Sweet!

The sweet treats of being home.


Sorting out the mess and debris of our return. Everything is ok at the house. I think the cats were spoiled by lots of great people.

- Joanna

Location:Kailua

Anchorage

There is nothing like a train ride to make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. We had a great night at the Millenium hotel. The bed was delicious. And Didn't want to get out of it. At the airport now standing in line at security:



- Joanna

Leaving on the train

We shut everything down, packed up and now we are on the train leaving Seward and headed to Anchorage. Looking forward to this train ride, then a Hotel room with a KING SIZE BED! Tomorrow direct flight to Honolulu.

Here is a photo of the crew yesterday when the boys left:



What a great summer!

- Joanna

The boys are leaving...

We have been wrapping up this week, which basically involves cleaning absolutely everything. We aren't finished yet, but there is still some time for Jeff and I. The boys, as I call them, Ty and Bryce, are leaving today and I'm sad to see them go. Like the galley Mom I have become this summer, I keep making all their favorite foods from the summer. We have had the full chicken fried steak dinner, smoothies, French toast, more smoothies, burritos and lastly today, chile cornbread casserole from Ma's recipes. I will make sure they have sandwiches for the train tonight.

I knew the season would end, but I didn't realize it would happen so fast. They are such good guys and they have taught me so much. There's Ty, our engineer, who makes us laugh with his razor sharp wit. Even when he's in a good mood, he sounds grumpy. Bryce, our deckhand, balances our crew out with his easy going manner and willingness to touch (and sometimes eat) almost anything that came out of the salmon pump. All of us led by our Captain and my wonderful husband, who kept us on track and had fun right along with us. Quick to laugh and infinitely patient is how I would begin to describe our Skipper and leader. We all know that none of this was possible without Jeff.

I have more stories to share, and lots of photos and videos. Please keep checking in and as I finish writing, I will post them. I can't sum up all that these men have taught me in this little blog. I have said before that I'm blessed to have had this opportunity. That remains true as I think of my crew mates, Ty and Bryce. Thank you boys.

Well shit, I realize how sappy this sounds, and I'm actually getting all choked up just thinking about saying goodbye. But the season is over and everyone has to move on to what is next for them. Before they go, I will try to let them know how grateful I am and that I wish them all the best this year. Hopefully we can do this again next year. It would be my pleasure.

- Joanna

All finished

Just like that, the season is over. We are offloading our equipment, and I'm cooking all the perishables as fast as possible. Ironically, Jeff and I can't go home yet because our house is rented out. We will stay on the boat a few extra days and get home soon enough. I'm looking forward to being on shore power. At that time, the guys will shut the generator off and this constant hum will go away. I will wait and see if I miss the noise.



More later. I'm working on a hearty beef stew for this cold, rainy day.
- Joanna

Little, comforting things

There is no doubt that this summer has been a blast and an amazing experience. Jeff and I are enjoying being together instead of apart for months. Don't know when the season will end, but we are going to keep working until the last possible day!

Occasionally, I get homesick and miss being able to be in touch with friends and family. This usually happens when I'm tired and grumpy. So, I watch a few videos to make me laugh and remind me of what we have waiting for us at home. Here is one of those videos... Maybe it will make you all laugh too.

Funny sign

They say everything is big in Alaska. That certainly applies to this sign - a car on top of a dead tree. Absolutely cracked me up. Talk about using your resources! I wonder how they got it up there and secured...



- Joanna