Today marks my two-month anniversary in Alaska, and sometimes I feel as if I’ve just stepped off the plane in Nome. Other times, I can’t seem to remember what I was doing before I came here. Always, though, I feel very lucky to have met so many amazing people so quickly and to have already traveled to three beautiful communities around the Bering Strait region.
So for this blog post, I’d like to share some of my favorite photos from my trips to Gambell, Wales, and a camp outside of Council.
Gambell
I arrived in Gambell just after Fourth of July weekend to meet a high school basketball player and his family. When I wasn’t in interviews or enjoying a delicious meal of bowhead whale and walrus, I used my down time to walk around town and appreciate the sights of the St. Lawrence Island coast, several full fish racks, and thick fog rolling in after a sunny day.
All photos: Laura Kraegel, KNOM.
Wales
I traveled to Wales to report on the developing community-run polar bear patrol. The flight in was delayed, which condensed the meeting I was covering and meant less time to explore around town. I hope I’ll have the chance to return to Wales in the future and see more of the community, but the several sights I did squeeze in — including the gorgeous coastline and glimpses of Russia from the plane — were spectacular.
Camp Outside of Council
Covering Educator Cultural Camp gave me to opportunity to drive out to Council, visit a camp along the Niukluk River, and even boat out to White Mountain. It was a weekend of wonderful weather and many personal firsts — my first time seeing bears, moose, and eagles; my first time seining and cutting fish with an ulu; and my first time south of the tree line.
I’m not sure if my short time in Alaska has been typical or if I’m just absurdly fortunate, but I’m incredibly grateful either way. I’ve loved each opportunity to travel and see different communities, and I can only hope the coming months let me get to know the beautiful Bering Strait region even better.
