By the time I landed in Kenai, I still didn’t really know what I was getting myself into out here. I had applied for the internship simply because I thought 3 months in Alaska sounded awesome, (which it is) not really considering the scope and impact of my position with the KWF. All I had hoped was that the job would be exciting, and that standard was exceeded immediately. Before I knew it I was chest-deep in glacial rivers building fencing, learning to drive ATVs and trailers, and spotting black bears on the Russian river.
As much fun as I had at work, my favorite moments this summer were on my personal time, mostly because of the vehicles the KWF provided. All the staff know I was getting out adventuring all the time, including my 4 attempts to finish the Harding Icefield hike in the Kenai Fjords in early summer. My project for the summer was to get up to the top as soon as possible. My first time the snow was way too deep and I lost the trail very quickly. On the second attempt weather and visibility became an issue towards the end, and I once again turned around. On my 3rd attempt all was going well until I saw a rock slide coming down the slope next to me. It went off at an angle that didn’t get to me, but that shook me enough to call it a day. But I was determined to finish this, so I went back one July evening and finally pushed all the way through. Standing above that icefield I felt as though I was on another planet, it was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.
Through my countless other adventures this summer on and off duty I’ve constantly encountered the feeling of otherworldliness, and I dare anybody with the opportunity to come here to do whatever it takes to get out here, it really is beyond the scope of the rest of the world.
