KNOM Covered a 2,000 mile snowmachine race from Wassilla, Alaska to Nome to Fairbanks. Their snowmachines had to endure snow, -40 to -50 degrees with wind chills, and go insanely fast.
Some racers waiting to leave Nome after their 36 hour layover.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Iron Dog 2008
KNOM Covered a 2,000 mile snowmachine race from Wassilla, Alaska to Nome to Fairbanks. Their snowmachines had to endure snow, -40 to -50 degrees with wind chills, and go insanely fast.
Some racers waiting to leave Nome after their 36 hour layover.
Monday, February 11, 2008
White Mountain Videos
Someone order a cab for the airport? This is the ride to the air strip in White Mountain. That was my first time on a snow machine, after I landed in the village.
A child named Mike from White Mountain enthusiastically showing me how to go down the slide and miss the 'lava' below!Sunday, February 10, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
White Mountain Part I.. there will be others.
I arrived in the village of White Mountain, Alaska on Wednesday January 16th to report on their annual Artists in Schools Program.
I departed Nome around 3 pm on Bering Air, and arrived in White Mountain (WMO) approximately thirty minutes later. The plane ride was brief over the white mass that is Western Alaska. It was difficult to identify the beach, and where they water began and the land ended, since everything is coated with snow and ice.
I was picked up on the WMO air strip by a woman on a snowmachine, she was looking to load in the mail from the plane. So she loaded up and I hopped on to have my first snowmachine ride. Those Texas 4-wheeling trips really came in handy, hold on tight with the thighs and lean.
I told the Bering Air agent to drop me off at the school, and her response was 'which one?'
'There is more than one in a village with 150 people?' was my first thought. Then she approached a two story building that looked like a house, and told me that most people stay at the elementary school when they visit for the radio. So, I trusted her experience and gathered my things from the basket she pulled from behind and went inside.
Immediately I was approached by students, wondering who I was and where I was from. I suppose in a small village it is obvious when a new face appears. I met the teachers and was pointed in the direction of the administrator's office. I dropped my stuff, bundled back up and started the snowy walk down the hill.
The old high school burned down about two years before so the high school and school offices are in a trailer right down a snowmachine road from the elementary school house. About this time the sun seemed to be hovering above the tree line and the frozen Fish River. It seemed like it could be the early evening, but not during this time in Western Alaska, it was around 4 pm.
Walking in I was, once again, immediately welcomed and given some background on what was going on, then I was pointed on another direction. Once again I head out to the city offices building/library, where Moses Wassilie was holding his art classes.
Moses is a Yupik artists from a village near the Bethel area. He has over 20 years of teaching experience.Wassilie is not only a painter but a mask maker, ivory carver, and dabbles in photography and movies.
This is Moses with one of his masks. This one in particular was made for his mother, she passed away two years ago and he has made one every year for her.He views it as a way to keep a living memory.
The hair on the brow is wolf fur, to represent his old tribal clan.
The five wooden feathers are made out of zebra wood from Africa. They represent the digits and earth, wind, water, fire and heart.
The Cross on the front of the mask represents her spirituality.
The white on the nose is a kayak.
The earrings are a traditional style that he would make for his mother.
The community and students were learning a variety of things from Wassilie. The principal was involved with carving, some women from the community tried painting for the first time and the students in the high school made drums.
I departed Nome around 3 pm on Bering Air, and arrived in White Mountain (WMO) approximately thirty minutes later. The plane ride was brief over the white mass that is Western Alaska. It was difficult to identify the beach, and where they water began and the land ended, since everything is coated with snow and ice.
I was picked up on the WMO air strip by a woman on a snowmachine, she was looking to load in the mail from the plane. So she loaded up and I hopped on to have my first snowmachine ride. Those Texas 4-wheeling trips really came in handy, hold on tight with the thighs and lean.
I told the Bering Air agent to drop me off at the school, and her response was 'which one?'
