Blind River

When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work. ~Edward F. Croker

The "Burn Show"

Here is some footage from the past three days. I'd post more but I've got to go hit the sack right now...we're flying out at 0900 tomorrow for a fire in Tanana.

A Couple Clips

R&R

I'm back. Rest and Relaxation. It's been 18 days since my last day off; a stretch in which I've racked up more than 250 hours of paid work time. I have fought 2 fires (Old Man Fire in Chicken, AK and Brock Road Fire in North Pole, AK) and been immersed in the demands of wildfire fighting. I am mentally and physically worn down - beat up more like. I am loving it, but some days I hate it. I have never done anything more difficult in my life. After being out in the woods for so long it is a bit overwhelming to be back in the world.

Here are some photos. I must say though that any picture I take can't do the whole experience justice. Really the only time I remember to pull out my camera is when there is a lull in the action. I'll try to do better in the future. I hope everyone is doing well.

Urban Interface

1 a.m.

"The Saws"

The North Stars

North Star

I made it...

Through training and onto the crew. We leave tomorrow for our first fire. I am a sawyer, so my best friend for the summer is a 25 pound hunk of tempered steel (with some darn sharp teeth).

I'm excited, and nervous, and bundle of other emotions.

Gibson

Well, I am here. I am beginning to settle in to barrack life. It's different for sure. My fellow crew mates are all flowing into base steadily. So far the crew seems to consist of a great bunch of guys. Monday will be the start of training, and also include our PT test. I've been working out on my own since arrival; attempting to squeeze out a little more strength and stamina. My days right right now consist of eating, PT, eating, PT, and eating. Let me tell you, it's quite the existence. Ft. Wainwright itself is ginormous - many times larger than Sitka. I have a locker with all of my issued gear, and my name on it, so that's kind of exciting. As North Stars we are the low point on the totem poll around base, so we are hassled frequently. Everyone has to go through it though - I guess it just comes with the territory.

It is light 24 hours a day now, so that's taking some getting used to, but I am going to be so tired normally that it's not going to matter. Everyone take care, I'll continue to post as I have time. Peace.

Farewell (and Pancakes)

Today is my last day in Sitka, exactly four months since I left North Carolina. The sun is out, and the sound of a chainsaw reverberates through the open window of my house. I celebrated my final day by making a bunch of pancakes this morning. If there is one thing I have done a lot of since my arrival in Alaska, it's eat pancakes. I've become a Paul Bunyan of sorts, all I really lack is a blue ox.

I fly out on the 6:00 am flight tomorrow for Fairbanks. I'm excited to start the next leg of this adventure. I figure I'm as ready as I'm gonna be.

Also, hooray for Mrs. Butterworth. She really does make the rockin' world go 'round.