Unalaska is as Untaiwan as you can get

Corbett | February 6, 2005 2:10 PM

My "little sister" Laurie lives in Unalaska, which is in the Aleutian Islands. Looking at the photo she sent me it's as Untaiwan as any place I've ever seen.

If you're interested in knowing what she's doing...

Hey Everybody,

I have been working nonstop and finally have more than a couple of minutes
to sit at the computer and say hello. It's been wonderful to be back in
Dutch Harbor and I'm having a great time. I've been working alot, but it's
been interesting and fun and I'm learning a ton. I've seen blown out eyes,
heart attacks, one patient who died and alot of really sick people. The flu
and other nasty little viruses have been living the good life up here
attacking everyone they can. It's been good for business as I've been to
alot of boats seeing sick people, but it's devastating for the community. I
had it for the first couple weeks, but am hoping I've kicked it.

My job is great. I've been at the clinic some, but mostly on fishing
vessels, which has been really fun. I've met a ton of great people and am
learning more about "the industry". Fisherman are some of the hardest
working and biggest babies I've ever seen. I was on a boat giving shots and
I've never seen more scared, big, burly men in my life. It's somewhat
humorous. I've gotten to be friends with some of them and even got to eat
fresh crab on a boat when I first got here. What a treat!! Everyone has
been incredibly hospitable.

I have been exploring a bit and even took a short ski tour a couple of weeks
ago. The snow's been pretty scarce here so far, so the turns were limited,
but it was nice to be out in the hills. It's just as beautiful here in the
winter as it is in the summer. The snow covered peaks surround the town and
I feel like I'm sitting in a little cradle of mountains. I was walking
today and there was a giant rainbow which ended in a big yard of crab pots.
That's where the fisherman say the gold is.

I also got a great view of the volcano when I had to accompany a patient on
a plane to be flown out on a life jet. On the way back, it was a gorgeous
day and the pilot even let me fly. It was incredible. I've included a
photo of the volcano and the moon setting. Enjoy.

Otherwise, all is well. Rio had a little runin with a foxtrap on the beach
the other night. It took four of us to get him out and he bit me a few
times in the process, but he seems to be healing well and I look really
tough with bruises all over my arms. It's really flattering when I swim,
I'm sure.

I have been swimming a bunch and trying to get out to exercise, but I've
been pretty busy and the weather is somewhat restrictive. It's actually a
bit better than I'd expected. THere have been several beautiful blue sky
days, but it's still a bit windy. Either way, it's really pretty and I get
out at least a couple of times a day to walk the puppy. He and I are living
in a studio apartment, so he needs to get out as much as possible. It's a
nice little place and very conveniently located. It's very near the grocery
store and, more importantly, walking distance from a couple of good
restaurants and a good bar.

I've seen lots of people I met last time and have made some good new
friends. Like last time, I really feel comfortable here and am truly
enjoying it. I am not sure whether they'll need me again in the fall, but
I'm hoping so. It's a good diversion and I really like the people and
lifestyle here.

I also tend to have a bit more free time. I'm trying to learn more Spanish,
guitar and relearn Japanese. My neighbor is a guy who went to the same
school I did in Japan so I'm hoping we can start conversing soon. Maybe my
next email will include a song in Japanish. I'm not sure you'll want to
open that one, but take your chances.

I hope you're all well. I miss you and think of you often. Please keep me
posted on the goings on in the lower 48. I love getting your emails and would love some real mail.

Talk to you soon.
Peace, Laurie & Rio

Category: Ramble

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