Alaska Adventure!
Week 3-- We lost one!
Early this week we lost one of our trainees. Well that's a little dramatic, but he left in the middle of the day on Monday with absolutely no waring. He told no one and we had no idea. We were sadly not that surprised because through all of our efforts he never hung out much and was rather introverted. Mid-day he must have just snuck out because it was discovered that he was gone when his room was found open and utterly empty. I keep meaning to make contact with him, but don't know if I should.
Training has been good and one of my tasks for the day is to continue to be a good student and go over all the pre-trip procedures and whatnot. I'm also working on my touring and will soon be giving a safety speech! Woohoo! Almost like I know what I'm doing, good thing too because our testing dates have come out!
Thursday was my birthday and guys it's about to get real, because this has been the best birthday I've had in a really long time. Now, it's not the usual reason why... On a very serious note, I really have hated my last probably 4 or 5 birthdays. I usually end up crying on my birthday because I feel that I'm behind in life. I want to really accomplish a lot in my life and I seem to not be getting anywhere. So this year, being away from home, getting paid to learn new skills, and having a grand adventure out of it is pretty awesome! For once I feel like I'm making progress, not just short term, but long term and I will be learning what type of jobs fit me better. I'm not sure what will happen after I return home, but for now I have a fall back of my CDL, something I did not have before.
As for the day itself, not much happened. Originally, Thursday was supposed to be a non-training day, but all the trainees were put through wash pad training. (Wash pad is where you wash the inside and outside of the coach) Then my trainer suggested Friday instead, but Friday I had the morning shuttle to drive, so instead here I am on Monday, finally got my day off. After a full half day of training, I went out to dinner with a friend and I was invited to a pure romance party. It was fun, but I really lusted after more socialization, which there wasn't much of. There still are not that many people here in Skagway, so the feelings of lonesomeness are really starting to sink in. I need to find my people! It will happen, but it would be nice if it happened sooner.
Saturday night at about 11:50 pm the Aurora Borealis was out! It was really interesting looking, like sheets of green flowing in the wind from a clothes line. Very beautiful and interestingly it was only a level 1 storm, so hardly anything to see. This upcoming Tuesday is supposed to be a level 6! I'm very excited. The weather report isn't looking great, partly cloudy, but at least it's not entirely overcast! Here's to hoping there will be something to see in the spaces that the clouds are not taking up.
One of the mountain shops has a hiking challenge that they put out, I'm already starting to work on it!I've done several of the (14?) hikes. I'm planning another for today! I also bought bear spray, so all of you nervous nellies can feel better about me hiking alone.
Early this week we lost one of our trainees. Well that's a little dramatic, but he left in the middle of the day on Monday with absolutely no waring. He told no one and we had no idea. We were sadly not that surprised because through all of our efforts he never hung out much and was rather introverted. Mid-day he must have just snuck out because it was discovered that he was gone when his room was found open and utterly empty. I keep meaning to make contact with him, but don't know if I should.
Training has been good and one of my tasks for the day is to continue to be a good student and go over all the pre-trip procedures and whatnot. I'm also working on my touring and will soon be giving a safety speech! Woohoo! Almost like I know what I'm doing, good thing too because our testing dates have come out!
Thursday was my birthday and guys it's about to get real, because this has been the best birthday I've had in a really long time. Now, it's not the usual reason why... On a very serious note, I really have hated my last probably 4 or 5 birthdays. I usually end up crying on my birthday because I feel that I'm behind in life. I want to really accomplish a lot in my life and I seem to not be getting anywhere. So this year, being away from home, getting paid to learn new skills, and having a grand adventure out of it is pretty awesome! For once I feel like I'm making progress, not just short term, but long term and I will be learning what type of jobs fit me better. I'm not sure what will happen after I return home, but for now I have a fall back of my CDL, something I did not have before.
As for the day itself, not much happened. Originally, Thursday was supposed to be a non-training day, but all the trainees were put through wash pad training. (Wash pad is where you wash the inside and outside of the coach) Then my trainer suggested Friday instead, but Friday I had the morning shuttle to drive, so instead here I am on Monday, finally got my day off. After a full half day of training, I went out to dinner with a friend and I was invited to a pure romance party. It was fun, but I really lusted after more socialization, which there wasn't much of. There still are not that many people here in Skagway, so the feelings of lonesomeness are really starting to sink in. I need to find my people! It will happen, but it would be nice if it happened sooner.
