Well, this summer is soon coming to an end! It is kind-of a bittersweet ending! There are definately things that I am going to miss being up here! There is a Robert Service poem about the Spell of the Yukon. In fact, let me share it with you!
The Spell of the Yukon
I wanted the gold, and I sought it,
I scrabbled and mucked like a slave.
Was it famine or scurvy -- I fought it;
I hurled my youth into a grave.
I wanted the gold, and I got it --
Came out with a fortune last fall, --
Yet somehow life's not what I thought it,
And somehow the gold isn't all.
No! There's the land. (Have you seen it?)
It's the cussedest land that I know,
From the big, dizzy mountains that screen it
To the deep, deathlike valleys below.
Some say God was tired when He made it;
Some say it's a fine land to shun;
Maybe; but there's some as would trade it
For no land on earth -- and I'm one.
You come to get rich (damned good reason);
You feel like an exile at first;
You hate it like hell for a season,
And then you are worse than the worst.
It grips you like some kinds of sinning;
It twists you from foe to a friend;
It seems it's been since the beginning;
It seems it will be to the end.
I've stood in some mighty-mouthed hollow
That's plumb-full of hush to the brim;
I've watched the big, husky sun wallow
In crimson and gold, and grow dim,
Till the moon set the pearly peaks gleaming,
And the stars tumbled out, neck and crop;
And I've thought that I surely was dreaming,
With the peace o' the world piled on top.
The summer -- no sweeter was ever;
The sunshiny woods all athrill;
The grayling aleap in the river,
The bighorn asleep on the hill.
The strong life that never knows harness;
The wilds where the caribou call;
The freshness, the freedom, the farness --
O God! how I'm stuck on it all.
The winter! the brightness that blinds you,
The white land locked tight as a drum,
The cold fear that follows and finds you,
The silence that bludgeons you dumb.
The snows that are older than history,
The woods where the weird shadows slant;
The stillness, the moonlight, the mystery,
I've bade 'em good-by -- but I can't.
There's a land where the mountains are nameless,
And the rivers all run God knows where;
There are lives that are erring and aimless,
And deaths that just hang by a hair;
There are hardships that nobody reckons;
There are valleys unpeopled and still;
There's a land -- oh, it beckons and beckons,
And I want to go back -- and I will.
They're making my money diminish;
I'm sick of the taste of champagne.
Thank God! when I'm skinned to a finish
I'll pike to the Yukon again.
I'll fight -- and you bet it's no sham-fight;
It's hell! -- but I've been there before;
And it's better than this by a damsite --
So me for the Yukon once more.
There's gold, and it's haunting and haunting;
It's luring me on as of old;
Yet it isn't the gold that I'm wanting
So much as just finding the gold.
It's the great, big, broad land 'way up yonder,
It's the forests where silence has lease;
It's the beauty that thrills me with wonder,
It's the stillness that fills me with peace.
People here talk about how this poem states the truth for so many! They say that the Yukon has this spell it puts on you. One that makes you never want to leave. Finding a place so deep in your heart that you will always have a love for it here. They say that once you've lived here, you will always want to come back. The funny thing about this.... I believe it! There is something about being up here! The beauty grasps you and you are caught in it's spell! There's times where I love to just sit out on the porch at night and listen. You don't hear anything.. it's so quiet, peaceful, and you can almost hear God's hand at work! It's funny too, the people up here are so carefree! It's not like at home! Everyone is so nice and it's just kind-of understood that you work hard for your money! Crime doesn't really exist here! It's almost like I've taken a step back in time! It's these things that I'll miss. I definately plan on coming back up here next year! Whether I am in Dawson or doing tour directing, I must make it back here!
Despite my love for it up here, I am ready to come home! I'm ready to see my family and friends! I do have a lot of friends up here, but I miss my friends back home! It's so nice having friends who share your values and can help lift you up and encourage you to stay on the right path with their example! I can't wait to go to church! I have missed it so much! I miss walking into a house filled with the spirit too! There is only so much you can do up here to make your home that way, but when there are people who don't invite the spirit, it's hard! I'm looking forward to school as well! It's weird, but I really miss it! I think it's just because I love what I am going to school for! This semester is going to be fun too! I have 3 photography classes, so as it helps me with my degree, it will help me take better pictures for next year! I am also taking a mountain biking class! Paul told me that I needed to step out and do things that I never would do this summer. Well, I decided I needed to do that in life! So, I'm taking this in hope that I will like it! And, it's a good way to get in shape!!
Well, to give you updates for life up here in Dawson, I've just been working. We started running the boat doing mini day cruises. We take the groups about 12 miles down river and back. Makes for about a one and half ride. It's not much, but it's something and the guests are okay with it. We aren't making tips though. Oh well! But, in the last few days we haven't been doing the trips. The road keeps washing out up here and they are having a hard time keeping it open. I'm afraid that they are going to get it open the rest of the summer. It's making it really hard on Holland America! Guests are really starting to get upset! I've gotten to the point here that you just laugh! So, if I'm not working in the office I'm on the boat doing repairs. I'm calling this my resume builder summer! Lol! But, I've had some good experiences!
I have done a few more things this summer! I went on the Gold Feilds Jeep Tour with Humberto yesterday. Everyone is calling it a date, but I'm not. We had a blast!! Tons of pics! I'll try and get them up soon! Probably this week! I'm going to go shopping and to the museum today! Then, I'll probably go to Gerties and to Soul Sunday tonight as well! Discovery Days are coming up this weekend, so I'm really excited for that! I've heard it's one of the best things to be here for!
Well, I'm going to run off now! I'll probably have one more post before I leave, if not I will have the last one for the summer after I get home! For those of you who don't know when I am coming home, I leave Dawson City on the 19th. Not too sure how I'm getting to Fairbanks right now, but Captain Al is taking care of that! I'll stay a day in Fairbanks and then I'll be home the morning of the 21st! So, the count down begins! You can all start counting! Lol! Love you all so much! Can't wait to see you all! Until next time!
Loves!!! Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo!!
Amy Marie
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
An Update Long Awaiting!!!
Okay, okay! I know it's been over a month now! So much has happened and life has just been so crazy! I don't even know where to start with things! I guess we can just kind-of start with whatever I remember first and just go through all the things that have happened in my life over the last month. I'll warn you now, things may not be in timeline order, but I'll try my best!
July 1st... Canada Day! It's kind-of like our 4th of July. We went out to a guy's, that we work with, home to celebrate. They took us all out on a coach. He had a BBQ, dog sleds, horseshoe, frisbee, football, bonfire, and fun. He has 31 dogs that he races dog sleds with during the winter, so as you can imagine, I spent most of the time playing with the dogs! Especially his puppies! There is one that I am in love with and want to take home, but I don't have anywhere to keep him. :( But we had fun celebrating!
July 4th I had off. I spent the day with my Mormon friends, David, Jordan, and Greg. We had a quick church meeting and then decided to go gold panning. We got all our stuff, a company vehicle, and headed up to the free claim. It was such a nice day! We got rained on a little, panned alot, enjoyed each other, made a video, and had tons of fun. No gold though! Afterwards, David and Jordan wanted to jump in the Yukon. So, we went down to the dock and they did flips off. Greg and I just watched the crazy two. Actually, had it not been so cold, I would've jumped in too! That night when the Queen got in, we went to Captain Al's home and had a BBQ. It was fun! Then, a group of us went to Soul Sunday to dance the night away. We had so much fun! I did miss my fireworks, but had a blast!
