Smooth seas never made a skillful sailor

Ahoy! After looking at my last post date, it's apparent I haven't been keeping up on here as much as I hoped I would. Truth be told, I haven't had the time nor the brain capacity at the end of the day to formulate a single sentence to describe this place and give it the emphasis it deserves.  The last several weeks have been a complete whirl wind! To start things off, I'll fill you in on a few key moments.
A week into having our full crew on the boat consisted mostly of sanding, painting, lots and lots of painting, re-corking the cork line, getting the web on board and typical fish hold work. Well, one of the original crew members (who keep in mind, showed up with a life size care bear in a life size zip lock bag and would put it back in the zip lock every. Single. Morning. And she is 38 years old (no judgement)) was let go for multiple reasons. Need I explain more? I didn't think so :) After feeling relieved and finally having a few restful night sleeps post that experience, the work continued and onward we went. Captain, the other 2 gals and myself managed just fine and filled our days with basically anything we could do to get out of the harbor and do what we all came here to do. Fish! At this point we were still in St. Paul's Harbor which became home after awhile. I didn't think I'd ever feel that way when I first arrived here but I did, I do and I miss it. While there, I met some of the nicest, hard working and genuine people this far. One in particular that takes the cake but more on that later ;)
A couple weeks ago, my crew and I completed the Coast Gaurd Marine Drill Imstructor Course which consisted of 12 hours in a class room setting the first day and 4 hours the next day of in the water training. During this course we were paired in teams of 4 where we met Captain George, Skipper of the F/V Elizabeth F, a giant crabbing boat that will soon be making it's way to the Bering Sea. I mastered a pretty perfect impression of this guy that you'll have to see to believe. Too funny. Anyways, we were taught how to preform May Day calls, how to handle on board flooding, man overboard, fire drills and the dreaded capsizing drills. At one point, the instructor quickly grabbed a bucket full of small peices of wooden planks, line, duct tape, and nerf balls, lead us to a water pipe, turned on the water at full boar and told us to fix all the leaks with the items provided. Umm yeah. So needless to say, we did it but we just may have gotten a shower out of it, too ;) The next day, we were tested on getting in our giant red survival (gumby) suits in less than 60 seconds, jumping in the water, inflating a life raft, climbing on top of said raft to flip it over while in the water and then climbing up inside. Our crew did it all "flawlessly" as we were told by our instructor and it felt pretty damn good. Plus, we all feel a bit more confident and safer god forbid anything were to happen. My good friend here and I are going to float down the Buskin River in those bad boys before the summers over. Stay tuned on that ;)
Moving on...
About a week ago, we were faced with some pretty upsetting events that definitely made us all question whether or not this is the right place for us. Unfortunately, one of the girls made the decision to leave and within 48 hours was on her flight back home to California. Yes, if you've been counting, that means there's only 2 still standing. Nina and I... Oi vey!
Our close friends set sail June 4th for the big opener the following day while we remained in Port waiting for our new alternator. It was a sad day and our beloved Mother Nature felt the same because it rained for days afterward. We couldn't walk anywhere without being asked why we weren't out there yet and quite honestly after the hundredth time explaining our crew shortage and engine issues, all I could do was shake my head and throw my arms in the air which seemed to be far too familiar for everyone here. Restlessness is an understatement.
So, here we are in Dog Bay where we are filling our days with glorious hikes, late night beach fires, conversations I never thought I'd be having and of course copious amounts of Alaskan Amber. Our captain says we'll be setting sail tomorrow... Here's to hoping he's right.

