Right on Time

The view of Sitka during the landing approach is picturesque.  The closer to landing we become, the more exciting (or nerve-wracking), it becomes.
My reaction is excitement. Coupled with a spectacular sunset, the whole ordeal was breath-taking with a unexpected feeling of calm; this is where I'm supposed to be.

SE Alaska airports are small affairs, with landing strips cut or built from the flattest, longest stretch possible, sometimes several miles out or across channels from town, but always with water on at least one side of the strip.


Sitka's airport location is extremely beautiful in that it is situated on Japonski Island in Sitka Sound.  Sitka Sound is a large body of semi-protected waters, dotted with islands, islets. Overseen by Mt. Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano to the west, it is cuddled by stupendous peaks and valleys to the east, and surrounding mountains lining the nearby northern horizon.  Thus, on a clear day, circling the area to line-up for landing position provides passengers a drop-dead gorgeous view, and at sunset.... well, it was an indelible sight. The photo, of course, does not do it justice.


Denton, the Hostel Manager, along with Sadie and Keana his huskie-mix dogs, picked me up, took a short drive around town pointing out sites which will be important (grocery store, post office, Centennial Hall, Library), and we headed to the hostel for a brief run-down of operations and meeting the other two Houseparents.



That's right, I'm a houseparent at the Sitka International Hostel!  A volunteer position, in trade for a private room which is what allowed me to take this leap in the first place.

Where this journey is going I don't know, but I'm where I'm supposed to be and right on time!

Why Sitka?

In February 2016, my life-style as I'd known it, changed.  The skipper of the 37' sailing vessel Quijote was recruiting crew for a journey up The Inside Passage. A casual encounter with him found me with an open mind and ripe for change.  After a bit of sleuthing the skipper's background, experience and leadership habits, I was compelled to leave my employ of 14 years, clear out personal effects at home in order to rent out my room, say farewell to family and friends and sail (aka slow motor) away for the trip of a lifetime.  From Seattle to Glacier Bay and back.  May 15th through August 27, with a two-week break along the way.  That trip is a different story.  But it's the birth of How it came to be that I am in Sitka, AK.

Knowing my lack of interest in returning to my way of life as I knew it in Seattle, I kept a keen eye open throughout the summer for: what's next?

The sailboat crew took a mid-trip, two-week break and flew back to Seattle.  Not me!  My son, Chris, flew north to Petersburg and we spent those two weeks exploring together. Although Petersburg is a fine town, entertaining ourselves for two weeks there did not sound appealing.  I mean really, WE'RE IN  ALASKA and we want to SEE ALASKA!

After much research on what/where/how, Chris and I found ourselves boarding a small plane to Sitka. We flew up and over a thick bed of clouds, no views of Alaska there. However, on descending we were treated to a spectacular view of the craggy coastline of Sitka Sound dotted with countless islands and islets protecting the coastal town of 9,000 inhabitants from the swell and stormy Gulf of Alaska.  It was love at first site.  Accessible by water or air only.  Fourteen miles of paved road. Rural and remote, yet connected and surprisingly contemporary.  This was a gem to discover.  All the more unforgettable discovering it with Chris.

On a budget, the Sitka International Hostel became our landing place for 4 days while we biked, hiked, walked, explored, and entertained ourselves.

Volunteers are used to staff the hostel year-round.  Aha!  What possibilities lay in store here! Volunteer for 2 or 3 shifts a week in exchange for a private room, shared bath & kitchen.  Hmmmm. This appeared to be a clear sign pointing the direction of my next step.

An email or two with the Hostel Manager to express my interest and Voila!  October 23rd found me on a plane to Sitka not knowing where this journey is going, but knowing I'm here, and right on time!

And that, in it's simplicity, is how I ended up in Sitka, Alaska.

Living in Process - What's in a Name?

When identifying an oh-so-important name for this blog address, I thought I'd coined a unique term. One which describes this 'path' I'm on. The path to live more simply and deliberately, push my comforts and boundaries, follow a desire to explore and experience more of our Pacific Northwest. 

Upon googling the term 'living in process', much information/books/newsletters/groups appear to already be deeply involved in this quest!  However, I'm not joining a cult, or a group, or a following. The title just seems to define and help me remember that life is a process, always changing, exploring, learning, growing.