So after a long harrowing flight to Dutch on the 15th which wasn't really that harrowing (only the two gut wrenching near landings) we had to abort and fly back to Anchorage. Two hotel days later I got a chance to finally get into the elusive Aleutians and get my boots on the ground. Of course my luggage had to wait for the next day. So I was a little inconvenienced but not totally put out.
How can I describe Unalaska (which is the name of the City I'm technically in)... um its... small but not as small as I had thought. Dutch Harbor and Unalaska are on the north part of Unalaska Island and Amaknak Island. Our little shop is on Amaknak Island about a quarter mile from the Airport and a quarter mile from the Safeway and Alaska Ship Supply Mega Store. We're connected to Unalaska by the only strip of paved road on up here and a pretty modern bridge.
Some things I've learned about up here.
1.) The weather channel is full of it. Our weather reports are of the look out the window variety. I might get a weather station set up in the future just to have an idea whats coming. A barometer at least.
2.) The people are awesomely friendly
Seriously, this is a big small town atmosphere... oh ok a small big town... er look its just nice. The community is open and supportive and if you want to be involved your time up here is going to be great!
3.) Come prepared to work.
Lots of stuff for 7 Coasties to do up here... though not so much that they cant have fun. However if you think coming up here is a good way to cut work and get slack... well your going to have a long long year.