A hard row to hoe

Greetings! Today marks my 2 week anniversary since arriving to Alaska. Holy hell, let me tell you, what a crazy and mind blowing adventure it has been! Captain Stan and Ginger have a remote/ off the grid homestead and Eco village off the Kupreanof Straights that gives volunteer gardeners (WOOFER's) a chance to explore new land and put their skills and knowledge to use for several months on end. Now in my previous post, I mentioned the first couple of days were rather hard for me. I was missing home, the familiar faces that make my heart dance and basically just missing all familiararity that is no longer existent. I just needed a damn hug.  Well, several days after getting settled on the boat, I met Kevin and Kari who will be living on the homestead as well. There's a coffee shop right up from the harbor that I frequent regularly to read, surf the internet or just zone out in a velvety cup of Java that I miss so much. That morning sitting in my usual corner, I looked over and saw an adorable couple glancing at a news paper while sipping their own bit of heaven in a cup. We definitely all noticed each other because we were all 20 something's, cleaned up and all looking a bit confused. Soon enough, I walked over to the shop to meet Stan and Ginger to get my daily assignment. In walks that  same couple  and from  that moment on,  a friendship and deep commrodery was born between us 3. We sat at the top of the dock and exchanged stories of how we all got to be standing in St. Paul Harbor in Kodiak, Alaska. They are both from the east coast and have woofed on a farm in Maine previously. I admired their courage to travel and experience this life as a couple and they were in aw of the fact I traveled solo with a captain of a fishing boat who I just met.  I can't  even begin to explain how happy I am to have met these two and to share in the craziness of this adventure that is so new to us all. We explored town a bit, found a little hole in the wall bar, turned Patsy Cline on the jukebox and danced like nobody was watching. When infant the whole bar was and we sure gave local Jim a run for his money. That evening, we all set sail in the skiff and headed for the homestead. Along the way, we saw flocks of puffins (so so cute and little) along with a ton of sea otters! Even some mamas who would float with their babies on their bellies. It reminded me how all Mothers out there, mammals or humans, have the strongest bond with their babies and will do anything to protect them. Even being a floating ship to coast their little ones across 38 degree oceans. It made me smile and miss MY Mama.
Arriving at the homestead was one of the best feelings I have ever felt. Pure joy surged through my body as we pulled up, let the bow ramp down and walked on the shore of my other new home away from home when I'm not on the boat. We spent the evening exploring the property and getting settled in my own little cabin with a big glass of vino.
The 4 days spent there consisted of turning and testing soil in and around the hoop houses, re-roofing one of them, gathering firewood by boat from different beaches and probably my favorite activity so far...the banya!!! If you've never bathed in a banya, I suggest you try it. Purely amazing.
We are back in the harbor now and will be picking up two crew members from the airport in the morning. I'm looking forward to meeting these other brave souls that will be my new co workers and bunk mates. Am I really in Alaska about to go commercial fishing??
Well, until next time my friends. Much love and cheers.
                           
 

Sitting on the dock of the bay

I've been in Kodiak, AK for three days now. Ever since arriving, it's been raining with 30 knot winds which makes for complete sideways rain, thus, making difficult travel conditons. In order to get to the homestead, we will be taking a 16ft skiff boat that has no cover but is made to handle a fare amount of chop. The travel time to the place may be a good 2-4 hours from St. Paul Harbor where we are currently docked patiently waiting for the sun to reveal itself.
Last night, Ginger (Cap'n Stan's wife) and I went to a fishermans poetry reading. It was simply amazing. 3 women and 2 men shared their incredible stories of their time spent on the cruel yet intriguing Bering sea, Bristal Bay and many, many explored Capes that from the sounds of it, are heaven on earth. Some made me laugh, feel a bit terrified and some just made me tear up and ask myself if I know what I'm getting myself into. All in all, it was a great time and I definitely enjoyed the Kodiak Brewery we paid a visit to prior. Their IPA is bomb.
I spent my first night on board the F/V Woody last night. Much more quaint conditons than I imagined but it's cozy. To get to the bunk room, you have to climb down a ladder off the galley, into the engine room, where a small door leads you into the bunk room in the bottom of the bow of the boat. The other crew members won't arrive until May 7th so I have the area to myself until then. Last night as I'm laying in my bunk listening to the rain drops above me fall on the wooden bones that make up my new home, I had to shut off my brain from dwelling on the fact that I'm sleeping in the part of this wooden boat that's completely submerged under the ocean ceiling. That thought alone caused a slight case of claustrophobia, which I've never really experienced before. So...I put in my ear buds, turned on my 'missing home' playlist, and off to sleepy town I went.
I spent my morning on deck, with coffee in hand of course, making some love filled calls to home. As I'm chatting and catching up with one of my gals, I saw a massive sea lion that came right up to the stern for a breath of air and then back down he went. I looked every which way around myself thinking, "I can't be the only one that just saw this!?" To my dismay, I was.  Multiple bald eagles flew above looking for their breakfast and reminded me I should probably find some as well.
Today we will be doing inventory on the boat and making lists of things we will need for the Summer as well as planting some seedlings for the hoop houses, hauling gear, and whatever else is on that list.
Until next time, much love from Kodiak.

