Well, we’ve had our first brush with snow. For about a week, there was about an inch on the ground and roads, which made driving an interesting experience. I had high hopes Alaskans would drive better in the snow than southerners. Alas, I was sorely mistaken. Within 10 minutes of driving in my first Alaskan snow, I had to play dodge-car repeatedly, and almost hit the person in front of me when they locked up their brakes while trying to turn into Sams. We have been told the driving will improve with more snow, it takes people a few times to remember how things work on snow and ice.

The view from the roof of the hangar. Looks like you can see the entire Chugach Range from here! I will work on a better panoramic photo from here soon.

Also, from the parking lot, came this gem…

I believe this is what is called a “Sun Dog”, a second sun in the same frame. Also with a nice defined halo of the sun. The only filter present is my truck’s tinted window. It kept the sun flare down to make the dog show up without being too washed out. (I tried both, and this was the best representation of the actual visual I could do with an iPhone.)

I’m still working hard, getting used to LifeMed, and trying to find a good work groove to follow. It’s harder than anyplace I’ve worked before, due to the range of patients we see. Truly, from cradle to grave is the population we serve, with all the associated conditions.

Another first in my air medical career, HUET. Helicopter (and other airframe) Underwater Escape Training. Basically, I was taught how to escape from an underwater aircraft, after a violent landing. I’ll admit, it was somewhat more difficult due to the history I have with aircraft smacking into the ground. But I made it through and received my certification.

This week, I’m headed to Fairbanks, to continue my company orientation. Forecast is for reasonable below freezing temps. Reasonable. As in not -30. So we’ll see. It’s a little concerning when the email from the educator includes things like, “Bring a face mask”.

I’ll try and include as many photos as I can. And I’m planning on going out shooting later this week when the weather gets better.

Thanks for reading, and tell your friends to follow us!

-Wes

Winter approaches, feeling closer with every day. There is a palpable sensation here in Anchorage, waiting for the first official accumulating snow. Road crews frantically scurry about, trying to finish projects before hard cold shuts them down.

The locals call it “Termination Dust”. The first dustings of snow that remain on local mountain peaks. It means the official termination of summer-type activities (and usually road construction.) People argue on what really qualifies as official termination dust, but the last two weeks have finished the debate. Termination dust is officially here, with snow on the mountains down to the 3,500 foot level.

More than the termination dust, local snow flurries have heralded the official end of the summer/autumn season, with the beginning of slick road car accidents. Wednesday, hard snow showers caused a massive backup on the Glenn Highway north of Anchorage due to slick road conditions. Here in Anchorage, any area not receiving direct sunlight is frozen hard.

This weekend I attempted to capture the Aurora Borealis. I think I gave up too early and packed it in, but where I was, the temperature was dropping precipitously and freezing fog was developing. I now wish I had stayed out longer, because the sky exploded soon after I packed up all my gear. Next time, I’ll not be so quick to leave.

The forecast is still uncertain, but this weekend looks to be the first significant snowfall in the Anchorage area. Standby for pictures! I will be on flight status this Sunday, and will take photos as I am able.

– Wes

We are still adjusting to a new normal here in Anchorage. Julie is doing well, and enjoying her new position at ANMC, the Native Medical Center. I’m (Wes) still getting used to, but enjoying orientation at LifeMed Alaska. LifeMed has so far been the most interesting and enjoyable on-boarding to a new company I have ever experienced. Everyone is welcoming and helpful, from the CEO on down. It’s a refreshing changed from some of the places I’ve worked. The CEO of the company spent three hours of his own time with us, explaining the history of the company and company culture. It was refreshing, and I felt completely able to ask any question without repercussions.

Without a doubt, winter isn’t far off.  

The snow is getting lower on the nearby hills. Locals call this “Termination Dust”. Every precipitation event, the local mountains show more snow, lower and lower. And the temperatures here in Anchorage get cooler and cooler. Fairbanks got its first signifiant snowfall today. We can’t be far behind.

The past weekend, Julie and I drove out the Seward Highway, down to the Kenai Peninsula to visit our friend Paul Walsh’s knife shop. We bought two beautiful knives, but I can’t show pictures until they arrive, (Paul had to create the sheaths by hand then send them to us). He makes very awesome and artistic knives, and does custom work. Look him up at pwknives.com or on the Facebook.

 

 

In the past week, my (Wes’s) orientation group went to Talkeetna for field survival training. 

(My co-workers Erin and Mike splinting my “broken” femur…)

While on the way back, we ended up at an accident scene where our company aircraft was responding. It was a privilege to watch the EMS team work from the other side.

Unfortunately, according to news sources, there was a fatality involved, but nothing any first responder could have changed.

I’ll put pictures of the new knives as soon as we receive them Until then, be safe and hug your babies. As this past week has shown, tomorrow isn’t a given.

–Wes

So, while we weren’t watching, official fall snuck in. How did that happen? It’s still been a busy time for the both of us. Wes has been in the middle of clinical orientation, and Julie has been orientating at the Alaska Native Medical Center Emergency Department.

Fall is definitely in full swing. The trees are changing quickly to gold, the predominate color of fall here. It’s gorgeous. As I (Wes) fly around the state, I can see more and more snow on the northern faces of the mountaintops, what the locals call “termination dust”. Apparently, “Termination dust” is the first high snow on the mountains, meaning all summer activities are drawing to a close.

Finally saw a moose! Kincaid Park, here in Anchorage, wonderful hiking and wildlife spotting, close as can be.

This week, I also went all the way out the Aleutian chain, to Cold Bay. We were trying to get into Dutch Harbor, (Of Deadliest Catch Fame), but weather wouldn’t allow it. So, the United States Coast Guard brought our patient to us!

This place is amazing. Again, I’ll try and update more regularly. -Wes