Aug 18th

Hello, I'm still on the planet. Been dodging the storm up here going between islands and finding calm(er) channels. Gale force winds predicted, heavy rain and flooding. Yep, that's the forecast up here guys. Just found out areas in Sitka flooded today, some that have never flooded before, at least as far as Brad knows and he's been there over 40 years. The crew took a look at a stream today but it was flooded so unable to walk it or find fish. We are now headed out to Chatam Strait to see how high the waves are this afternoon. The outside seas are predicted at 12-16 ft waves, we don't do those in this boat, thank goodness. But what happens on the outside affects the inside so we have to check our surroundings before heading out. Brad has been glued to the weather channel and has kept us out of the worst of the storm. We need to get across the strait in order to survey some of the streams on that side. And you guys just thought I was up here having so much fun I forgot to blog. Well, no, not hardly. I've been cooking, watching the weather, cleaning, watching the weather and cooking some more. Maybe a nap thrown in there once in awhile. The crew had an early start but soon realized the stream was not walkable so after returning to the boat and watching the movie Brave on the laptop, they are all taking their naps. It's a little too early to be making dinner but I will start pretty soon. Probably do stir fry vege's/sausage and rice. Made banana bread earlier. They are starting to want repeats of the desserts, I heard a request for Kevin today. Funny crew that's for sure. Found out they are not jello fans, I have made it twice and both times have had to toss it. That is the only thing I've found that they turned their noses up at so guess that's pretty good. Everything else has had a thumbs up and a request to have it again sometime. We have 15 days left of the survey, have completed 28 days, we are on the downhill slide now. Looking forward to changing things up with a bear hunt. Have two scheduled in Sept. and then I'm home for the winter. They have invited me back for next spring and fall, just haven't decided what I'm going to do yet. I appreciate that they are pleased with my work and want to have me return, makes me feel like I accomplished something while I was here. Byron & I will decide if I will come back or not. This separation thing is hard, that's for sure. But, on the other hand, I feel stronger and more capable than when I first arrived up here. So that's saying something right there. Just found out that Sitka has had some flooding and landslides, not something that occurs there very often. Four people are missing as well. Very sad. Minnie is good though. Going to post this now since we have coverage at the moment. Not sure how long that will happen so need to strike while the iron is hot. All is well at the moment, hoping we get through the channel before the wind picks back up. Take care...dj