Are we there yet??

Well...after 3 days and 1,774 miles behind us, Captain Stan and I made it to the beautiful Alaska. The morning of April 19th, I picked up the captain from the Bellingham airport and we headed for Costco where we bought a ton of supplies for the boat. Costco's in Alaska are few and far between I was told and after driving thru the state, I've gathered everything else is too for that matter. My family met up with us and got to meet the Captain which put me and my fam more at ease. We went and had lunch, had a brew, and Captain answered all the questions my Family had been dying to know answers to even I hadn't known yet. Captain and I kept running errands the rest of the afternoon and decided to meet up bright and early the next morning (Easter Sunday) to hit the road.

April 20th, 8am, didn't even leave the border and sure as shit, we are getting pulled over. Already?! I've always believed in signs and usually take them to heart. Well,
I dusted (and laughed) it off and we headed onward. The border patrol agent got quite a kick out of the fact I was going to crew for this guy Commercial Fishing in Alaska. After her trying to keep a straight face, she chuckled, wished us luck, and we were in Canada.
About 30 minutes into the drive north we stopped for fuel and as we are getting back on the highway, I looked over at captain and nervously said, "ummm we are going the wrong way!"
Really?! Sure as shit, we were headed South. Another sign?! We laughed this one off too and I was thanked for my first first mate duty. Oh boy.
The ALCAN is a trip and experience in itself! It started out with our usual NW weather but soon enough and over 3 days, we were driving thru torrential down pours, blizzards, frozen lakes, sunny dryness and the views were absolutely unbelievable! I've never seem so much untouched land in my life. In fact, seeing other cars became a very rare sighting! We'd always nudge each other and say, "can you believe this traffic?!" ;)
Speaking of sightings, holy moly, we saw 10 Moose, 24 elk, 2 heard of Caribou, a billion deer, 2 black bears and about a dozen doll sheep perched on rocks in the rolling hills. Unfreakingbelieveable. We also spotted a giant black wolf with bright greens eyes. Captain slowed down, threw
It in reverse and sat 100 feet away from it. As I sat and stared in complete awe, the wolf laid down and starred right back at me. Am I dreaming?? Pinch me please!
I've always heard of the bumper sticker saying "I survived the ALCAN"
and now I understand why. Not to mention it's not even all the way paved! And ya know, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. As we left BC and got into the Yukon Territory,
The scenery became nothing but never ending rolling hills.
Driving with someone you just officially met is pretty interesting and let me tell you, it was a blast. We pretty much shared our life stories and I learned about everything from fishing and hunting to playing never ever have I ever (the clean version of course :))
We finally reached Alaska on the 23rd and went on to the town of Homer. I loved every ounce of that quaint town, especially Salty Dawg saloon. I've heard about this place since I can remember and have always been jealous of my guy friends who have come back with their famous sweatshirt. Well, let's just say after a good few (and strong) salty dawg's, I earned my sweatshirt ;) The bar is full of those flannel wearing, swearing, rough around the edges fishermen I was talking about in an earlier post. And let me tell ya, they will dish it out and I gave it right back to those guys. Did I mention I was the only woman in that place?! I wasn't surprised.
Last night we caught our ferry and our currently en-route to Kodiak Island where we will jump aboard the F/V Woody and start getting her ready for the fishing season.
I hope all is well at home and I'm missing everyone already!
Signing off until next time

From scrubs to rain gear

After months of anticipation, the count down for Alaska is now at two weeks! Two! Where did the time go? Following this 'oh shit' moment of needing to tie up loose ends and finish packing my life that is staying here in Washington, I realized I needed to start shopping for my gear, pronto. The past 6 or so years of my life I have spent wearing scrubs every.single.day. And yes, while not really having to think about what you wear on a daily basis is sometimes quite liberating when you're tired as hell and don't want to think about anything else besides that much needed cup of coffee in the morning, it also makes you feel like you live and work in pajamas that do nothing but make you feel like a shapeless frump-a-dump. So, you want to know whats funny about all of this? I'm basically trading in one uniform for another. However, after trying on everything from my new Xtratuf's to hefty duty rain jacket's, I say bring it on ;)

