The End of a Chapter

It is difficult to put into words the feeling of leaving a place like Port Clarence and Alaska. It has been a great adventure and like all things had to come to an end. As much as is gained by returning home to family, friends and those places familiar to me, there is something lost in the leaving of such a majestic place. I leave behind some lifelong friends and a place I will never forget.


The Sun Rises over the Arctic Landscape one more time before I go.

It is one of the most beautiful areas I have seen I my life. The arctic weather, the stunning landscapes., the abundance of wildlife and the dynamic seasons that make the place unique. It is hard to believe that is over already, my first duty station and lessons within the Coast Guard.

I flew out on a clear day, with beautiful clouds. The pilot took the coast the entire way down to Nome and gave me one more look at the landscape that has blessed my life. The dynamic colors on the ground as the snow is beginning o stick for winter. As the bay and ponds freeze, the beauty is not lost just changed. I saw the familiar yellow of the snow cat in the distance and the pilot took us close enough to wave goodbye; they turned the lights on for us. The sun rose in as we headed south and soon dominated the sky. The windswept shape of the frozen water as we flew low over the tundra and low rolling hills. I found myself thinking is I would ever see this land again. I did not understand the full impact of the moment until I was in it. I chose Alaska for it natural appeal. With all the challenges that came with isolated duty, I saw what I wanted to see the beauty of the natural world. I saw it for what is, a truly awe inspiring opportunity.

Call me Crazy, but I am a better man because of the experience of Alaska and the people I had the honor to serve with. I had successes and I made mistakes. I gave what I could, but learned to watch out for myself in the process. I suppose that with all that time to think, you get the opportunity to better yourself or just get by. No matter what you must face, you always have the choice in how you deal with it. In facing the challenges of the last year, I don’t think that I would have been able to get through without the simple but powerful words of my father, “You make it a good day.” Even with how hectic the last few weeks have been with getting ready to go, it still feels surreal to be leaving.

A view heading south from Port Clarence on the Coast.

Alaska from 35000 Feet.

With that said, Thank you to the people that served with me for the last year for making my adventure memorable. No matter what was happening at the station, it was the people that made it worth it.

When I first started this blog is was for family and friends, I had not idea it would mean so much to me to tell the world about this incredible part of the world. I am grateful that is brought smiles to those who read it. I give you my word that I will continue to write and do my best to keep in interesting.

The Sun Sets on Port Clarence.

Sincerly
Christopher J. Watt

Preparing to Transfer Out

My final orders have come through and the transfer process have officially began. After some leave time to get settled in California again, I will report to Air Station San Francisco. I look forward to seeing the family, although they will not be there when I arrive home. They are visiting my sister in Hawaii. Hopefully I will be able to catch up with some friends on the journey home. Still this place has a way of keeping things interesting.

The Alex Haley came in to the bay and their Helo gave the crew rides around the area. And once again, food provided for some good morale. On Friday Mr. Todd surprised us with the opportunity to take a ride on helo accompanying the Alex Haley in its Bearing Sea Patrol. The helo landed on the runway and took four people at a time to see the area. We did not go to close to the Alex Haley, but the spit looks very different from the air. I never saw the curves when I went down it on an ATV. Nor has it been clear enough to see from that angle since I have been here and in a plane or Helo. It was a fun ride. BM2 Peterson gave the aircrew some haircuts and the CO gave them a tour of the station.

As is has always been since I have been here, food is a source of morale. That may be the quality and variety or how we make fun of each other with the food. The pictures should explain it all. FS1 Chattin did not eat the bowl, Sn Miller did and claimed it was going to his biceps as he flexed. I think that he was serious, either way it was funny. I had a couple cups, not the best thing for me to eat, but they tasted great and that is what matters.


I am in the home stretch just getting the paperwork done and packing up my belongings to ship them off. Once again, I look forward to being home and seeing family and friends once again. I will keep you updated and see everyone soon.