So today is our Mid-Season cookout at work. I can't believe that we are already halfway done with the season. It seems like just yesterday I was stepping off a plane from Seattle not knowing anyone here, and now I can't imagine my life without Ketchikan in it. Since the last update I have been diving (yes you read that right), learned how to throw an ax, found more sea creatures to play with, and hiked through the rain forest.
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| Alex, Gwenn, Kayla, Amanda, Bryce, Stephanie, Me, Tristan |
Last week on my day off I decided that I would brave the cold waters of Alaska to go diving with Gwenn. I have an extreme love of sea creatures, which is the only thing that got me in the water. Putting on all of the gear was a hassle, and I couldn't really move because I was in a 6.5 mil wetsuit with a hood and gloves. But after a few ups and downs in the water to readjust being back diving, I started to explore. Sea stars of every color and shape, sea cucumbers, crabs. clams, cute little fishies, were a few of the new friends that I made! My favorite was playing with a moon jelly in my hand under water is now one of the coolest things that I have done!! I will be back in the water for sure this summer!
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| Gwenn and I ready for diving |
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| After our diving adventure |
Being friends with the Lumberjacks has had many perks between bonfires and fresh fish, but my new favorite one was learning to throw an ax at the target. One night a group of us headed over to learn at the show. I was pretty proud of myself for hitting the target a few times! I even moved up to the heavier real ax. Everyone came away with all 10 fingers and nobody lost any limbs. We did have a really great time, and a new memory and skill to take home!
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| Hitting the target |
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| Ax throwing |
I made a couple new sea creature friends from nudibranchs to kelp crabs. As part of our Wilderness Survival Tour, we partner with the University of Alaska looking for the invasive Green Crab. Thankfully we haven't found any...but we have found lots of other creatures in our crab pots. This week I got to lead the survival tour and in our crab pot we found a clown nudibranch, decorator crab, a baby sun sea star, and a Hairy Triton!! We also saw a dear that was swimming across the channel.
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| Giving my love to a cute little Clown Nudibranch |
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| In love with the Alaskan rain forest |
Along with all of these new adventures we have still had lots of hang out time at Fat Stans with many more pizza and wings!! I have been on a couple hikes around the area and found lots of tasty berries on the trails!! There are so many species of berries here in Alaska!
I'm obviously still enjoying my time here in Ketchikan!! It continues to steal my heart with every new sunset or waterfall. Now that I am officially halfway done with the summer, I am already dreading leaving here! I love the town, the people, and the way of life here. But hopefully I'll be back next year...at least that's the plan! Because one summer will never be enough here!
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