Work... Oh work!....Well, things were going great with work! We were getting really busy with our tours! We were having just over 80+ people at a time on the boat. I was getting really good in the bar and my narriation. On July 9th (Friday) we had the mosst interesting adventure! On our way down to Eagle that day the boat started having some steering problems. We made it down just fine though. It was on our way back that we had the adventure! That day I was narrating, but Joel's parents were going to be on our trip back so he wanted to narrate for them. Being the nice person I am, I let him. We started back and just made it across the border, which is when we can serve alcohol, when I looked up and saw us heading for shore. It was at that time that I asked Sam, who was helping me in the bar, what we were doing. We both were confused and then the Captain came over stating that we were having problems and needed to bank on the shore to see if we could fix it. After being on the shore for about 30 minutes we headed back to Eagle. We had only been gone for just over an hour. We got everyone back to Eagle and on their coaches so they could drive over to Dawson instead. It was crazy! In 30 min we had everyone dinner, cleaned up and on their way! For being over the border only an hour, I sold over $400 in alcohol! That night we had to spend in Eagle until we could get the boat fixed. The next day we didn't take any tours, worked on the boat, and cleaned. My lovely job was the toliets! They were absolutely disgusting!! But, they sure do sparkle now!! So, we didn't run Saturday, and Sunday was the next day we ran. Another problem happened! Sunday the roads from Eagle to Tok got washed out! So, since the 11th we haven't operated! Another sad thing happened! Our Customs Agent was caught in the washout and his vehicle was found 200 ft down the mountain in a creek. Chuck still hasn't been found.... We are all still praying for him!
So, you may ask what I have done.... Well, that is a very good question! Well, we can't run day tours because we are a US flaged vessel. Captain Al has tried to figure out what they can do with us. For the first couple days I worked in our Holland America office here in Dawson. I feel very lucky because no one else was asked to! The manager there really likes me and has even asked if I want to come work for her next year here... We'll see! I run the office by myself! I even have done such a good job that I got three "Star of the Moment" stars. They are our M.O.O.S.E. recognitions we get. Then, I went away for my Birthday. (I'll tell ya all about it in a minute.) Since I've been back, I'm still in the office. They have approved us to do mini day tours on the river. Only two tours a day and about two hours long. They will be coffee and cookie cruises. Not quite sure what we are going to do, but we are only allowed to take Holland America guests for now. That will start at the first of the week. Until the roads open up, we won't be in full operation. I don't know if we will at all the rest of the season! I'm just on standby for the moment! Could come home at any time!
On to my Birthday... Well, since we weren't working, Captain Al approved me some time off. So, on Friday, July 16th, I hoped on a coach and headed down to Whitehorse. Humberto was the tour director and Robert was the driver. I had so much fun with them! It was fun to see all the tour stops and see what a tour director does. I am really considering it for next season! We stayed that night in Whitehorse. It was the first time since May that I had my own room! Loved every minute of it!! July 17th, my B-day, we left in the morning for Skagway. It's just a short drive. I had so much fun! I walked around and shopped that day in Skagway. Got alot of stuff and free stuff too! Then, Robert and Steve, drivers, took me to dinner. After dinner the tour directors and I all partied. We played bowling in the hallway with a plastic set of bowling pins and balls. We played for two hours. Afterwards we went to the Red Onion and hung out. It was so fun and just relaxing. Sunday, I was going to go to church down there, but I got sick. I ended up having some bad seafood. It was horrible!! I don't think I've ever spent so long throwing up! That afternoon, my friends who live in Skagway, Jo and David, came and got me. Jo and I walked all over and then went back to their place. We just hung out there and I got to meet so many new friends! That night we played Fugitive all over Skagway. It was sooooo fun!! Monday, I was suppose to go back to Dawson, but after complications I couldn't get a ride to Whitehorse. So, I spent two more days in Skagway. Monday David, Jordan, Danny, and Bethany came in. They took me to lunch for my birthday and that night we went out with the Skagway drivers to Dyea and played capture the flag and roasted marshmellows. It was sooo fun!! Probably in the top 5 things of the summer! We saw a Grizzly Bear too! I was only 20 feet away from him! Tuesday, Danny and I just hung out and didn't do a whole lot. Wednesday I headed back to Whitehorse with Edgar and Rick. Stayed that night with the Branch President's family. They were so nice! It was so nice to walk into their home and immediately feel the spirit! I miss that sooooo much!!! They were so nice to pick me up and feed me! Thursday they took me to town and I hung out with Rick. We went to the Yukon Brewery to see how they make beer. It was interesting. They give free samples, but I gave all mine to Rick and Julie (a TD). Finaly Friday I made it back to Dawson! I had a nice vacation, but it's always nice to be back!
Well, I think that's about it for now! Dawson did celebrate Music Fest while I was gone. I kinda left because of it! It's just tons of loud obnoxious music and drunk hippies! Lol! But, Sam and Nicole got me a t-shirt from it. I promise to keep you all updated on my life more often! I have a new video and I will probably have another one up with it in the next couple days. I am getting ready to come home, but kinda sad that the summer is coming to an end! I've really had a fun time up here! Despite all the drama, the craziness, and lack of church, I've had a great time! I've sure learned A LOT about myself! I am so excited to come home though and get back to reality... well at least get back to the city! Lol! I am going to miss the laid backness of up here! I know a few of you are wondering about boys... Lol! Not really anything right now. Like a couple of guys that will be at home, but not really looking for dating right now. We'll see how I feel when I get home!
Anyway, I love you all! Thanks for all the Birthday wishes and the presents! I miss you all! I'll let you know when I'll be home! Keep sending me e-mails! I love hearing from all of you! Miss you and love you all much!!
Love Always,
Amy Marie
July 1st... Canada Day! It's kind-of like our 4th of July. We went out to a guy's, that we work with, home to celebrate. They took us all out on a coach. He had a BBQ, dog sleds, horseshoe, frisbee, football, bonfire, and fun. He has 31 dogs that he races dog sleds with during the winter, so as you can imagine, I spent most of the time playing with the dogs! Especially his puppies! There is one that I am in love with and want to take home, but I don't have anywhere to keep him. :( But we had fun celebrating!
July 4th I had off. I spent the day with my Mormon friends, David, Jordan, and Greg. We had a quick church meeting and then decided to go gold panning. We got all our stuff, a company vehicle, and headed up to the free claim. It was such a nice day! We got rained on a little, panned alot, enjoyed each other, made a video, and had tons of fun. No gold though! Afterwards, David and Jordan wanted to jump in the Yukon. So, we went down to the dock and they did flips off. Greg and I just watched the crazy two. Actually, had it not been so cold, I would've jumped in too! That night when the Queen got in, we went to Captain Al's home and had a BBQ. It was fun! Then, a group of us went to Soul Sunday to dance the night away. We had so much fun! I did miss my fireworks, but had a blast!
Work... Oh work!....Well, things were going great with work! We were getting really busy with our tours! We were having just over 80+ people at a time on the boat. I was getting really good in the bar and my narriation. On July 9th (Friday) we had the mosst interesting adventure! On our way down to Eagle that day the boat started having some steering problems. We made it down just fine though. It was on our way back that we had the adventure! That day I was narrating, but Joel's parents were going to be on our trip back so he wanted to narrate for them. Being the nice person I am, I let him. We started back and just made it across the border, which is when we can serve alcohol, when I looked up and saw us heading for shore. It was at that time that I asked Sam, who was helping me in the bar, what we were doing. We both were confused and then the Captain came over stating that we were having problems and needed to bank on the shore to see if we could fix it. After being on the shore for about 30 minutes we headed back to Eagle. We had only been gone for just over an hour. We got everyone back to Eagle and on their coaches so they could drive over to Dawson instead. It was crazy! In 30 min we had everyone dinner, cleaned up and on their way! For being over the border only an hour, I sold over $400 in alcohol! That night we had to spend in Eagle until we could get the boat fixed. The next day we didn't take any tours, worked on the boat, and cleaned. My lovely job was the toliets! They were absolutely disgusting!! But, they sure do sparkle now!! So, we didn't run Saturday, and Sunday was the next day we ran. Another problem happened! Sunday the roads from Eagle to Tok got washed out! So, since the 11th we haven't operated! Another sad thing happened! Our Customs Agent was caught in the washout and his vehicle was found 200 ft down the mountain in a creek. Chuck still hasn't been found.... We are all still praying for him!
So, you may ask what I have done.... Well, that is a very good question! Well, we can't run day tours because we are a US flaged vessel. Captain Al has tried to figure out what they can do with us. For the first couple days I worked in our Holland America office here in Dawson. I feel very lucky because no one else was asked to! The manager there really likes me and has even asked if I want to come work for her next year here... We'll see! I run the office by myself! I even have done such a good job that I got three "Star of the Moment" stars. They are our M.O.O.S.E. recognitions we get. Then, I went away for my Birthday. (I'll tell ya all about it in a minute.) Since I've been back, I'm still in the office. They have approved us to do mini day tours on the river. Only two tours a day and about two hours long. They will be coffee and cookie cruises. Not quite sure what we are going to do, but we are only allowed to take Holland America guests for now. That will start at the first of the week. Until the roads open up, we won't be in full operation. I don't know if we will at all the rest of the season! I'm just on standby for the moment! Could come home at any time!
