Hello and welcome to all of you that are taking time to follow my adventures in Kaktovik as they unfold. I am in the process of getting some photos uploaded but in the meantime, I'll tell you a bit about getting here and my first day. Twelve hours after departure from Corpus Christi, Texas we arrived in Fairbanks Alaska without my luggage. No big deal I guess; we almost expected it as in Corpus Christi they had to hand write my bag tags. The luggage was at the airport the next morning for our continuation flights to Deadhorse and Kaktovik. All's well that ends well. The airplanes consistently decreased in size as we made our way north. The last one seated nine passengers and our co-pilot came into the airport in Deadhorse and just casually called out for those traveling to Kaktovik and we followed him out to the plane, he counted heads and we boarded. No security check or boarding pass required. It was rather refreshing to travel without all of the flaming hoops!
Kate Gail was our flight attendant from Fairbanks to Deadhorse. Great job Kate Gail!
Deadhorse is reported to have been created to house oilfield and pipeline workers on the North Slope. No one lives here full time.
This building houses the entirety of the Deadhorse airport. It was great to be there.
The co-pilot gathers his passengers for boarding from Deadhorse to Kaktovik on Era Airlines.
Inside the last and smallest plane to Kaktovik
The US Fish and Wildlife Service bunkhouse is quite comfortable. It sleeps 16 in four bedrooms and has spacious common areas. All incoming residents bring fresh food from home to add to the generous supplies of dried goods that are already there. It is well stocked; we will eat well! The garage is a handy man's dream. It is well stocked and well organized with all kinds of tools and equipment. Even a brand new Honda outboard motor!
Tools etc. in the USFWS bunkhouse garage.
My new friend Brenda, from Homer Alaska, took me out for my introductory walk around the village.
Sleds lie everywhere awaiting the snows.
Some gravesites are adorned with whale bones.
On the way, I met some Kaktovik children. "Flossie" was celebrating her ninth birthday on the day I met her.
Happy birthday to Flossie!
Summer car, winter car.
The children pass the time before Flossie's party
Lydia is dressed up for the party!
I also discovered the two room and board houses in town, one of which is "The Waldo Arms" which is also where you check in to fly out of Kaktovik.
To fly out of Kaktovik, check-in here at The Waldo Arms.
The menu at Waldo Arms. It smelled yummy!
Waldo represents Era in Kaktovik. He's known Ken Dunton, the researcher on this project, since the 70's!
My traveling companion is Tara Connelly, who is currently working with The University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas Texas, where I live. She is one of the researchers with whom I will be working while i am here. We are hoping that weather will allow us to board the Boston Whaler and go out into the lagoons or perhaps even out into the Beaufort Sea to collect samples. Fingers crossed! Thanks for listening, jill
This store is closed. I hear that there is another one.
Abandoned heavy equipment.
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The runway and airport are on a spit that curves away from town. It is also where the boat is kept.
The party was held at the community center in the distance.
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Madrick is a friendly dog! But I haven't pet him yet.
Some of the children and adults walk home from Flossie's party
Hangar to the left, village to the far left.
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The Deadhorse Alaska airport! One more plane ride to get to Kaktovik!