I can't believe over a year has passed since I first arrived in Alaska. If you would have asked me where I'd be this time last year, I wouldn't have been able to answer. To think that I moved thousands of miles away still amazes me. And even now, a year later, I'm still amazed by this beautiful state.
Last year, inservices were held at the school, and representatives from the district flew out to help us prepare. It was nice, because there wasn't a lot of traveling involved. This year's inservice was held at Katmai Lodge in King Salmon. Although there was a bit more coordination necessary to get there, the small hassle was definitely worth it! I'm so thankful I work in a district where things like this are possible. The lodge was absolutely beautiful, and we had so many opportunities to get out and enjoy the land.
Last year, inservices were held at the school, and representatives from the district flew out to help us prepare. It was nice, because there wasn't a lot of traveling involved. This year's inservice was held at Katmai Lodge in King Salmon. Although there was a bit more coordination necessary to get there, the small hassle was definitely worth it! I'm so thankful I work in a district where things like this are possible. The lodge was absolutely beautiful, and we had so many opportunities to get out and enjoy the land.
After attending seminars all day, it was a joy to get outside. The lodge offered salmon fishing and wildlife tours, as well as massages. It was a tough call, but I decided on fishing. It was well worth it! Our guide was fantastic, and the fish were plentiful. We also saw tons of wildlife, including brown bears. One decided to come fishing with us, so we removed ourselves from the area. No one wants to get into a competition with a brown bear!
Our first night of fishing was fun, and we caught a decent number of fish. The excitement of catching fish was outdone when the most amazing rainbow emerged. I have never seen such a vibrant or wide rainbow! It was simply amazing. I wish I had my phone to snap a picture, but alas, I did not so I have to rely on the pictures of others instead.
Our first night of fishing was fun, and we caught a decent number of fish. The excitement of catching fish was outdone when the most amazing rainbow emerged. I have never seen such a vibrant or wide rainbow! It was simply amazing. I wish I had my phone to snap a picture, but alas, I did not so I have to rely on the pictures of others instead.
This picture really doesn't do it justice! I've never seen a rainbow with a color after the blue/purple, but this one did!
I had so much fun on Thursday, I decided to go out fishing on Friday as well! The weather wasn't as bright and sunny, and we didn't see any wildlife on our way out, but it ended up being a great trip. Despite the swarms of no-see-ums constantly biting, I had such a great time. The fish were biting; it seemed as soon as we put a line in the water, a fish was hooked. Our guide certainly got his exercise! At one point, all 4 of us had a fish hooked.
I had so much fun on Thursday, I decided to go out fishing on Friday as well! The weather wasn't as bright and sunny, and we didn't see any wildlife on our way out, but it ended up being a great trip. Despite the swarms of no-see-ums constantly biting, I had such a great time. The fish were biting; it seemed as soon as we put a line in the water, a fish was hooked. Our guide certainly got his exercise! At one point, all 4 of us had a fish hooked.
I don't mean to brag, but we lost count of how many fish we hooked. I had a few that got away, and two that snapped my line! They were such fighters; my hands were sore when it was all over.
Most of what we caught were chums and pink salmon, though we did land a few silvers. Silvers are such great eating, our guide cooked up the one that Kirsten caught. Boating picnics are even better than Honda picnics I think.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and today was the day I left to return to the village. It's not all bad, since we will be able to get out to fish in the river, and pick the abundant blueberries.
I can't say enough how much I love working in such an amazing district. I've met so many wonderful people and I hope this year is even more amazing than the last.
Major thanks to Barbra and Kirsten, whose Facebook pages I plundered for these photos!