On to my Birthday... Well, since we weren't working, Captain Al approved me some time off. So, on Friday, July 16th, I hoped on a coach and headed down to Whitehorse. Humberto was the tour director and Robert was the driver. I had so much fun with them! It was fun to see all the tour stops and see what a tour director does. I am really considering it for next season! We stayed that night in Whitehorse. It was the first time since May that I had my own room! Loved every minute of it!! July 17th, my B-day, we left in the morning for Skagway. It's just a short drive. I had so much fun! I walked around and shopped that day in Skagway. Got alot of stuff and free stuff too! Then, Robert and Steve, drivers, took me to dinner. After dinner the tour directors and I all partied. We played bowling in the hallway with a plastic set of bowling pins and balls. We played for two hours. Afterwards we went to the Red Onion and hung out. It was so fun and just relaxing. Sunday, I was going to go to church down there, but I got sick. I ended up having some bad seafood. It was horrible!! I don't think I've ever spent so long throwing up! That afternoon, my friends who live in Skagway, Jo and David, came and got me. Jo and I walked all over and then went back to their place. We just hung out there and I got to meet so many new friends! That night we played Fugitive all over Skagway. It was sooooo fun!! Monday, I was suppose to go back to Dawson, but after complications I couldn't get a ride to Whitehorse. So, I spent two more days in Skagway. Monday David, Jordan, Danny, and Bethany came in. They took me to lunch for my birthday and that night we went out with the Skagway drivers to Dyea and played capture the flag and roasted marshmellows. It was sooo fun!! Probably in the top 5 things of the summer! We saw a Grizzly Bear too! I was only 20 feet away from him! Tuesday, Danny and I just hung out and didn't do a whole lot. Wednesday I headed back to Whitehorse with Edgar and Rick. Stayed that night with the Branch President's family. They were so nice! It was so nice to walk into their home and immediately feel the spirit! I miss that sooooo much!!! They were so nice to pick me up and feed me! Thursday they took me to town and I hung out with Rick. We went to the Yukon Brewery to see how they make beer. It was interesting. They give free samples, but I gave all mine to Rick and Julie (a TD). Finaly Friday I made it back to Dawson! I had a nice vacation, but it's always nice to be back!
Well, I think that's about it for now! Dawson did celebrate Music Fest while I was gone. I kinda left because of it! It's just tons of loud obnoxious music and drunk hippies! Lol! But, Sam and Nicole got me a t-shirt from it. I promise to keep you all updated on my life more often! I have a new video and I will probably have another one up with it in the next couple days. I am getting ready to come home, but kinda sad that the summer is coming to an end! I've really had a fun time up here! Despite all the drama, the craziness, and lack of church, I've had a great time! I've sure learned A LOT about myself! I am so excited to come home though and get back to reality... well at least get back to the city! Lol! I am going to miss the laid backness of up here! I know a few of you are wondering about boys... Lol! Not really anything right now. Like a couple of guys that will be at home, but not really looking for dating right now. We'll see how I feel when I get home!
Anyway, I love you all! Thanks for all the Birthday wishes and the presents! I miss you all! I'll let you know when I'll be home! Keep sending me e-mails! I love hearing from all of you! Miss you and love you all much!!
Love Always,
Amy Marie
Monday, June 14, 2010
A Two Week Update!
Well, it's been two weeks now since I have updated my blog. I thought about it last week, but I didn't have a whole lot to say. Work has been so tiring lately and I haven't had time to do many adventures! I did have a few though and I can't wait to share them all with you!
So, my work week starts on Tuesdays and goes through Saturdays. On Monday night, May 31st, we had three celebrities arrive into Dawson, Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson. They have been filming a movie up here in the Yukon. They all ate that night at the resturante behind our house. It was so cool! Jen and I decided that we were going to go to Gertie's that night to see if they were going to be there. We were at the park swinging when Owen Wilson and his brother rode by on their bikes. We headed over to Gerties and saw Owen and Steve playing poker. Jen and I sat two tables away from them! The show started and Steve Martin seemed to enjoy it! I turned around at one point and he smiled and waved at me! My favorite part of him is that he was in black slacks, a sport jacket, a way cool fidora, and green Converse shoes! Such a cool old guy! Anyway, Jack Black came in and was super nice to everyone! He took pics and signed autographs before going and playing poker.
Wednesday, June 2nd, we went to Karokee at the MidNight Sun. It's kind-of a tradition! I haven't yet sung, but plan on it in the future! We have such a fun time going! I have some pictures of our group in the slideshow.
Saturday, June 5th, is probably the day that everyone will want to know about! If you have not yet watched the video, you must!! I went with my friends and some of the guests to the Downtown Hotel, where they do the famous SourToe Shot! Now, what this intales is drinking a shot with a real human toe in it! How did this all start you may ask? Let me tell you! There is a story about an old man who found a human toe preserved in Rum under the floor boards of his home. He was dared to drink a drink with this toe! It was said that you could not become a respectable Captain if you did not do this. So, this man did it with a shutter and walked out of the bar. It is now a tradition of the Hotel to do! The saying is, "You may drink it fast, you may drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe! If you swallow a toe, you owe them a toe!" You may drink it in a shot of alcohol or water! I did it in water, which is the worst way I think!! But, needless to say, I am a part of the SourToe crew!! So, Paul... I am one step ahead of you now!! Lol!
Sunday I didn't really do a whole lot! I just slept and hung out with some of my friends! Monday, I made dinner for David and Sean. Sean came over early and him and I hung out for a while. He is a really nice kid!! We talked for a long time and watched TV. He is from SLC and goes to BYU. He actually lives near me! He won't tell me when he's coming back to town though, because he wants to surprise me. We'll see what happens with him! He's super sweet!!
Tuesday we started another hectic week!! We are starting to get busier on the boat, which is good, but it makes for longer days! I am really liking it! I've had a couple of the Tour Directors tell me that I am doing a great job and that they think I would be great at doing the tours. Two of them are going to try and get me in next year!!
Saturday I went to the Commissioner's Ball. Well, I didn't actually attend, I just went and helped! I am friends with the chef's at the Aurora Inn Resturante and they told me they were catering the event. I was kidding when I said that I wanted to go, but Blois said I could come and help him with desserts. So, I got in a chef jacket and went to help! It was so fun! I helped put the cheesecake on the plates and garnished all the desserts! Blois even said that if I wanted to work at the resturante a night or two during the week, he would hire me and teach me everything he knows! I'm giong to see if I can!
Sunday, I just sat and relaxed! Actually, I slept most of the day! Jordan and Rob came over for dinner. Sam and I were going to go dancing at the MidNight Sun, but I was to tired and no one was going. So, we watched a movie instead. Issac got in town and came and watched it with us as well.
Today I slept in as well. I can't believe how late I can sleep! Jen and I went out for the day. We ate at our favorite place, Klondike Kates, and then we went and explored a couple of stores. I found a really cute shirt, hat, and earrings. It's nice just having a day off! So, my adventures haven't really been alot, but I am enjoying it up here! Jen is leaving us this week, so I'm going to be working alot here in the future! I'm sad she's going, but excited for more money!! David and I are planning a day of fun! We are going to go Gold Panning and Kayaking! I'm so happy for all the friends that I have met!!
Well, I promise to keep better track of my days and my adventures!! I hope all is well with everyone! Feel free to comment on my blog, e-mail me, and please send me mail! It's always the highlight of my day when I get a letter or something! :) Love you all!!!
Until next time,
Lots of Loves!!
Amy Marie
So, my work week starts on Tuesdays and goes through Saturdays. On Monday night, May 31st, we had three celebrities arrive into Dawson, Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen Wilson. They have been filming a movie up here in the Yukon. They all ate that night at the resturante behind our house. It was so cool! Jen and I decided that we were going to go to Gertie's that night to see if they were going to be there. We were at the park swinging when Owen Wilson and his brother rode by on their bikes. We headed over to Gerties and saw Owen and Steve playing poker. Jen and I sat two tables away from them! The show started and Steve Martin seemed to enjoy it! I turned around at one point and he smiled and waved at me! My favorite part of him is that he was in black slacks, a sport jacket, a way cool fidora, and green Converse shoes! Such a cool old guy! Anyway, Jack Black came in and was super nice to everyone! He took pics and signed autographs before going and playing poker.
