day 5 (Tuesday) Unalakleet

Yesterday I flew into Unalakeet for a training. BSSD headquarters is there. I dropped off the truck at RJs to get a block heater and Nathan and Mark (new shop, etc. teacher) picked me up and we headed to the era airport. In Nome there are 3 separate buildings for 3 different airlines--Alaska, Era (which used to be Hageland which used to be Frontier) and Bering Air. Today Mark and I were flying Era by charter. We met Brittany there who is going to Gambell.
We all thought we would fly directly from Nome to Unk-so very wrong! We flew from Nome to White Mountain, picked up 2 people. White Mountain to Golovin, picked up 2 people. Golovin to Elim, picked up one person. Elim to Unk. That's a lot of up and down. Thankfully, I took 1/2 a dramamine--shared with Brittany who accidentally checked hers.
The flying itself wasn't so bad. Only one elevator stomach feeling. But lots of nervousness when landing. We were in a baby plane!
Here are some snaps of the flight:
The pilot, co-pilot (probably 16 yrs old), Brittany and Mark

The new hospital being built--we can see this from our dining room window.

Nome city center

Heading toward Nome from the airport

Our plane--an 8 seater! Wow.







We landed on pavement, gravel and dirt/mud. The plane lacks mudflaps so as we were taking off the mud was flying!
When I got to Unk I found Lauren, Greg, and Barnabas--my Welcome Wagon friends who all work in Brevig Mission.
Lauren, Barnabas, and Greg at Kira's:

Mark and I had lunch with them and as we did not have our own room for sleeping--the rooms are assigned by school and are co-ed if accepted, something that would not be done in the lower 48--bunked with them. We each have an air mattress and a spot on the floor. I didn't take a pic of this yet but will soon.
We picked up our materials including a long-sleeve shirt, water bottle, and reusable cloth bag and headed to our room after being told the only thing we were required to do was eat dinner from 5-6:30. Done. I'm making sure to eat as much fresh yummies as I can.
We computered for a while. I got our new friend Laura set up with a facebook account and friended the Brevigs. I also got my water bottle back from Kira, another school counselor. She was the last to drive the van.
The Brevigs and I went to Kira, Tim, and Derricks for social hour.
Snaps of the walk:



This is the first sign I've seen with Palin's name one it. Most only say Parnell. Interesting.

The school we're staying at.


Pics from Kira, Tim, and Derrick's:
Kira and Barnabas--both school counselors. With their positions they were able to go to the ASCA national conference and another conference in AL. Luckies!


Views from their second story windows:



Now for training all day...