when she asked me where I was a year ago? Then she asked me if someone had told me I would be living in Alaska a year ago, what would I have said? A year ago I was preparing in for summer and sea turtle season at EBSP, and loving every minute of it. As for moving to Alaska...that wouldn't have surprised me too much, I'd been thinking about coming back up here for a while! We ended that conversation with wondering where we would be next year this time. I have no idea where I will be next May, but I am in no hurry to find out!

Giant Pacific Chiton

Sunday was spent exploring tidal pools with Gwen (my captain), Stephanie, and Annie! We headed up to Coast Gaurd beach and hiked down to the most beautiful cove! There were so many creatures to be discovered! I spent my day playing with sea stars, sea cucumbers, snails, hermit crabs, sea anemones, chitons, sculpins, and tubeworms. For those of you who know me well, you know I was like a little kid on Christmas morning with all these animals! It was an absolutely amazing day! Everything is so brightly colored here, and there is just so much to discover! We were the only ones on the beach, and we hiked along the rocks back to a shortcut up the trail.

Just playing with a sea cucumber.

This week I have grown much closer to my housemates and my captain. We had a Memorial Day cookout and played Uno and laughed until we cried! We have had sleepovers and movie nights and family dinners. To me I have established my Alaska family to go along with my NC, Myrtle, Tybee, Ringgold, and real families! One month to down, and 4 not so long months to go! I have never wished for a summer to slow down and not end as much as I'm wishing for it now! But I can already tell that 5 months here in Ketchikan will never be enough!