Wednesday, June 2nd, we went to Karokee at the MidNight Sun. It's kind-of a tradition! I haven't yet sung, but plan on it in the future! We have such a fun time going! I have some pictures of our group in the slideshow.
Saturday, June 5th, is probably the day that everyone will want to know about! If you have not yet watched the video, you must!! I went with my friends and some of the guests to the Downtown Hotel, where they do the famous SourToe Shot! Now, what this intales is drinking a shot with a real human toe in it! How did this all start you may ask? Let me tell you! There is a story about an old man who found a human toe preserved in Rum under the floor boards of his home. He was dared to drink a drink with this toe! It was said that you could not become a respectable Captain if you did not do this. So, this man did it with a shutter and walked out of the bar. It is now a tradition of the Hotel to do! The saying is, "You may drink it fast, you may drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe! If you swallow a toe, you owe them a toe!" You may drink it in a shot of alcohol or water! I did it in water, which is the worst way I think!! But, needless to say, I am a part of the SourToe crew!! So, Paul... I am one step ahead of you now!! Lol!
Sunday I didn't really do a whole lot! I just slept and hung out with some of my friends! Monday, I made dinner for David and Sean. Sean came over early and him and I hung out for a while. He is a really nice kid!! We talked for a long time and watched TV. He is from SLC and goes to BYU. He actually lives near me! He won't tell me when he's coming back to town though, because he wants to surprise me. We'll see what happens with him! He's super sweet!!
Tuesday we started another hectic week!! We are starting to get busier on the boat, which is good, but it makes for longer days! I am really liking it! I've had a couple of the Tour Directors tell me that I am doing a great job and that they think I would be great at doing the tours. Two of them are going to try and get me in next year!!
Saturday I went to the Commissioner's Ball. Well, I didn't actually attend, I just went and helped! I am friends with the chef's at the Aurora Inn Resturante and they told me they were catering the event. I was kidding when I said that I wanted to go, but Blois said I could come and help him with desserts. So, I got in a chef jacket and went to help! It was so fun! I helped put the cheesecake on the plates and garnished all the desserts! Blois even said that if I wanted to work at the resturante a night or two during the week, he would hire me and teach me everything he knows! I'm giong to see if I can!
Sunday, I just sat and relaxed! Actually, I slept most of the day! Jordan and Rob came over for dinner. Sam and I were going to go dancing at the MidNight Sun, but I was to tired and no one was going. So, we watched a movie instead. Issac got in town and came and watched it with us as well.
Today I slept in as well. I can't believe how late I can sleep! Jen and I went out for the day. We ate at our favorite place, Klondike Kates, and then we went and explored a couple of stores. I found a really cute shirt, hat, and earrings. It's nice just having a day off! So, my adventures haven't really been alot, but I am enjoying it up here! Jen is leaving us this week, so I'm going to be working alot here in the future! I'm sad she's going, but excited for more money!! David and I are planning a day of fun! We are going to go Gold Panning and Kayaking! I'm so happy for all the friends that I have met!!
Well, I promise to keep better track of my days and my adventures!! I hope all is well with everyone! Feel free to comment on my blog, e-mail me, and please send me mail! It's always the highlight of my day when I get a letter or something! :) Love you all!!!
Until next time,
Lots of Loves!!
Amy Marie
Monday, May 31, 2010
Oh the adventures!!
Well, the adventures are definately continuing! I just love it up here! I wish that I was keeping a better journal though! With the long days (literally lol!) everything tends to just blend together! So, I hopefully will be able to remember everything that I have done!
So we'll start off where we left off. I worked on Friday doing narration. It went great! We didn't have any guests on our way down, but we had a full group on our way back. On our way down we got to see our first grizzly bear! It was so fun! Sam and I just goofed around on the boat and took goofy pictures! I really have a lot of fun with her!
Saturday I had the day off. A group of us decided to go on the River Float. My friend, Dana, who is one of the Gurtie Dancers came with Scott and John and I. We also went with some of our guests who were most definately drunk. They were so funny! Also, a group of Whitehorse staff went with us. Mike, my cute French guide, was in our boat training with Gabe, while Mark took the others. It was so nice and relaxing! We stopped at an island and Gabe taught me how to skip rocks! Mark was giving me a hard time about liking Mike! Anyway, we had a good time and got in at the same time the Queen arrived!
Sunday I had to work, but I met some Mormon guys that night! They all are drivers for our company. I first met Kaleb who I have now adopted as a little bro! David is my crazy friend that I absolutely love! He's soooo funny! Then there is Karlyn and Jordan. All of these guys are from home!
Monday we all decided to do the River Float! Jen, a girl I work with, David, Karlyn, Kaleb, Bonnie, and I went with Gabe as our guide. We had so much fun! David is so crazy! He decided that he wanted to jump in the river. Now, the river is super cold! Not even the guides have gotten in this year yet! But, David had to jump! It was so funny, but not near as funny as Karlyn jumping in! David talked him into it. When Karlyn attempted, he slipped and ended up head first! Man, the look on his face was classic!! I wish I had pictures of it! The guests who were with us called all the men "the Crazy Mormons Kids". After we went on the float, us girls went over to the Driver house where David made us dinner.
Tuesday was our first full day of passengers. From about Tuesday to Friday is all about a blur! We worked about 13-16 hours a day. Thursday we had an engine go out so our ride has been interesting! We have had to load the luggage in the front of the boat. It's hard work, but I am loosing weight and gaining muscle due to it!
Now Friday... what a day!! On our way down we had a huge group, but we didn't have anything that stuck out. It was the way back that made my day!!! We had a boat full of Australians! Now, anyone who knows anything about Australians, they sure do drink a lot! Make sure that you watch my video below to get an idea of the next story!.... There was this guy named Wally. Wally had a couple drinks in him, but before was super funny! He was wearing some suspenders from Chicken, AK. I saw him start to dance and thought of the chicken dance. I went up to Wally and asked him if he knew the Chicken Dance. He didn't but wanted to learn. I showed it to him and asked if he'd like to do it with me in front of everyone. Wally was so excited!! Sam and I got in the side isles and Wally went to the center isle. Everyone on the boat sang the song while we danced. Wally's dance uses his suspenders and I was laughing so hard at him that I couldn't even dance. That trip was so fun and I ended up earning us over $100 in tips! Still to this day we are all laughing about it and watching the video!
Saturday was just a normal day at work. Nothing eventful, just that I was super tired! I worked just over 66 hours this week. Good news for the money though! I did have some friends come into town though and we had all planned on hanging out this weekend. I ended up a Gurties with a couple of guests and then headed home to bed.
Sunday was my day off. David was coming into town and I was so excited! I slept in, which felt sooo great! Sam and I went grocery shopping and to work on the internet. I talked to my parents for a bit. I had to ask them for clothes because my pants are starting not to fit. Then we went to dinner with my guest and to the 8:30 Gurtie's show. It is definately my favorite show yet! Simon, my New Zeland friend, came and hung out with me there. He asked me to go to Soul Sunday. I went home, changed, and grabbed Jordan, David, Jordan, Jeremy, and Adam. We all went to Gurtie's Midnight show and then to Soul Sunday. Jen ended up meeting us there. It was sooo fun!! It was a live band that played kind-of Reggae/Soul music. I immediately thought of Paul and how he would love it! We danced till 2am! I can't believe it!
Today I slept in till 2pm! I must have been super tired! Went to lunch with Jen and Tyler and now just hanging out with my boys! I am having such a good time up here! I definately am learning a lot about myself! I have made so many friends up here! I love not having a car too! Some days I want to ride somewhere, but I am really hoping to get a bike! I thought that having Sunlight all the time would bug me, but I really like it!! Small towns are really fun too! I know a lot of people here too!
