Well, we're on Week 5 here at the lodge which in and of itself is crazy. June flew by and I'm sure July will as well. I had planned to post something on Day 1, but with the new expansion things have been especially crazy around here. Coming back was a strange mix of new and old; as if familiar and unfamiliar were playing tug-of-war all around me. I think my biggest mistake was thinking everything would be the same as it was last year, because although most of the crew was here last year we are working in a new kitchen and living in a new crew quarters. It was a weird adjustment where I didn't know where anything was or what was left to be done and I felt like a new employee all over again. Once the season got started things felt a lot more normal, and especially once we got past the first few weeks of new guests. The first two weeks are almost completely new guests and it's always great to meet new people and watch them go from silent at dinner on the first night to chatting like old friends on the last night, but having the returning guests here is so nice. It was a welcome change this year that instead of saying, "Hello, my name is Molly..." this season I get to say "Hi, it's so nice to see you again..." And working with people that I've already spent a season working with makes everything so much easier.
Last year I wrote an Alaska Bucket List before I left and I was lucky to cross every item off the list, so this year I have a new list:
- See the orcas. I see Humpback Whales every day, but I never seem to be around when the orcas are seen. This year I plan to change that.
- See a bear. I am the only person left who hasn't seen a bear.
- Catch a big Halibut. The biggest one I've ever caught is 33 lbs. That's not big.
Coming back was a bigger adjustment than I thought it would be, but it's definitely easier than it was coming up here the first time. Already knowing the job, the crew, and a lot of the guests makes everything a little easier. I can't believe we're already 1/3 of the way through the season, it's flying by (fun fact: my 21st birthday is in 44 days. Woohoo!). Each day has its ups and downs but as long as the good days outweigh the bad it'll all be worth it in the end.