'There is more than one in a village with 150 people?' was my first thought. Then she approached a two story building that looked like a house, and told me that most people stay at the elementary school when they visit for the radio. So, I trusted her experience and gathered my things from the basket she pulled from behind and went inside.
Immediately I was approached by students, wondering who I was and where I was from. I suppose in a small village it is obvious when a new face appears. I met the teachers and was pointed in the direction of the administrator's office. I dropped my stuff, bundled back up and started the snowy walk down the hill.
The old high school burned down about two years before so the high school and school offices are in a trailer right down a snowmachine road from the elementary school house. About this time the sun seemed to be hovering above the tree line and the frozen Fish River. It seemed like it could be the early evening, but not during this time in Western Alaska, it was around 4 pm.
Walking in I was, once again, immediately welcomed and given some background on what was going on, then I was pointed on another direction. Once again I head out to the city offices building/library, where Moses Wassilie was holding his art classes.
Moses is a Yupik artists from a village near the Bethel area. He has over 20 years of teaching experience.Wassilie is not only a painter but a mask maker, ivory carver, and dabbles in photography and movies.
This is Moses with one of his masks. This one in particular was made for his mother, she passed away two years ago and he has made one every year for her.He views it as a way to keep a living memory.
The hair on the brow is wolf fur, to represent his old tribal clan.
The five wooden feathers are made out of zebra wood from Africa. They represent the digits and earth, wind, water, fire and heart.
The Cross on the front of the mask represents her spirituality.
The white on the nose is a kayak.
The earrings are a traditional style that he would make for his mother.
The community and students were learning a variety of things from Wassilie. The principal was involved with carving, some women from the community tried painting for the first time and the students in the high school made drums.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
People Watching
Today: The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
This Sunday afternoon I decided to head to the Polar Cafe after Mass, to read and get some brunch.
I forgot how entertaining and calming it is to people watch. It was a chance to get out of my bubble of KNOM. I makes me feel that for a short time I am not trapped in Nome, or confined to the walls of the station or the house. It is difficult to get out when it is -23 outside and windy. Not the easiest time to get out and exercise. You have to really be cautious and aware of your body at all times. You realize that you take warm times for granted, when you can walk without worrying about getting frostbite or coughing as soon as you walk outside because the air is so cold it hurts to breath.
I looked out the window at the Bering Sea and saw a single Christmas tree on the frozen ice awaiting companions. In Nome, people take their Christmas trees and put them on the ice to create the National Forrest. So, it was out of place to see endless snow and ice, and then a green tree, just standing straight up 100 to 150 yards out.
Current CDs and bands in my Rotation:
The Weepies CD 'Happiness'
Caedmon's Call-There is a reason
Wilco's 'AM' CD
Brandon Heath 'Don't Get Comfortable'
Today Father Sean was back from the village trips, at least til next time! The Homily today he talked about vocation, and specifically his vocation. This is something that everyone always thinks about. Lord what is your will? Something we all need to ask. His lead him to Alaska. Funny, so did mine, at least for now.
Enjoy the warmth or cold, where ever the LORD has you in your life.
You are in my prayers and Thanks for keeping up with me online!
This Sunday afternoon I decided to head to the Polar Cafe after Mass, to read and get some brunch.
I forgot how entertaining and calming it is to people watch. It was a chance to get out of my bubble of KNOM. I makes me feel that for a short time I am not trapped in Nome, or confined to the walls of the station or the house. It is difficult to get out when it is -23 outside and windy. Not the easiest time to get out and exercise. You have to really be cautious and aware of your body at all times. You realize that you take warm times for granted, when you can walk without worrying about getting frostbite or coughing as soon as you walk outside because the air is so cold it hurts to breath.
I looked out the window at the Bering Sea and saw a single Christmas tree on the frozen ice awaiting companions. In Nome, people take their Christmas trees and put them on the ice to create the National Forrest. So, it was out of place to see endless snow and ice, and then a green tree, just standing straight up 100 to 150 yards out.