Oh! Guess what!? They are filming a movie here in Dawson!! Owen Wilson, Jack Black, and Steve Martin are coming into town today and will be here for about a week or so. Hopefully I get to meet them! I am so excited! Well, I better go. I will do my best to keep up with my weeks! Feel free to write me! I love to hear from everyone! Until next week... May the adventures continue!!
Lots of Love!!!!!
Amy Marie
So we'll start off where we left off. I worked on Friday doing narration. It went great! We didn't have any guests on our way down, but we had a full group on our way back. On our way down we got to see our first grizzly bear! It was so fun! Sam and I just goofed around on the boat and took goofy pictures! I really have a lot of fun with her!
Saturday I had the day off. A group of us decided to go on the River Float. My friend, Dana, who is one of the Gurtie Dancers came with Scott and John and I. We also went with some of our guests who were most definately drunk. They were so funny! Also, a group of Whitehorse staff went with us. Mike, my cute French guide, was in our boat training with Gabe, while Mark took the others. It was so nice and relaxing! We stopped at an island and Gabe taught me how to skip rocks! Mark was giving me a hard time about liking Mike! Anyway, we had a good time and got in at the same time the Queen arrived!
Sunday I had to work, but I met some Mormon guys that night! They all are drivers for our company. I first met Kaleb who I have now adopted as a little bro! David is my crazy friend that I absolutely love! He's soooo funny! Then there is Karlyn and Jordan. All of these guys are from home!
Monday we all decided to do the River Float! Jen, a girl I work with, David, Karlyn, Kaleb, Bonnie, and I went with Gabe as our guide. We had so much fun! David is so crazy! He decided that he wanted to jump in the river. Now, the river is super cold! Not even the guides have gotten in this year yet! But, David had to jump! It was so funny, but not near as funny as Karlyn jumping in! David talked him into it. When Karlyn attempted, he slipped and ended up head first! Man, the look on his face was classic!! I wish I had pictures of it! The guests who were with us called all the men "the Crazy Mormons Kids". After we went on the float, us girls went over to the Driver house where David made us dinner.
Tuesday was our first full day of passengers. From about Tuesday to Friday is all about a blur! We worked about 13-16 hours a day. Thursday we had an engine go out so our ride has been interesting! We have had to load the luggage in the front of the boat. It's hard work, but I am loosing weight and gaining muscle due to it!
Now Friday... what a day!! On our way down we had a huge group, but we didn't have anything that stuck out. It was the way back that made my day!!! We had a boat full of Australians! Now, anyone who knows anything about Australians, they sure do drink a lot! Make sure that you watch my video below to get an idea of the next story!.... There was this guy named Wally. Wally had a couple drinks in him, but before was super funny! He was wearing some suspenders from Chicken, AK. I saw him start to dance and thought of the chicken dance. I went up to Wally and asked him if he knew the Chicken Dance. He didn't but wanted to learn. I showed it to him and asked if he'd like to do it with me in front of everyone. Wally was so excited!! Sam and I got in the side isles and Wally went to the center isle. Everyone on the boat sang the song while we danced. Wally's dance uses his suspenders and I was laughing so hard at him that I couldn't even dance. That trip was so fun and I ended up earning us over $100 in tips! Still to this day we are all laughing about it and watching the video!
Saturday was just a normal day at work. Nothing eventful, just that I was super tired! I worked just over 66 hours this week. Good news for the money though! I did have some friends come into town though and we had all planned on hanging out this weekend. I ended up a Gurties with a couple of guests and then headed home to bed.
Sunday was my day off. David was coming into town and I was so excited! I slept in, which felt sooo great! Sam and I went grocery shopping and to work on the internet. I talked to my parents for a bit. I had to ask them for clothes because my pants are starting not to fit. Then we went to dinner with my guest and to the 8:30 Gurtie's show. It is definately my favorite show yet! Simon, my New Zeland friend, came and hung out with me there. He asked me to go to Soul Sunday. I went home, changed, and grabbed Jordan, David, Jordan, Jeremy, and Adam. We all went to Gurtie's Midnight show and then to Soul Sunday. Jen ended up meeting us there. It was sooo fun!! It was a live band that played kind-of Reggae/Soul music. I immediately thought of Paul and how he would love it! We danced till 2am! I can't believe it!
Today I slept in till 2pm! I must have been super tired! Went to lunch with Jen and Tyler and now just hanging out with my boys! I am having such a good time up here! I definately am learning a lot about myself! I have made so many friends up here! I love not having a car too! Some days I want to ride somewhere, but I am really hoping to get a bike! I thought that having Sunlight all the time would bug me, but I really like it!! Small towns are really fun too! I know a lot of people here too!
Oh! Guess what!? They are filming a movie here in Dawson!! Owen Wilson, Jack Black, and Steve Martin are coming into town today and will be here for about a week or so. Hopefully I get to meet them! I am so excited! Well, I better go. I will do my best to keep up with my weeks! Feel free to write me! I love to hear from everyone! Until next week... May the adventures continue!!
Lots of Love!!!!!
Amy Marie
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Beginning of our Season!
Well, it's update time!! Eventually I will be able to get into a Sunday routine, but until then, I just have to do it when I have my days off! I'll give you the run down for the last week. I will post a new slide show probably on my next post! :)
So, Thursday the 13th we all got the day off. I slept in till eleven! I don’t remember the last time I was able to do that!!! It felt so nice! Then I went to lunch with John and Scott. They are the older men here, like in there 50’s. It was fun. We went to Klondike Kate’s and I had an AMAZING mushroom soup and cornbread and then a piece of “heaven on earth,” chocolate torte! It was sooooo good!!!! I tell ya, it's these small towns that always have the amazing food!! After lunch we just roamed the city and it rained a little. Got some groceries and then headed home. I can't believe how expensive everything is here!!! For example, a tube of pringles at home costs $0.99 and here they cost $3.59. A half gallon of milk is $1.89 at home and $4.99 here! It's just crazy how expensive it all is! So.... if you would all like to send me some good stuff, I would love it!! My mom and dad already did, but Almond milk would be great!! Any type of food would be great! Lol! Anyway, I hung at home for a bit. Then Tyler, Sam, and I went to find internet. We ended up on the boat. I Skyped Mom and Dad and talked to them for a bit! It seems like forever since I’ve been home! I showed them the boat and asked them to send me up some stuff. After that I just updated me stuff and checked e-mails. While we were doing that Captain Al came to the boat. I was so nervous that he was going to get mad, but he was totally fine with all of us there! After that we left for dinner and ended up and the Downtown Hotel. The lady was really funny and had a lot of info to share with us about Dawson. The food was good. Tyler and Sam and I just talked and laughed so hard! We then went home and I ended up in bed.
Friday we cleaned the inside of the boat. We wiped everything from top to bottom. Then we had some training and Joel and I priced the stuffed animals. After work Nicole and I decided to go do something fun. We grabbed Sam and left on our adventure! So, thus far in Dawson I have walked everywhere. But, today we got to drive! We got to see some of the cool sites and I found some mini tours and museums I’d like to see, but the best was the drive to the top of the mountain! I got the most amazing pictures!!!! We had fun up there! Then us girls went to dinner and got ice cream. Nicole got this really weird movie that her and I watched. I’m not even going to say because I wish to not remember it! Let’s just say, it was a bonding moment and we’ve decided to have “Weird Movie Night” once a week now!
Sunday was really fun! We had to clean the outside of the boat! Nicole and I got to get on top of the boat and had to be harnessed in so we didn't fall off the top. I felt like I was ontop of the world!! I wish I had pictures! Then once we finished that we helped Kate clean the back deck. We got everyone below wet! It was so funny!! Then I got to climb up the front of the boat and scrub the top! I did it all by myself!! Nicole was suppose to come help, but got hung up. I latched my self to the rails and climbed up! I didn't even slip! Everyone was really impressed! Especially Captain Al! After that we learned how to mix drinks at the bar. I didn't get to try them cause I don't drink, which automatically made me the DD! So, I took one of the guys home in his vehicle just as it started to rain. I must really love my coworkers cause I ran in the rain all the way back to the dock. I was soaking wet by the time I got there! After work we got to meet the Dawson staff and I was hoping there is a Mormon or two! Unfortunately there isn't one. But, about a third of the drivers and tour guides are!
