moving to alaska!

[clovisc]

well, it's a pretty exciting time for me... my VISTA/americorps service in the mountainy parts of rural virginia is coming to a close soon, and i've just made a decision about what i'm doing next... moving to alaska to take another VISTA/americorps job. i'll be working to help native alaskans receive training so they can get jobs within the local maritime industry. i'll make a little more money than i've been making in virginia, although its still not much... but i'll have the satisfaction of making a difference, which is what matters most to me. and i'll have the satisfaction and honor of having serving my country in africa, appalachia, and alaska -- which will be a wonderful feeling (its felt great so far). also, i'll be living in ketchikan -- salmon capitol of the world, and 4th rainiest place on earth! (pretty excited to be getting new boots for christmas... along with a patagonia raincoat and parka!)

even though i haven't had much time lately to write on the forums here, i've been able to read and enjoy lots of your posts -- thanks for helping to make my life a little more entertaining during those dull moments! spyderco has been at my side the entire time, and you folks have been in my heart -- and it will continue to be that way.

thanks, everyone!!!!!!!! and thanks, sal -- your ethical, moral decisions as a businessman, and the family you've helped create have really been an inspiration to me. :D

[Blackhair]

Have fun in Alaska! Are you still going to be able to pop in to the forums?

[clovisc]

i hope so! if anything, i should have more time for foruming than i have now...! :D

[lerman]

have fun in Alaska, what a beautiful place, for some reason i feel like i don't see a allot of posts from you lately, but maybe it's because i wasn't posting allot myself, anyways it's good to hear from you, and again have a great time in Alaska.

[Stevie Ray]

Time to get the SERIOUS cold weather gear. Best of luck to you!

[CopilotATS-55]

Good Luck my friend :)
Have fun up North :D

[tonydahose]

have fun..stay warm and take some pics of the aurora borealis for us. :)

[clovisc]

i've never been to ketchikan, but it's in the southeast of alaska... while i'm sure it gets really cold in the winter, i understand its fairly nice in the summer... although, it rains almost 24/7. (4th rainiest place in the world!). my holiday splurge this year was on some nice salomon waterproof boots, patagonia rain gear, and patagonia parka... i'm guessing the salts are going to be seeing a lot of use... can't wait for the fixed blades!!!! :D :D :D

[Ed Schempp]

I've heard that there are some large opalite deposits in the area. My sister lives in Petersburg and they collect a lot of garnet from the beach. Bears are common along with bald eagles. Have fun...Take Care...Ed

[Halfneck]

Enjoy yourself. I visited my sister-in-law & her husband up at Denali back in 98 - beautiful place. If not for family & friends being here, I'd be tempted to move to Anchorage or Fairbanks. My sister-in-law teaches art at the University there, but she is wanting to move eventually. She says she is tired of the long dark winters affecting her moods. Not only was the scenery there beautiful, but the people were great. Most of the ones I met were very independent with a love of the outdoors.

[Th232]

Good luck up there!

[jaislandboy]

good luck and safe travels in Alaska clovisc..... sounds exciting! :)

[bh49]

Stay safe and warm. Do not disapear.
In six month you will enjoy white nights.