Saturday night at about 11:50 pm the Aurora Borealis was out! It was really interesting looking, like sheets of green flowing in the wind from a clothes line. Very beautiful and interestingly it was only a level 1 storm, so hardly anything to see. This upcoming Tuesday is supposed to be a level 6! I'm very excited. The weather report isn't looking great, partly cloudy, but at least it's not entirely overcast! Here's to hoping there will be something to see in the spaces that the clouds are not taking up.
One of the mountain shops has a hiking challenge that they put out, I'm already starting to work on it!I've done several of the (14?) hikes. I'm planning another for today! I also bought bear spray, so all of you nervous nellies can feel better about me hiking alone.
Week 2
We are now onto road training! This only happened late this week. What that means is that we are no longer endlessly murdering cones.
For road training we start just in town, which is really great because town also has the most to hit and cars all around. We will we doing a lot of tours as well, so getting down your stories of buildings and people and things in town are a good idea. For the second time I drove (I have only driven twice) we got to play around with the head set! It's actually quite fun and I'm enjoying being a dork in it. My trainer, Castle, yes that's her name, is awesome and she for sure has a bus voice that she uses while telling stories or talking on the bus. I'm a tinsy bit concerned though because while I think Castle will be the best trainer for doing stories well and getting good tips I'm not sure she is best for learning the technical side of the coach. Granted I really can't be upset because she really is so cool and nice!
Skagway has a lot of interesting history and the town is almost entirely built on it's tourism. To help us learn this the trainees went on some thing called a Fam tour (familiarization tour). We were told all about this grave yard that has many of the famous people from the Gold Rush era. On a day that I was itching to go and do something and I couldn't find anyone else to go with me, I went and checked out the Gold Rush Cemetery. It's interesting and nicely kept up, though very few of the grave stones are stone, so most of them look like they have been made in the last year. If you continue on the path there is a really beautiful waterfall. I finished the day with yoga.
Fast forward to Saturday. Every Saturday we do a training session in the class room. It is SUPER boring. Always technical information that we are supposed to go over. On the plus side we got out at noon, which was rather earlier than we expected. So I was all pumped up and I wanted to get out. The weather was warm, sunny, and beautiful. After asking all around I couldn't find anyone to go with me, so I went by myself. I started at 2:30 and returned at 5:30. The hike was a little brutal at the end, turning more into scaling down rock paths that were very steep. It was completely worth it though!
Later that night after hiking 8.9 miles there was a bond fire at the yard. It was in celebration of Angelica's birthday. We had a good time, there was corn hole, which I won two games in a row with Marty. I had a good time, but I was starving, so after all the miles of hiking I walked back from the yard, which is about 1.6 miles back. Once I ate and got home I couldn't move and just chilled on the couch all night until I passed out, I was so tired.
On Sunday I stayed in bed till 11:30, hey I earned it, and then did group lunch with a bunch of people that I'm training with and then went to yoga. It's been a pretty epic week.
4/4/2016
We are now onto road training! This only happened late this week. What that means is that we are no longer endlessly murdering cones.
For road training we start just in town, which is really great because town also has the most to hit and cars all around. We will we doing a lot of tours as well, so getting down your stories of buildings and people and things in town are a good idea. For the second time I drove (I have only driven twice) we got to play around with the head set! It's actually quite fun and I'm enjoying being a dork in it. My trainer, Castle, yes that's her name, is awesome and she for sure has a bus voice that she uses while telling stories or talking on the bus. I'm a tinsy bit concerned though because while I think Castle will be the best trainer for doing stories well and getting good tips I'm not sure she is best for learning the technical side of the coach. Granted I really can't be upset because she really is so cool and nice!
Skagway has a lot of interesting history and the town is almost entirely built on it's tourism. To help us learn this the trainees went on some thing called a Fam tour (familiarization tour). We were told all about this grave yard that has many of the famous people from the Gold Rush era. On a day that I was itching to go and do something and I couldn't find anyone else to go with me, I went and checked out the Gold Rush Cemetery. It's interesting and nicely kept up, though very few of the grave stones are stone, so most of them look like they have been made in the last year. If you continue on the path there is a really beautiful waterfall. I finished the day with yoga.