Monday they gave us the day off. Wanted us to be rested before we all started the next day. I didn’t really do much! Went with Tyler and Sam to the boat to check out our online stuff. Skyped with Kariann a bit and gave her the boat tour! Sam and I went on a jeep tour with some of the Dawson staff. We rode with the hot French men, Mike and Jeremy! Mike is working up here and we are the same age. He has amazing blue eyes and blonde long hair. Normally I don’t like that, but with him is works! But, let me tell you about that French accent!! Oh!!!! It's like music to the ears!! Lol!! The tour was long, but kinda cool! I wouldn’t mind it when all the colors come out this summer!
Tuesday was our first run! On our way down we cleaned the rest of the inside of the boat and got stuff all ready. I was in the gift shop. We got to Eagle, got stuff unloaded and loaded and then the passengers arrived. We helped them all down the ramp and then did our little safety speech. I was okay at getting the life jacket on, but Kate got stuck! Everyone laughed! We weren’t all that busy in the gift shop, so I went around talking to passengers. Met some really nice ones!! I loved every minute of it!! I even got $8 in tips! I don’t get to keep them, they all go into a pot for all of us, but we get a lot more that way I’m told. I don’t know, we will see! After work, Nicole and I got to go spend company money!! We bought the gold jewelry for the gift shop. After 2 hours, we got our loot and spent nearly 8 thousand dollars! That’s the most I have ever spent! Wow! The lady we bought them from was so nice and a fantastic photographer! I bought some of her cards! They are absolutely beautiful!!!! She told us that she would take us hiking up here! Also, on my days off if I want some extra hours she said she'd love for me to come work with her. Said she would even pay me in gold if I wanted! Kinda tempting to be honest!
Wednesday I had the day off. We don’t have a ton of passengers, so we all have a couple days this week. I spent most of today cleaning my room and building me a closet. Well, actually Tyler built it, I just bought it. Went shopping a little bit for groceries, and just relaxed! When everyone got home we went out to Diamond Tooth Gurties! The drivers mentioned going to do the sour toe, but we ended up hanging out with the hot french river raft guides and one of their friends from New Zeland! He's pretty good looking too!
Today we got up and went down to clean the other side of the boat and just do some small work. Only a couple of us went. After that I just came home and relaxed. Watched a movie and then came down to the boat to do some online stuff. Gonna go home and eat and then relax before bed. I get to narrate tomorrow! I'm so nervous!!! Wish me luck!
Oh! I have had a couple of chances to talk to some people about the church! Funny how when you pray for strength and opportunities, the Lord helps you! I hope that I can be strong enough and be an example to those around me!! Well, off to see what the night brings me! Lots of loves to everyone!! If you want to send me letters or packages my address is on the side wall! Until next time "Eh!" (Everyone says it here! I'll probably come home saying it!)
Amy Marie
So, Thursday the 13th we all got the day off. I slept in till eleven! I don’t remember the last time I was able to do that!!! It felt so nice! Then I went to lunch with John and Scott. They are the older men here, like in there 50’s. It was fun. We went to Klondike Kate’s and I had an AMAZING mushroom soup and cornbread and then a piece of “heaven on earth,” chocolate torte! It was sooooo good!!!! I tell ya, it's these small towns that always have the amazing food!! After lunch we just roamed the city and it rained a little. Got some groceries and then headed home. I can't believe how expensive everything is here!!! For example, a tube of pringles at home costs $0.99 and here they cost $3.59. A half gallon of milk is $1.89 at home and $4.99 here! It's just crazy how expensive it all is! So.... if you would all like to send me some good stuff, I would love it!! My mom and dad already did, but Almond milk would be great!! Any type of food would be great! Lol! Anyway, I hung at home for a bit. Then Tyler, Sam, and I went to find internet. We ended up on the boat. I Skyped Mom and Dad and talked to them for a bit! It seems like forever since I’ve been home! I showed them the boat and asked them to send me up some stuff. After that I just updated me stuff and checked e-mails. While we were doing that Captain Al came to the boat. I was so nervous that he was going to get mad, but he was totally fine with all of us there! After that we left for dinner and ended up and the Downtown Hotel. The lady was really funny and had a lot of info to share with us about Dawson. The food was good. Tyler and Sam and I just talked and laughed so hard! We then went home and I ended up in bed.
Friday we cleaned the inside of the boat. We wiped everything from top to bottom. Then we had some training and Joel and I priced the stuffed animals. After work Nicole and I decided to go do something fun. We grabbed Sam and left on our adventure! So, thus far in Dawson I have walked everywhere. But, today we got to drive! We got to see some of the cool sites and I found some mini tours and museums I’d like to see, but the best was the drive to the top of the mountain! I got the most amazing pictures!!!! We had fun up there! Then us girls went to dinner and got ice cream. Nicole got this really weird movie that her and I watched. I’m not even going to say because I wish to not remember it! Let’s just say, it was a bonding moment and we’ve decided to have “Weird Movie Night” once a week now!
Sunday was really fun! We had to clean the outside of the boat! Nicole and I got to get on top of the boat and had to be harnessed in so we didn't fall off the top. I felt like I was ontop of the world!! I wish I had pictures! Then once we finished that we helped Kate clean the back deck. We got everyone below wet! It was so funny!! Then I got to climb up the front of the boat and scrub the top! I did it all by myself!! Nicole was suppose to come help, but got hung up. I latched my self to the rails and climbed up! I didn't even slip! Everyone was really impressed! Especially Captain Al! After that we learned how to mix drinks at the bar. I didn't get to try them cause I don't drink, which automatically made me the DD! So, I took one of the guys home in his vehicle just as it started to rain. I must really love my coworkers cause I ran in the rain all the way back to the dock. I was soaking wet by the time I got there! After work we got to meet the Dawson staff and I was hoping there is a Mormon or two! Unfortunately there isn't one. But, about a third of the drivers and tour guides are!
Monday they gave us the day off. Wanted us to be rested before we all started the next day. I didn’t really do much! Went with Tyler and Sam to the boat to check out our online stuff. Skyped with Kariann a bit and gave her the boat tour! Sam and I went on a jeep tour with some of the Dawson staff. We rode with the hot French men, Mike and Jeremy! Mike is working up here and we are the same age. He has amazing blue eyes and blonde long hair. Normally I don’t like that, but with him is works! But, let me tell you about that French accent!! Oh!!!! It's like music to the ears!! Lol!! The tour was long, but kinda cool! I wouldn’t mind it when all the colors come out this summer!
Tuesday was our first run! On our way down we cleaned the rest of the inside of the boat and got stuff all ready. I was in the gift shop. We got to Eagle, got stuff unloaded and loaded and then the passengers arrived. We helped them all down the ramp and then did our little safety speech. I was okay at getting the life jacket on, but Kate got stuck! Everyone laughed! We weren’t all that busy in the gift shop, so I went around talking to passengers. Met some really nice ones!! I loved every minute of it!! I even got $8 in tips! I don’t get to keep them, they all go into a pot for all of us, but we get a lot more that way I’m told. I don’t know, we will see! After work, Nicole and I got to go spend company money!! We bought the gold jewelry for the gift shop. After 2 hours, we got our loot and spent nearly 8 thousand dollars! That’s the most I have ever spent! Wow! The lady we bought them from was so nice and a fantastic photographer! I bought some of her cards! They are absolutely beautiful!!!! She told us that she would take us hiking up here! Also, on my days off if I want some extra hours she said she'd love for me to come work with her. Said she would even pay me in gold if I wanted! Kinda tempting to be honest!
Wednesday I had the day off. We don’t have a ton of passengers, so we all have a couple days this week. I spent most of today cleaning my room and building me a closet. Well, actually Tyler built it, I just bought it. Went shopping a little bit for groceries, and just relaxed! When everyone got home we went out to Diamond Tooth Gurties! The drivers mentioned going to do the sour toe, but we ended up hanging out with the hot french river raft guides and one of their friends from New Zeland! He's pretty good looking too!
Today we got up and went down to clean the other side of the boat and just do some small work. Only a couple of us went. After that I just came home and relaxed. Watched a movie and then came down to the boat to do some online stuff. Gonna go home and eat and then relax before bed. I get to narrate tomorrow! I'm so nervous!!! Wish me luck!