Current CDs and bands in my Rotation:
The Weepies CD 'Happiness'
Caedmon's Call-There is a reason
Wilco's 'AM' CD
Brandon Heath 'Don't Get Comfortable'
Today Father Sean was back from the village trips, at least til next time! The Homily today he talked about vocation, and specifically his vocation. This is something that everyone always thinks about. Lord what is your will? Something we all need to ask. His lead him to Alaska. Funny, so did mine, at least for now.
Enjoy the warmth or cold, where ever the LORD has you in your life.
You are in my prayers and Thanks for keeping up with me online!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Race Season, Work & Next Village Trip
It is about that time in Western Alaska. Time for the snowmachines to be gassed up, and the dog sleds to be taken out.
A few Sundays ago Jacob and I ventured out to the tundra to go snowshoeing, my new favorite hobby in the light. We ventured out toward the hills and I saw my first dog sled team. Over the hour and a half I was trekking around I saw three teams making runs. It is quite a sight to see something like that, talk about team work, dedication and trust.
We are preparing for race season. Snowmachine and dog sleds. I am learning about sports that I haven't ever been exposed to before. Humbling experience. Like I always say- it is a whole different world up here!
Walking downtown today to check the mail I did not even realize it was 24 degrees below zero. Your body really does accommodate to the immediate environment, as long as you are dressed appropriately and the wind isn't blowing you do not even think twice about the temperature. Amazing what the human body can do. I now look the days that reach above zero as 'warm'.
In production I am really working on various spot topics, keeps me on my toes! Since the Alaska Legislature is headed back into session, I am writing spots, with the assistance of the KNOM News Department, about what a constituent can do to get involved, and where to check on a bill's status. I am all about empowering the people! Also, in that same category, since it is an election year I am hoping to create spots that help to explain various parties, caucuses, electoral votes, what representatives do, ect. Sometimes we can get caught up in the jargon of politics and we do not even stop to think what it all really means. So, I am looking to change that problem. Knowledge is power!
I am headed to the village of White Mountain January 16th-18th, visiting the schools since they have a visiting artist giving classes to the students and community. I will be lodged in the school probably on the floor of a classroom. Now this is what I signed up for! I will give you an updated post of that experience when I return.
The local parish priest is responsible for villages outside of Nome, including Little Diomede, Kotzebue and Teller. So he has been gone for the past couple of weeks celebrating Christmas and baptizing babies. I cannot imagine only having a pastor once every two months or so. For Little Diomede, you can only get in by helicopter, since the runway is only available in the winter. The runway is constructed of ice. Welcome to Western Alaska.
Thanks as always for your prayers and support while I am in Nome. I am loving my job and you all remain in my prayers!
Stay warm!
A few Sundays ago Jacob and I ventured out to the tundra to go snowshoeing, my new favorite hobby in the light. We ventured out toward the hills and I saw my first dog sled team. Over the hour and a half I was trekking around I saw three teams making runs. It is quite a sight to see something like that, talk about team work, dedication and trust.
We are preparing for race season. Snowmachine and dog sleds. I am learning about sports that I haven't ever been exposed to before. Humbling experience. Like I always say- it is a whole different world up here!
Walking downtown today to check the mail I did not even realize it was 24 degrees below zero. Your body really does accommodate to the immediate environment, as long as you are dressed appropriately and the wind isn't blowing you do not even think twice about the temperature. Amazing what the human body can do. I now look the days that reach above zero as 'warm'.
In production I am really working on various spot topics, keeps me on my toes! Since the Alaska Legislature is headed back into session, I am writing spots, with the assistance of the KNOM News Department, about what a constituent can do to get involved, and where to check on a bill's status. I am all about empowering the people! Also, in that same category, since it is an election year I am hoping to create spots that help to explain various parties, caucuses, electoral votes, what representatives do, ect. Sometimes we can get caught up in the jargon of politics and we do not even stop to think what it all really means. So, I am looking to change that problem. Knowledge is power!
