I’ve been on the Ice for almost two weeks and life has been hectic to say the least. Luckily I’m generally good at adapting to new situations quickly. It also helps that most people here know how it is to be the new guy who doesn’t have a clue about whats going on. Luckily life has seemed to smooth out some what and I am getting into somewhat of a rhythm.
I ended up getting delayed a couple more days after my last post. I got here at 1:30am on the 6th. Fortunately for me I got about 4 hours of sleep before having to be at work for my first shift. I went several days in a row having either work or training. Luckily my leadership finally decided to give me a couple of days off. It was nice to recharge and rest. I also found out I was going to be a Driver/Operator here. Also, I’m getting to be a dispatcher some as well….I’m going to finally be in my arch enemies shoes. haha I’ve already gotten to experience some really cool things and see a lot. It’s really neat being in your normal job but being in a whole new world and environment to do it in.
I’ve met some really neat people also, and luckily I got put on a really solid shift. Unfortunately most of my shift is leaving over the next week or two, however I am excited to get with my winter-over crew. I’ve also gotten to see some animals like penguins, seals, and Orca whales. I don’t think its really hit me where I am and how far from everyone and everything I actually am. Some things are different but at the same time a lot is the same. That is one thing I have always noticed about firefighting, no matter where you go, you’re often going to feel right at home after a short time. I think it also helps that in the contracting world people come and go so often that you have to be able to make new friends easily. When I got here we had around 1300 people here, slowly we are decreasing those numbers everyday. Winter levels will be around 150 people. I am really looking forward to seeing how that is. We are also in 24 hours of sunlight. We do have a sunset coming up in a week. Its strange at times but I’m starting to get use to it. I hope that I’ll be able to adjust to the 24 hours of nighttime that it coming up.
Sorry for the lack of material. I’m not sure how’ll much I’ll post on this. Hopefully a lot but I never know. This is my second attempt to post on here since I have been on the Ice. The internet down here leaves a lot to desire. Luckily the more people that leave the better the internet will get. The rumor is that we might even get wi-fi. Fingers crossed on that one.
I hope that you are having a great day, wherever you are in the world.
-Tyler
Artist of the Post – Brantley Gilbert
Pitre's Peregrination 