On our last night in Bethel there was a boat ride/fishing trip for anyone that wanted to go. It was rainy, windy and an overall nasty night out but I've said yes to every opportunity to do something different so far, and I didn't feel like stopping yet. I went with three other new teachers that I've gotten to know over the past couple of days. We had a great time despite getting completely soaked. It was like riding the luge at Six Flags for a half hour straight. We stopped at a fishing camp on the side of the river where we had hot chocolate and listened to Ross, our guide, tell old Alaska stories. Ross is a big, tall, friendly man with a slightly graying beard known for wearing his hunting gear. Tonight he had on his camouflage rain pants and his size 16 waterproof boots. He told us all kinds of stories involving grizzlies, moose, caribou, and wolves. Ross is the type of person that you can't help but like. It seems like he knows everyone in Alaska and has a story about them. When Ross talks, you listen.
I've been overwhelmed with the amount of friendly people that I've run into while in Alaska. From Anchorage, to Bethel, to Tunt everyone had been so kind and willing to help. There's a hospitality that exists here that is hard to explain unless you experience it. A guidance counselor named MaryAnn from just outside Anchorage offered to drive me around Anchorage and help me get food and supplies. She DID NOT know me. Veteran teachers offered me rides in Bethel when they saw me walking on the side of the road. Kids in Tunt helped me carry my stuff to my new place. All of these people have made this huge transition a whole lot easier.
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