I am headed to the village of White Mountain January 16th-18th, visiting the schools since they have a visiting artist giving classes to the students and community. I will be lodged in the school probably on the floor of a classroom. Now this is what I signed up for! I will give you an updated post of that experience when I return.
The local parish priest is responsible for villages outside of Nome, including Little Diomede, Kotzebue and Teller. So he has been gone for the past couple of weeks celebrating Christmas and baptizing babies. I cannot imagine only having a pastor once every two months or so. For Little Diomede, you can only get in by helicopter, since the runway is only available in the winter. The runway is constructed of ice. Welcome to Western Alaska.
Thanks as always for your prayers and support while I am in Nome. I am loving my job and you all remain in my prayers!
Stay warm!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Buckland
Flying on a Black hawk helicopter.
If anyone ever gets the opportunity, DO NOT turn it down.
I reported to the National Guard Hanger around 9:30 a.m. and was told to grab some ear plugs and head downstairs to be briefed. There were five civilians and three National Guardsmen. We took off in the Western Alaska darkness around 10:15 am. I sat in a seat facing backwards, alone with side windows.
We flew north east to the village of Buckland, where the forecast predicted at least -25 F, not including any sort of wind chill.
We watched the sun rise over the snow covered tundra and on into the mountains. Coming close to peaks and summits, gazing at the blowing snow swirling on the ground below.
As we grew closer to our destination, I actually saw some trees. Simple pleasures, especially when you do not see any for months at a time.
We landed just after the sun had come up- approximately around 12:30. We were greeted by villagers on snowmachines, 4-wheelers, and a truck looking to give us a lift to the elementary/middle/high school. Getting my backpack on and securing my gloves a National Guardsmen opens the door and screams 'Its 45 below be ready.' It seemed that everyone went into preparation mode for the arctic temperatures. I zipped up my jacket, secured my scarf and hoped that my clothes would suffice.
I stepped off the helicopter, took a breath and my glasses fogged up and in turn froze. So, I am standing there, blind and wandering into a bed of a truck that I hope is headed to the elementary school- but I see that Santa is also piling on so I feel secure.
We drive through a row of houses and approach a beautiful school that I learned was just built seven years earlier.
We unloaded the truck and headed inside. Looking around I see kids, teachers, and administrators barking orders and kids obeying everything coming out of the adults mouthes. I was impressed, they seemed to be running a tight ship and I did not want to step out of line.
We were set up in the Library, the elves went to work and Santa got ready. I had my KNOM duties to do so I got the Marantz recorder ready and acquainted myself with my surroundings. Mostly defrosting my glasses.
The students filed in one class at a time by grade. We learned that an elder had passed away and the funeral was during the scheduled time- so we had an hour to see between 150 and 175 students, take a picture with the Jolly Old Man and hand them their gift. Glorious.
They brought students in one class at a time and the children stood tolerantly for their turn, I have never seen kids so well behaved.
One student was making sarcastic comments and passing out jokes. I was behind him and he turns around and said 'What is this? A recorder?' I told him it was and he faced me and said- 'Wait, I don't know you.' I told him what I was doing and he felt the recorder and commented on how big it was and questioned my attendance. His name was Jeremiah. A boy behind him poked him and froze and without missing a beat Jeremiah just said the boys name and said to stop, he knows that poke.
Jeremiah is blind, and told me that he may not see the computer screen but he can be brutal with computers- I believe him.
The students as well behaved as they were, did show excitement when they received their gift, no one, not even a baby cried when they sat on Santa's lap. Amazing.
We did get everyone happily through.
The entourage gathered everything up in the library and tried to figure a ride back to the chopper. In 45 below, walking did not sound to pleasant. A teenager walked in and her mother, the principal, asked 'Did you try to start the truck this morning' and she simply stated that it would not even turn over. That is what happens in 45 below, if something was not already on, it is too late.
A man was walking through and said his truck was on and he could drop us off. Walking outside I tried not to repeat my previous mistake, and made a hole for air through my knotted scarf, it worked for a minute.
