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!