Fast forward to Saturday. Every Saturday we do a training session in the class room. It is SUPER boring. Always technical information that we are supposed to go over. On the plus side we got out at noon, which was rather earlier than we expected. So I was all pumped up and I wanted to get out. The weather was warm, sunny, and beautiful. After asking all around I couldn't find anyone to go with me, so I went by myself. I started at 2:30 and returned at 5:30. The hike was a little brutal at the end, turning more into scaling down rock paths that were very steep. It was completely worth it though!
Later that night after hiking 8.9 miles there was a bond fire at the yard. It was in celebration of Angelica's birthday. We had a good time, there was corn hole, which I won two games in a row with Marty. I had a good time, but I was starving, so after all the miles of hiking I walked back from the yard, which is about 1.6 miles back. Once I ate and got home I couldn't move and just chilled on the couch all night until I passed out, I was so tired.
On Sunday I stayed in bed till 11:30, hey I earned it, and then did group lunch with a bunch of people that I'm training with and then went to yoga. It's been a pretty epic week.
4/4/2016
Week 1
Ok technically it's already a little further along, but close enough given internet restrictions.
Basically the pictures will give an outline to what has been happening. The first pictures are from the ferry from Juneau to Skagway. It's a long, but beautiful 6 hour ride. While on the ride I saw dolphins swimming in our wake and tales of orcas and wales, we, alas, didn't see any of those. Still a beautiful trip. During the ferry we kept ourselves entertained with movies, studying, and for me calling credit card companies to try and figure out how to epically boost my credit. I know, I know, I'm a massive nerd. Two different light houses appeared as we traveled and the sights were just so stunning, trust me the pictures do not do it justice.
Once in Skagway, (the picture of the docks) I saw the painted parts on the rock wall right at the port. Story goes that, it all stated in the Gold Rush. When the ships would come in they would, and still do, paint their logo on the signature wall signifying that they were there. The ones up highest got the Captain the most respect, due to the cliffs that they would have had to repel down. I'm tempted to put the EYC burgee up there!
Basically the next thing we had to do was drop off all our stuff in our rooms (which as you can see were not yet organized) and then we were whisked away again for some more paper work. The rest of the week was filled with the epic stress of the CDL (commercial drivers license) permit test. We also were testing for the normal Alaska drivers license, yes that's right I have an Alaska DL now, and for air brake and passenger endorsement. Totaling 4 different tests. The first 3 I passed with 100%, 96%, and I don't know what the other one was. The general CDL test absolutely obliterated me at a 52% the first time I took it. Naturally I was not pleased with my result, but we were warned extensively that it was difficult. Well, on my second attempt I didn't pass again! I missed just 1 too many. I was so totally distraught for the rest of the day that I didn't even know what to do with myself. Finally, I passed after the 3rd time realizing that what was on the test had nothing, or at least little to do with what was in the book. In the mean time of failing the same stupid test 3 times I went one a few amazing hikes!
The first is hike I got to go on, was not planned. I planned instead on going on a run and my friend Marty suggested a hike instead because the area I was planning on running at is know to have bears roaming through it, especially at this time of year. We went up to Lower Dewey Lake, which is right out of our back door. The path goes through forrest and loops around the lake. It's bear season here, they are all awaking from their slumber, so we were having a watchful eye out and making noise. The hike was beautiful! covered in snow it was both delightful and traitorous at times.
The next hike was a group outing to the point on the other side of the town to the north. We drove the short distance to the bridge and then hiked through a small amount of forrest to appear on the other side of the point. Grippy rock below it was easy to scurry along the glacier carved point. To the right was Dyea, which has a bay that extends more to the north and flats that often have bears roaming among them. To the south is the ocean where we came from and majestic peaks gently curved with snow. In the bay you can see seals, orcas, and sometimes sea lions! It was a nice little hike.
Next after I failed my test again, Marty, Glen and I went up the Dyea and hiked around the flats. It was beautiful and strange. Because it is ocean water the was a slight ocean smell, which apparently becomes rather pungent in the late summer.... The sand there was also rather interesting. Known as termination Dust this sand is super fine and I've been told can be an indicator as to how late int he year it is here in Skagway. Termination Dust occurs when the glaciers high up in the mountains start to melt and slowly carve away the rocks the they nestle in. The rock is so finely carved that is is more like dust than sand. Due to it's fineness it sits suspended in water for an extended period of time until it is finally in a calm enough environment to settle to the bottom. I have yet to see it, but as the season progress the streams will fill with termination dust and you can tell by how saturated it is what time of it it is. I'm trying to see if I can get a garden plot at the local community garden, at least then I can get some tomatoes going!