Oh! I have had a couple of chances to talk to some people about the church! Funny how when you pray for strength and opportunities, the Lord helps you! I hope that I can be strong enough and be an example to those around me!! Well, off to see what the night brings me! Lots of loves to everyone!! If you want to send me letters or packages my address is on the side wall! Until next time "Eh!" (Everyone says it here! I'll probably come home saying it!)
Amy Marie
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Dawson City
Well, I'm in Dawson now!! We drove our boat up here on Tuesday (yesterday). It was sooo pretty! We did our first meal on here just to see how it is done and served it to the crew. Unfortunately it is good! So much for eating good this summer! Lol! No, we don't get to eat it, we have crew food.
As for what we did in Eagle... I got to put together furniture for our customs log. I forgot how fun it was to build stuff!!! Then the next day I had resume building! Lol! I got to pick up garbage and rake rocks! Yes, rake rocks!! The whole time I just had to keep telling myself that it was for the passengers and to keep a good attitude. I am just about the only one here who is staying positive! The next day we packed up the boat and shipped out! Wahoo!!!!
Coming up to Dawson it was goregous!! The river is so pretty! The green is just starting to show! We say a black bear swimming in the river and two moose on the side, walking on a bank. Most of the free time we had I spent on the second deck. When we got into town we took our stuff to the house and then went to the saloon aka the bar. It was sooo cool! During the "tourist season" they do shows with real can-can girls! The shows start up this weekend. It's interesting being the only one who doesn't drink! Being the only mormon is interesting too!! Our house in Dawson is so interesting! It kinda crapy, but it's a home! I share a room with Crystal. This will be an interesting summer!!! Love her to death, but she is so loud and messy! Oh well! Today we went and saw the town! It's pretty cute! I forgot my camera, but it's really cold and has been raining alot today! So, lots of mud!! Went to a really good cafe for lunch!! Had a taste of heaven on earth, chocolate torte!! We are now sitting on the boat checking on e-mail. Only place with service right now! Lol! We are heading out to dinner soon!
Well, hopefully I'll get pictures up soon!! Love you all! E-mail me soon or send letters!! Updates as soon as I can!!
As for what we did in Eagle... I got to put together furniture for our customs log. I forgot how fun it was to build stuff!!! Then the next day I had resume building! Lol! I got to pick up garbage and rake rocks! Yes, rake rocks!! The whole time I just had to keep telling myself that it was for the passengers and to keep a good attitude. I am just about the only one here who is staying positive! The next day we packed up the boat and shipped out! Wahoo!!!!
Coming up to Dawson it was goregous!! The river is so pretty! The green is just starting to show! We say a black bear swimming in the river and two moose on the side, walking on a bank. Most of the free time we had I spent on the second deck. When we got into town we took our stuff to the house and then went to the saloon aka the bar. It was sooo cool! During the "tourist season" they do shows with real can-can girls! The shows start up this weekend. It's interesting being the only one who doesn't drink! Being the only mormon is interesting too!! Our house in Dawson is so interesting! It kinda crapy, but it's a home! I share a room with Crystal. This will be an interesting summer!!! Love her to death, but she is so loud and messy! Oh well! Today we went and saw the town! It's pretty cute! I forgot my camera, but it's really cold and has been raining alot today! So, lots of mud!! Went to a really good cafe for lunch!! Had a taste of heaven on earth, chocolate torte!! We are now sitting on the boat checking on e-mail. Only place with service right now! Lol! We are heading out to dinner soon!
Well, hopefully I'll get pictures up soon!! Love you all! E-mail me soon or send letters!! Updates as soon as I can!!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Eagle, Alaska and The Beginnings!
Well, Thursday I started my journey out to Eagle, Alaska! What an adventure it was!! I was suppose to fly from Salt Lake to Seattle and do a connecting flight there to Fairbanks, but Delta told me that I didn’t have enough time for my bags to connect. So, they wouldn’t connect me. I didn’t know what I was going to do, but decided to just wing it. I said a quick prayer and off I went. When I got up to my gate, I got online and checked in with my next flight online. Thank heavens for my iTouch! What I ever did without it I have no idea! Anyway, the lady at the counter told me to just go all the way through and if my bags didn’t make it I could make a baggage claim in Fairbanks. So, that’s just what I did. When I got to Seattle, I had to take 3 trains in the airport and run to my next flight. I barely made it!! I kinda felt like I was in the movies running to my plane! Lol!! Luckily I made it! It was on the plane to Fairbanks that I met my new friends, Crystal and Jen. We made it to Fairbanks, but my bags didn’t. I kinda figured they wouldn’t, so I just make a claim when I got there. On our way to the hotel I had messages from Seattle airport. I talked to them and luckily they were going to send them up to Fairbanks that night on another flight! The airport said they would deliver them to the hotel. My bags never came! In the morning I had to deal with that in the morning!
Fairbanks was interesting! It’s kinda dumpy! Just a lot of trash every where and a lot of military men! Hot ones at that! I’m not usually into military men, but man! There are some hot ones! LOL!! We woke up this morning and got all ready to fly out! The cab was late picking us up and dropped us off at the airport. I got my bag and I felt like I was being reunited with a long lost friend! Lol!! It was great! Then, we found out we were at the wrong airport! By the time we got to the right place, we were 20 min to our departure time. Luckily, they didn’t care! In fact, we didn’t even have to go through security! It was funny though because Crystal’s mouse exploded all over the luggage! We should have gotten a picture, but we didn’t. We rode in a 5 passenger airplane! It was soooo awesome! I got to ride in the cockpit! I got some awesome pictures and it was sooo cool! When we got to Eagle, we waited for our ride. Eagle is sooo old and dumpy looking! It’s the smalled town ever! No paved roads! Not even the airplane road. The speed limit is 15 only because of the dust. The mosquitoes here are huge! They are about twice the size of the ones in Utah! We didn’t do much work that day. That night they had a party for the only graduating kid in the city. He gets a full ride scholarship to the University of Alaska Fairbanks! It was interesting to see! It was interesting to have one during the daylight! But, they were huge! The towns folk are nice. Not a ton of them! But, there are a lot more kids than I expected! They were so cute running around! The people here can drink and drive. Kinda scary to me, but I guess other than trees, there isn’t much they can get in an accident with! They were blaring Lady Gaga and Fergie and dancing! It’s funny how music seems to make to the smallest towns even! The city here only has one radio station too! It plays just a little bit of everything! And I mean everything! The people here are really nice, but it’s interesting being the only one who doesn’t drink! They kind-of look at me weird! For the most part they are okay with it!
Saturday… we went to the big cold storage freezer and moved all the pallets around. Then we organized all the food in the freezer. It actually was kinda fun! We had an assembly line going to move everything! Afterwards we went back to the house, had lunch, then moved the dry foods and supply to the warehouse and organized that. When we were all done we got these really hot blue jump suits on and went to paint the bottom of the boat. It was so fun! We had this weird cleaner we had to use and then this special paint. I did the whole underside of one side of our boats. I really wished that I had a picture of me in the paint suit! I looked so funny! We had rags tied around our heads to protect our hair from the chemicals, face guards, and safety glasses! After work we didn’t do much. Just visited, watched TV, a movie and then just crashed!
Today…. I got to sleep in a little later. Got up and came to the boat house to have our safety meeting before we moved the boat into the water. After that we went down to the boat. It was a very long process!! It took us 4 hrs to get it to the water which is about 100 yards. I learned so much about the boat! It was soooo cool! I got to stand next to one of the lines and be the safety girl. That means that I had the walkie-talkie and if I need to radio an emergency I would. We got the boat for the most part done, but will have to finish tomorrow. Tomorrow we get to put our dock in. The city had a flood last year and so we are having to do a lot more work than normal. It’s soooo cool! I am really enjoying it here! It’s a totally different experience. So, as for today, we just spent it getting the boat into the water. We will take it up to Dawson on Wednesday.
I hope everyone had a great Mother’s Day!! We don’t get internet much, so I will try and update as often as possible! I feel like a missionary! Lol!! I love you all! Keep in touch!!!
Your Crusin Canadian!!
