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!