On Saturday we attempted to make it to Canada to go to Whitehorse to do some shopping long term grocery shopping. Food in Skagway is rather expensive due to it all being shipped, it is also known that during the season food runs out, so you must get to the grocery right after the ship comes in! We got stopped at the Canadian border due to some clearance issues. The issues have been cleared, but we will not be going back for quite some time.
I'm excited to be here! The people I'm currently with are so nice and it's full of adventure and doers!
Ok technically it's already a little further along, but close enough given internet restrictions.
Basically the pictures will give an outline to what has been happening. The first pictures are from the ferry from Juneau to Skagway. It's a long, but beautiful 6 hour ride. While on the ride I saw dolphins swimming in our wake and tales of orcas and wales, we, alas, didn't see any of those. Still a beautiful trip. During the ferry we kept ourselves entertained with movies, studying, and for me calling credit card companies to try and figure out how to epically boost my credit. I know, I know, I'm a massive nerd. Two different light houses appeared as we traveled and the sights were just so stunning, trust me the pictures do not do it justice.
Once in Skagway, (the picture of the docks) I saw the painted parts on the rock wall right at the port. Story goes that, it all stated in the Gold Rush. When the ships would come in they would, and still do, paint their logo on the signature wall signifying that they were there. The ones up highest got the Captain the most respect, due to the cliffs that they would have had to repel down. I'm tempted to put the EYC burgee up there!
Basically the next thing we had to do was drop off all our stuff in our rooms (which as you can see were not yet organized) and then we were whisked away again for some more paper work. The rest of the week was filled with the epic stress of the CDL (commercial drivers license) permit test. We also were testing for the normal Alaska drivers license, yes that's right I have an Alaska DL now, and for air brake and passenger endorsement. Totaling 4 different tests. The first 3 I passed with 100%, 96%, and I don't know what the other one was. The general CDL test absolutely obliterated me at a 52% the first time I took it. Naturally I was not pleased with my result, but we were warned extensively that it was difficult. Well, on my second attempt I didn't pass again! I missed just 1 too many. I was so totally distraught for the rest of the day that I didn't even know what to do with myself. Finally, I passed after the 3rd time realizing that what was on the test had nothing, or at least little to do with what was in the book. In the mean time of failing the same stupid test 3 times I went one a few amazing hikes!
The first is hike I got to go on, was not planned. I planned instead on going on a run and my friend Marty suggested a hike instead because the area I was planning on running at is know to have bears roaming through it, especially at this time of year. We went up to Lower Dewey Lake, which is right out of our back door. The path goes through forrest and loops around the lake. It's bear season here, they are all awaking from their slumber, so we were having a watchful eye out and making noise. The hike was beautiful! covered in snow it was both delightful and traitorous at times.
The next hike was a group outing to the point on the other side of the town to the north. We drove the short distance to the bridge and then hiked through a small amount of forrest to appear on the other side of the point. Grippy rock below it was easy to scurry along the glacier carved point. To the right was Dyea, which has a bay that extends more to the north and flats that often have bears roaming among them. To the south is the ocean where we came from and majestic peaks gently curved with snow. In the bay you can see seals, orcas, and sometimes sea lions! It was a nice little hike.
Next after I failed my test again, Marty, Glen and I went up the Dyea and hiked around the flats. It was beautiful and strange. Because it is ocean water the was a slight ocean smell, which apparently becomes rather pungent in the late summer.... The sand there was also rather interesting. Known as termination Dust this sand is super fine and I've been told can be an indicator as to how late int he year it is here in Skagway. Termination Dust occurs when the glaciers high up in the mountains start to melt and slowly carve away the rocks the they nestle in. The rock is so finely carved that is is more like dust than sand. Due to it's fineness it sits suspended in water for an extended period of time until it is finally in a calm enough environment to settle to the bottom. I have yet to see it, but as the season progress the streams will fill with termination dust and you can tell by how saturated it is what time of it it is. I'm trying to see if I can get a garden plot at the local community garden, at least then I can get some tomatoes going!
On Saturday we attempted to make it to Canada to go to Whitehorse to do some shopping long term grocery shopping. Food in Skagway is rather expensive due to it all being shipped, it is also known that during the season food runs out, so you must get to the grocery right after the ship comes in! We got stopped at the Canadian border due to some clearance issues. The issues have been cleared, but we will not be going back for quite some time.
