May 5th, 2009

The first fleet of people arrived today. I was a mixture of excited and nervous. Even though I was just shadowing Jenna, Steve and Rich I was still shaking and my heart raced a bit. By the end of the day I was answering visitors questions and leading people around with a bit of help from the others. There’s lots to be learned and people ask allot of different questions. Some questions are not very intelligent. A bird will be missing like half a wing and you will be asked questions like “why doesn't it fly away?”

May 4th, 2009

My first day at the Raptor Center! It was so neat seeing the amazing birds I have been reading and studying about. Tours won’t start until tomorrow so we spent the day cleaning up the center. I got to meet my new co-workers and see where everything is located at the center.

After work I was treated to accompanying Jen and Steve down to the Indian River behind the center to let Volta, a resident bald eagle, swim in the water. I have never been so close to such a huge bird! It was so cool seeing the 10 pound giant float on the water and paddle with his wings.

May 3rd, 2009

Time to get some chow! I ran to the local grocery store today and also visited the library for the first time to check my emails. The clear sky, sunny weather we have been having since I arrives was replace by rain and clouds. A typical Alaska day for those who live here. It cleared up in the evening and I explored Totem Park (Sitka National Park) and the surrounding trails. Eagles and ravens are every where here! If they aren’t in sight you can usually hear there cries.

May 2nd, 2009

After a good night sleep I was ready to start my exploring. Today Jenna, Adam, Steve and I when hiking on the Indian River Trail. I learned about cool flora and fauna along the way like the very smelly Skunk Cabbage, the state tree the Sitka Spruce and walked by the muskeg areas of the land. Steve and I continued on to the waterfall ahead to find two large land slides. We bravely crossed the deep obstacle littered with trees, rocks and snow finally arriving at the beautiful falls.




-Me, Adam, Jenna and Steve.




-Land Slide!




-the Skunk Cabbage.

Later we meet up with the others to watch Wolverine Origins at the Coliseum Theatre, a one screen cinema that used to be a bowling ally. We then had dinner at the Bunk House and I meet various new people who popped into the backyard where we were having a bonfire.

May 1st, 2009

My journey to Sitka begins! I flew out of the Minneapolis International Airport today at 11:30, switched planes in Seattle, flew to Ketchikan and arrived in Sitka at 5:30 p.m. I made sure to switch seats on both my flights so I was seated by the planes tiny windows. I’m glad I did because the view of the snow covered mountains were breathtaking and it seemed like they went on forever.


-In the plane from Seattle to Sitka.





Upon arrival at Sitka’s airport I was meet by Jenna, Adam and Steve who took me to my dorm room at the old Sheldon Jackson College. Jenna will be my boss at the Raptor Center and I will be working with Steve, a fellow interpreter. Adam works for the Sitka Tours Company, he filled me in on all the historical landmarks along the way to the dorms.


-My building is the furthest in the back.


-The street below.