Beautiful Day

Today was a spectacular day by Ketchikan standards. The sun was shinning (a rare occasion here) and the temperature was a record breaking 78 degrees at 5pm. Perhaps part of my good mood comes from sleeping in for the first time in days. I've joked that I no longer need an alarm clock that's Comm. Centers job. Today I was a first class bum, slept until 11am, had only one medevac at noon was back in town shortly after 3p, went hiking, took the top of the jeep off and cruised around town. It's absolutely stunning here when the sun shines. They have a saying, "Deciding to move to Ketchikan on a sunny day is like grocery shopping when you're hungry". It's very true, the sun rarely shines most days are overcast with rain so when it does peak out everyone in town is out in full force.

Days like today, I never want to leave this place. Today flight was a short hop to POW (Prince of Wales) Island, about 35 minutes via float plane. I don't think I'll ever tire of the view. Bluish green mountains with snow capped peaks jutting out of the deep blue water, old logging roads and fallen timber the only signs of civilization for miles. Bears can be seen from the air on clear days, usually foraging with their cubs.

Our new helicopter is not operational yet (there still installing all the pieces and parts and waiting for a final inspection). We've typically contracted Helo service from Temsco, however they have a big contract with the city. Ketchikan and Petersburg are in the process of linking their power supply. They'll be the first cities in the southeast to do so. Petersburg's power like Ketchikan's is hydroelectric and they generate more power than they need so in linking Ketchikan will be able to buy power from them during our times of need (i.e. now, during the busy season). Which is more cost effective then using generators that require fuel. Since Temsco has a lot on their plate and not enough Helos or pilots to go around, we've been flying our regional flights via float planes from either Taquan or Pac Air. Float planes are quite different from helos and jets. They present different challenges, such as when it comes time to load the patient on the sled into a float plane. I've yet to fall in the drink, but I know that it's only a matter of time. There's a saying about that too, "there are two types of float plane pilots, those that have fallen in the water and those that will." It's like a right of passage. Also float planes are not as steady as helos, the ride is a little more turbulent, which probably is not the best word. The difference has to do with how they hit specific pockets of air, the only thing I could compare it to is when you're driving in a car and you go over a hill a little too fast (i.e. the hill on Reimer Road between County Line and State pushing 65mph) and you get that butterfly feeling in your stomach. It's kinda like that. Personally I find that fun. Not some much for my patients, needless to say if they're not a fan of flying they usually get a bit of Vitamin A (Ativan) to take the edge off. Another thing I've learned the easiest way to figure out if someone is a local or not is to ask them if they do okay flying. Almost every Alaskan has no problem when it comes to flying.

Hope everyone is doing well, please don't hesitate to call or email.

Meg