Fairbanks was interesting! It’s kinda dumpy! Just a lot of trash every where and a lot of military men! Hot ones at that! I’m not usually into military men, but man! There are some hot ones! LOL!! We woke up this morning and got all ready to fly out! The cab was late picking us up and dropped us off at the airport. I got my bag and I felt like I was being reunited with a long lost friend! Lol!! It was great! Then, we found out we were at the wrong airport! By the time we got to the right place, we were 20 min to our departure time. Luckily, they didn’t care! In fact, we didn’t even have to go through security! It was funny though because Crystal’s mouse exploded all over the luggage! We should have gotten a picture, but we didn’t. We rode in a 5 passenger airplane! It was soooo awesome! I got to ride in the cockpit! I got some awesome pictures and it was sooo cool! When we got to Eagle, we waited for our ride. Eagle is sooo old and dumpy looking! It’s the smalled town ever! No paved roads! Not even the airplane road. The speed limit is 15 only because of the dust. The mosquitoes here are huge! They are about twice the size of the ones in Utah! We didn’t do much work that day. That night they had a party for the only graduating kid in the city. He gets a full ride scholarship to the University of Alaska Fairbanks! It was interesting to see! It was interesting to have one during the daylight! But, they were huge! The towns folk are nice. Not a ton of them! But, there are a lot more kids than I expected! They were so cute running around! The people here can drink and drive. Kinda scary to me, but I guess other than trees, there isn’t much they can get in an accident with! They were blaring Lady Gaga and Fergie and dancing! It’s funny how music seems to make to the smallest towns even! The city here only has one radio station too! It plays just a little bit of everything! And I mean everything! The people here are really nice, but it’s interesting being the only one who doesn’t drink! They kind-of look at me weird! For the most part they are okay with it!
Saturday… we went to the big cold storage freezer and moved all the pallets around. Then we organized all the food in the freezer. It actually was kinda fun! We had an assembly line going to move everything! Afterwards we went back to the house, had lunch, then moved the dry foods and supply to the warehouse and organized that. When we were all done we got these really hot blue jump suits on and went to paint the bottom of the boat. It was so fun! We had this weird cleaner we had to use and then this special paint. I did the whole underside of one side of our boats. I really wished that I had a picture of me in the paint suit! I looked so funny! We had rags tied around our heads to protect our hair from the chemicals, face guards, and safety glasses! After work we didn’t do much. Just visited, watched TV, a movie and then just crashed!
Today…. I got to sleep in a little later. Got up and came to the boat house to have our safety meeting before we moved the boat into the water. After that we went down to the boat. It was a very long process!! It took us 4 hrs to get it to the water which is about 100 yards. I learned so much about the boat! It was soooo cool! I got to stand next to one of the lines and be the safety girl. That means that I had the walkie-talkie and if I need to radio an emergency I would. We got the boat for the most part done, but will have to finish tomorrow. Tomorrow we get to put our dock in. The city had a flood last year and so we are having to do a lot more work than normal. It’s soooo cool! I am really enjoying it here! It’s a totally different experience. So, as for today, we just spent it getting the boat into the water. We will take it up to Dawson on Wednesday.
I hope everyone had a great Mother’s Day!! We don’t get internet much, so I will try and update as often as possible! I feel like a missionary! Lol!! I love you all! Keep in touch!!!
Your Crusin Canadian!!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Beginning of My New Adventures!
Alrighty! I am finally getting back to my blogging! Although, the primary purpose for doing so is the communication thing! This is going to pretty much my way of communicating with the world over the next 4+ months! So, let's give you a little outline to my life and the adventures to come!
February 25th, I had an in-person interview with Holland America/Princess Cruise Lines Tour Division. Interview was in California
March 6th, I was rejected! Lol! Not by a guy, but by the Tour Division.
March 24, I had a phone interview with Holland America/ Princess Cruise Lines Yukon Queen II. Interview went great!
March 25, I had a phone interview with Holland America/ Princess Cruise Lines Denali Lodge Division. Interview went better than day before's.
April 8th, Registering for school and was extremely frustrated with classes and job. Decided that I would make the decision to work for the gun shop for the summer. Told God of my decision and asked if it was right. Two hours later, on my way to work, got a call from Yukon Queen job and offered me a position!!! Yahoo!!
Since then... I have been finishing up my schooling, started packing and buying stuff for the summer, and getting ready to have fun!! I am sooooo excited!! So, this is how my adventure begins! I am flying out of SLC at 11am on May 7th, one week from tomorrow! I will get a connecting flight in Seattle to Fairbanks Alaska. In Fairbanks I will stay the night and meet the 3 girls that I am flying with. Then, Friday morning we will get up and go meet a 5-passenger airplane and fly to Eagle Alaska. Once in Eagle we meet up with our crew! We will stay there for about a week. While in Eagle we will put our boat together and do some training! Eagle has all of about 200 residents, so you can imagine what I'm getting into! LOL! After that, we will take our boat up the Yukon River to Dawson City. This is where I will call home for the next 4 months!! Dawson City, Yukon, Canada!!! I can't wait!!!!!!!
So, it just dawned on me! I didn't say what I am doing! I will be working on a day cruise boat. We do 2 tours/cruises a day on the Yukon River, going back and forth from Dawson to Eagle and back again. While on the boat I will do one of four things each day! I will be a bartender (Sweet little mormon girl serving drinks! I know right!?), a tour narrator, a gift shop attendant, or working in the Galley serving treats, meals, and drinks. It is going to be soooo fun!!
The area is going to be a blast! I will have 24 hours of sunlight most of the time I am up there! Dawson City has no paved roads, just got Canada cell service and internet 2 years ago, and looks like an old minning town with a new paint job! I can't wait!!
Well, here is the start! I will keep you all updated as often as possible!! I will have my e-mail posted to the side if you would like to e-mail me. If you want to write me letters or send me packages, e-mail me and I'll give you our address, or you can keep in touch via facebook as well! I will try and update with pictures and notes once a week!! Love you all!!!
~Yours Truly,
Amy Marie
February 25th, I had an in-person interview with Holland America/Princess Cruise Lines Tour Division. Interview was in California
March 6th, I was rejected! Lol! Not by a guy, but by the Tour Division.
March 24, I had a phone interview with Holland America/ Princess Cruise Lines Yukon Queen II. Interview went great!
March 25, I had a phone interview with Holland America/ Princess Cruise Lines Denali Lodge Division. Interview went better than day before's.
April 8th, Registering for school and was extremely frustrated with classes and job. Decided that I would make the decision to work for the gun shop for the summer. Told God of my decision and asked if it was right. Two hours later, on my way to work, got a call from Yukon Queen job and offered me a position!!! Yahoo!!
Since then... I have been finishing up my schooling, started packing and buying stuff for the summer, and getting ready to have fun!! I am sooooo excited!! So, this is how my adventure begins! I am flying out of SLC at 11am on May 7th, one week from tomorrow! I will get a connecting flight in Seattle to Fairbanks Alaska. In Fairbanks I will stay the night and meet the 3 girls that I am flying with. Then, Friday morning we will get up and go meet a 5-passenger airplane and fly to Eagle Alaska. Once in Eagle we meet up with our crew! We will stay there for about a week. While in Eagle we will put our boat together and do some training! Eagle has all of about 200 residents, so you can imagine what I'm getting into! LOL! After that, we will take our boat up the Yukon River to Dawson City. This is where I will call home for the next 4 months!! Dawson City, Yukon, Canada!!! I can't wait!!!!!!!
So, it just dawned on me! I didn't say what I am doing! I will be working on a day cruise boat. We do 2 tours/cruises a day on the Yukon River, going back and forth from Dawson to Eagle and back again. While on the boat I will do one of four things each day! I will be a bartender (Sweet little mormon girl serving drinks! I know right!?), a tour narrator, a gift shop attendant, or working in the Galley serving treats, meals, and drinks. It is going to be soooo fun!!
The area is going to be a blast! I will have 24 hours of sunlight most of the time I am up there! Dawson City has no paved roads, just got Canada cell service and internet 2 years ago, and looks like an old minning town with a new paint job! I can't wait!!
Well, here is the start! I will keep you all updated as often as possible!! I will have my e-mail posted to the side if you would like to e-mail me. If you want to write me letters or send me packages, e-mail me and I'll give you our address, or you can keep in touch via facebook as well! I will try and update with pictures and notes once a week!! Love you all!!!
~Yours Truly,
Amy Marie
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