I'm excited to be here! The people I'm currently with are so nice and it's full of adventure and doers!
Day 2
After doing the drug test and then the medical test we went to Freddies to get some supplies. Of which I bought a watch, some food, (mostly for the ferry tomorrow) and conditioner. I also decided to be a bit of a spender and buy a head lamp with rechargeable batteries. Tomorrow we hop on the ferry (6 hours!!!!) and get on our way to Skagway. While on the ferry we are going to be studying on the way and we are supposed to see lots of wildlife too! On the not so exciting side we are leaving at 4:30 am tomorrow.
Once in Skagway we are going to take a little tour of the city. I'm pretty sure I will be passing out as soon as I see my bed. Apparently, the accommodations are often a little dirty, mostly just needs vacuuming and a sweeping clean of the bathroom. I'll get some photo evidence for you ;)
After doing the drug test and then the medical test we went to Freddies to get some supplies. Of which I bought a watch, some food, (mostly for the ferry tomorrow) and conditioner. I also decided to be a bit of a spender and buy a head lamp with rechargeable batteries. Tomorrow we hop on the ferry (6 hours!!!!) and get on our way to Skagway. While on the ferry we are going to be studying on the way and we are supposed to see lots of wildlife too! On the not so exciting side we are leaving at 4:30 am tomorrow.
Once in Skagway we are going to take a little tour of the city. I'm pretty sure I will be passing out as soon as I see my bed. Apparently, the accommodations are often a little dirty, mostly just needs vacuuming and a sweeping clean of the bathroom. I'll get some photo evidence for you ;)
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Day 1!
My goodness, what an epic day. We have seen a glacier already and the people that are taking us through this journey are so nice and amazing!
Alaska is so beautiful! It reminds me of home too! I'm so excited to be doing this. We will see what happens in the next few days. Tomorrow is going to be testing day (medical that is) the day after we leave to Skagway where we will take our CDL permit test. I'm nervous, even though I have been studying.
I'm currently in Juneau, which is super cute. The houses are old and brightly painted, there are old clocks in wrought iron, and it is super small. We are right on the bay, with lovely sunny, brisk weather. It's so picturesque.
My goodness, what an epic day. We have seen a glacier already and the people that are taking us through this journey are so nice and amazing!
Alaska is so beautiful! It reminds me of home too! I'm so excited to be doing this. We will see what happens in the next few days. Tomorrow is going to be testing day (medical that is) the day after we leave to Skagway where we will take our CDL permit test. I'm nervous, even though I have been studying.
I'm currently in Juneau, which is super cute. The houses are old and brightly painted, there are old clocks in wrought iron, and it is super small. We are right on the bay, with lovely sunny, brisk weather. It's so picturesque.
Some of you may be wondering how this all happened in the first place. Well here's how: One of the things I did at MECOP inc. was volunteer coordinating. During our last even I was sitting with a volunteer and we were talking about what he does besides school and engineering. (they are all engineering students) He told me that for five season he has been working during the summer with Holland America as a tour guide in Alaska. He said he thought I'd be really good at it and with the concept that my contract very soon over I figured I would give it a try.
So here is what I know:
I will be in Skagway Alaska, it's in the tail and a little north of Juneau.
I should make a lot of money.
I start on the 13th of March when I fly up there for training.
I will get a commercial drivers license out of it!
My clients will be people just off the cruise lines.
I know nothing about Alaska.
I will be living in an old hotel in the downtown area.
I will be doing weekly updates and lots of pictures!!!!
I'm really excited for this adventure! I hope to see the northern lights during training! If you want come see me or send me care packages I would greatly appreciate it... I guess food is expensive here.
February 23rd 2016
So here is what I know:
I will be in Skagway Alaska, it's in the tail and a little north of Juneau.
I should make a lot of money.
I start on the 13th of March when I fly up there for training.
I will get a commercial drivers license out of it!
My clients will be people just off the cruise lines.
I know nothing about Alaska.
I will be living in an old hotel in the downtown area.
I will be doing weekly updates and lots of pictures!!!!
I'm really excited for this adventure! I hope to see the northern lights during training! If you want come see me or send me care packages I would greatly appreciate it... I guess food is expensive here.
February 23rd 2016