On our way home

Aloha! I sprained my wrist/thumb and it's taking way too long to heal. More later. Got to put my phone away!

Check out new videos on my YouTube

We were in some larger seas (for me) and I posted them on my YouTube channel because blogger says it will support video but doesn't. 

Anyway, check it out! Just check out Joanna Nellos Rhodes on YouTube. 

All is well. More to report later. 

Along side the Ocean Hope 3

It's impossible to adequately describe the past few weeks. We have spent time driving long distances in some of the largest seas I have personally experienced, but I'm just a greenhorn so that's not terribly impressive to those who have done this for years. We have spent days on anchor waiting... And waiting and waiting. I will post more cool stuff another time. Since I'm at the library in Dutch right now, I thought I would check in. Aloha!

Thank you Petersburg!

We are off on our next adventure. I found these photos on Jeff's phone. We walked along the water in Petersburg on a beautiful day this summer and he snapped a few photos. Great people to work with there and we look forward to seeing y'all again next year. 

A little Hawaii style up in Alaska. Worked most of the summer in my slippahs and a skort. Think I got a few strange looks, especially when climbing on and off the boat! I felt like I had to explain - it's not a skirt, there are shorts underneath. But who cares, let them wonder if they are that curious. Throw on some knee socks and extra tufts and I was ready for anything!

Chatting on the phone with Keysa that afternoon. We are out of cell range so often, when I actually get to talk to friends and family, it is a wonderful treat. Keysa is looking after the infamous Bootsie and we are grateful for her help and friendship!

Mahalo Keysa!!! 

Whale video on YouTube

We are about to lose our easy connectivity for the next 30 days or so. No 3G in Dutch! I will try and stay in touch as often as possible. Check out my YouTube channel for a new video of whales!

Salmon wrapping up... next season starting

It has been a dramatic 24 hours. We went from wrapping up and getting ready to head back to Hawaii as earlier as next week to starting a new contract in a few days that may take us into the first week of October.  This has taken some scrambling to figure out, but I am happy to report that we will continue working!

As soon as they release us from salmon tendering, we are going to drive the Silver Dolphin to Dutch Harbor and tender pollack.  This is essentially the same work, but with some key differences. We will be working out of Dutch and may encounter slightly larger seas and cooler weather. Don't worry, this is nothing like winter fishing out of Dutch, that is way out of this greenhorn's league. We will also be a 3 person crew, so my duties on deck will increase and I will still do the cooking and help with the distance driving. Looking forward to throwing heaving lines, tying up boats and getting dirty! I am sure I will want to eat those words on cold rainy days, but for now, its got me excited for this next adventure.

It's strange how things work, because I was getting excited to get back home, settle into our new place, and spend some quality time with our cat and friends. Looking forward to driving a car again, walking the beach and playing tennis.  But, that will need to wait a bit longer because we are blessed with work.  This is something I learned from my Yia Yia, my father and then the recession brought home in sharp relief - work is a blessing, when you have it, don't you dare take it for granted! Instead, work your ass off. If you are having a hard time, shut up and work harder. Alaska is no place for whiners, although I have encountered a few. I will do my best to live up to the standards set by my grandparents as my parents have, and do a good job for my Skipper.

More to come and thanks for checking out my blog. Hot Greasy Mess is a fun way to stay in touch and share little pieces of this amazing experience. Connectivity limits what I can post, but sometimes YouTube is a good place to check out my videos.

All our best to everyone!
Joanna

Smoked salmon fettuccine - yum

I haven't talked about cooking much this season, but I'm getting to the point where I can create good meals on my own. I usually use a recipe or part of a recipe but I'm getting better at coming up with my own ideas and it works out... Very exciting. It's nice to feel more confident in the galley. Wish I felt more confident on deck, but that will take more time. 

This is my favorite thing of the whole summer- the ladder. 

The season is wrapping up. But we are staying busy. 

The beauty is everywhere. Another breathtaking sunset. 

There aren't many pictures of me since I'm the photographer, but here is one taken in a great spot full of flowers

Aloha!

Joanna