These boots are made for walkin' and that's just what they'll do

I went to Holiday Sports in Burlington, WA for my first go at gear shopping. After multiple funny looks from a couple guys who watched me haul my giant boot box and bright yellow jacket and rain pants around the store, it didn't take long for one of them to ask, "What are you doing with all that, lady??" I stopped, a giant grin stretched across my face and excitedly explained, "I'm headed up to Alaska to go commercial fishing!" The look on their faces was pretty priceless and I'm not going to lie, the shock value of it all gets me every time ;) April 20th (D day) will be here before I know it and there is still so much to do! I find myself in the same boat (hehe) on the daily lately... checking things off of my list as I go and I am in aw at the fact that the calender keeps getting shorter and shorter. For now though, I'm going to set the pen down, let the packing wait and get in as much time with my family and friends (and maybe a few glasses of vino) as possible. Because even though 5 months is not a long time in comparison to some, I have a feeling 5 months on the ocean is going to be a different story.

Why I Am

How it all went down... Back in late November of 2013, My dear dear friend Amanda and I were sitting in her living room, catching up and gabbing over a bottle of Ménage a Trois (a usual evening for us) when she brought up one of her close girlfriends experience in Alaska. I had rarely heard of women going commercial fishing so needless to say, I was intrigued. After all, it is still a very male dominated industry. Thus, my first “Aha!” moment. A woman in a man’s world. I should probably explain a couple of things so you can get a clearer picture here. I was raised 24 out of my 25 years in this world by my amazing Mother and 3 older Sisters after my Dad passed away just prior to my 2nd Birthday. Growing up with all women has had its many advantages and these ladies set the bar high for me. I continue to learn, admire and aspire to be as strong as these women. And how lucky am I that not only do I get to call these lovely ladies my Sisters, but my best Friends?





Sisters



My Mama



One thing my Mom always instilled in us girls was to not depend on anyone else for our happiness or comfort. In my brain "anyone" equaled a man. So, when this idea to go commercial fishing came to mind, I couldn't wait to hang with the big dogs, shoot the shit with the best of em’ and basically show myself I’m capable of whatever these flannel wearing, big bearded, sailor mouth men can do. After a couple of weeks of becoming infatuated with this idea, I knew I had to start putting my thoughts into actions and my money where my mouth was. Through a Doctor I work with, I met a man from Kodiak, AK named Joe who in just a matter of small time became such an important role and friend. Joe didn't know me from Adam but knew and understood my goal and wanted to help me achieve my success. We finally met in person in February 2014 where we exchanged a big hug and a plate of home-made brownies as a little way of saying thank you. (Can't go wrong with baked goods, right?) Joe could see the determination written all over my face and knew I was in it for the long haul. After a long chat, we shook hands and said “See you in Alaska.” Within a couple of weeks, I was put in touch with some friends of friends of Joe's friends (I know, confusing, eh?) from Kodiak, Alaska. I was told to “Call here, ask for this guy who will give you their contact info.” So, I did just that. Soon enough, I was put in touch with Captain Stan. After numerous lengthy emails and Skype sessions later, Stan hired me as a Deckhand on board the F/V Woody. And so it begins…

The name is Allyson, but you can call me Al

Welcome and thank you for reading! As I mentioned, my name is Allyson and I am from the beautiful Washington State. Born and raised in the PNW, you can say I am a nature loving kind of gal at heart, but the adventure I am about to embark on is surely going to put that girl to the test. Starting April 21st, 2014, I'll be headed to The Last Frontier, AKA Alaska, to jump aboard a commercial fishing boat to work for 4 months as a Deckhand/Fisherwoman! Right? I know what you're probably thinking.. "She's gone rogue." So, how does one go from working at a medical office to a Fisherwoman you ask? Well, have you ever been wandering around aimlessly, going through your day to day life thinking there has to be something more out there for you? Me too. Actually, that's where I found myself on a daily basis. Lost without a compass, running in the hampster wheel of life. So, I decided I NEEDED a change... after all, I am not a tree :) We'll touch on that more later.. During the next several weeks, I'll be keeping you all posted (as promised) with updates along the way. I'm so incredibly excited for this next adventure and look forward to sharing it with you all!