Week 2: 6/10 – 6/17

This past week has been full of adventure and new experiences here in Alaska! It all started with shotgun and bear spray training on Monday – handling the largest gun I’ve ever held definitely made me a bit nervous, but now I’m officially certified in bear safety! Afterwards, we headed out to sample for genetics, diving right into the field work that’s such a big part of my summer here.

Tuesday was a deep dive into fish health sample training with Kelsey, our boss at AITRC, and Morag Clinton, a Veterinary Pathologist. Learning about the intricate process of collecting samples for health assessments of king and sockeye salmon in the Copper River was eye-opening. From scales to blood to liver, every detail counts in understanding the health of these vital fish populations. It was a bit daunting at first and made me a little nauseous, but I’m steadily getting the hang of it.

Wednesday marked a milestone as I tackled genetic sampling all on my own – a rewarding challenge after learning the ropes earlier in the week. Thursday’s activities are a bit fuzzy in my memory now, a testament to how jam-packed this week has been!

I honestly cant remember Thursday. Maybe I’ll go back and edit this evententally. It’s been a long week.

Friday took us on a scenic trip to Valdez, a day planned around exploring the stunning Worthington Glacier. The hike was breathtaking, and along the way, we made delightful stops at numerous waterfalls that cascaded down the mountainsides. Lunch at the Fat Mermaid was a treat, followed by a leisurely afternoon at Homestead Trail’s beach, where I had my first dip in the Pacific and even spotted an otter!

Saturday was a highlight with a visit to the Fireweed Festival at the Copper Center. The bustling artisan market dazzled with local craftsmanship, from intricate jewelry to captivating fireweed-themed artwork. Live music filled the air, setting the stage for spontaneous dancing and adding to the festival’s joyful ambiance. After soaking up the festivities, we cooled off with a swim in Squirrel Creek, a serene conclusion to a lively day.

Sunday took us to Anchorage to visit Luke’s sister, where we enjoyed thrifting at the Wandering Marmot and indulged in a delicious breakfast at the Midway Cafe. Smoothies and a tuna melt hit the spot before exploring the charming Tidal Waves Bookstore and observing a bald eagle family at Potter Marsh Boardwalk, a perfect ending to another unforgettable week in Alaska. Each day brings new discoveries and moments to cherish in this breathtaking corner of the world.