We landed in Buckland around 12:40 and suddenly at 1:40 pm we are headed back to the Back hawk. Talk about a quick trip!
We loaded up and this time- I faced forward.
The trip back was exciting, it was like we were on a roller coaster or in a movie. At times the pilots decided to have a little fun. We would circle and sometime maneuver to see caribou herds or a frozen creek bed.
We dove to the ground, spin around and flew over some amazing Alaskan wilderness.
I made it home safely, and exhausted. A trip needed, I would do it agian in a heartbeat.
If anyone ever gets the opportunity, DO NOT turn it down.
I reported to the National Guard Hanger around 9:30 a.m. and was told to grab some ear plugs and head downstairs to be briefed. There were five civilians and three National Guardsmen. We took off in the Western Alaska darkness around 10:15 am. I sat in a seat facing backwards, alone with side windows.
We flew north east to the village of Buckland, where the forecast predicted at least -25 F, not including any sort of wind chill.
We watched the sun rise over the snow covered tundra and on into the mountains. Coming close to peaks and summits, gazing at the blowing snow swirling on the ground below.
As we grew closer to our destination, I actually saw some trees. Simple pleasures, especially when you do not see any for months at a time.
We landed just after the sun had come up- approximately around 12:30. We were greeted by villagers on snowmachines, 4-wheelers, and a truck looking to give us a lift to the elementary/middle/high school. Getting my backpack on and securing my gloves a National Guardsmen opens the door and screams 'Its 45 below be ready.' It seemed that everyone went into preparation mode for the arctic temperatures. I zipped up my jacket, secured my scarf and hoped that my clothes would suffice.
I stepped off the helicopter, took a breath and my glasses fogged up and in turn froze. So, I am standing there, blind and wandering into a bed of a truck that I hope is headed to the elementary school- but I see that Santa is also piling on so I feel secure.
We drive through a row of houses and approach a beautiful school that I learned was just built seven years earlier.
We unloaded the truck and headed inside. Looking around I see kids, teachers, and administrators barking orders and kids obeying everything coming out of the adults mouthes. I was impressed, they seemed to be running a tight ship and I did not want to step out of line.
We were set up in the Library, the elves went to work and Santa got ready. I had my KNOM duties to do so I got the Marantz recorder ready and acquainted myself with my surroundings. Mostly defrosting my glasses.
The students filed in one class at a time by grade. We learned that an elder had passed away and the funeral was during the scheduled time- so we had an hour to see between 150 and 175 students, take a picture with the Jolly Old Man and hand them their gift. Glorious.
They brought students in one class at a time and the children stood tolerantly for their turn, I have never seen kids so well behaved.
One student was making sarcastic comments and passing out jokes. I was behind him and he turns around and said 'What is this? A recorder?' I told him it was and he faced me and said- 'Wait, I don't know you.' I told him what I was doing and he felt the recorder and commented on how big it was and questioned my attendance. His name was Jeremiah. A boy behind him poked him and froze and without missing a beat Jeremiah just said the boys name and said to stop, he knows that poke.
Jeremiah is blind, and told me that he may not see the computer screen but he can be brutal with computers- I believe him.
The students as well behaved as they were, did show excitement when they received their gift, no one, not even a baby cried when they sat on Santa's lap. Amazing.
We did get everyone happily through.
The entourage gathered everything up in the library and tried to figure a ride back to the chopper. In 45 below, walking did not sound to pleasant. A teenager walked in and her mother, the principal, asked 'Did you try to start the truck this morning' and she simply stated that it would not even turn over. That is what happens in 45 below, if something was not already on, it is too late.
A man was walking through and said his truck was on and he could drop us off. Walking outside I tried not to repeat my previous mistake, and made a hole for air through my knotted scarf, it worked for a minute.
We landed in Buckland around 12:40 and suddenly at 1:40 pm we are headed back to the Back hawk. Talk about a quick trip!
We loaded up and this time- I faced forward.
The trip back was exciting, it was like we were on a roller coaster or in a movie. At times the pilots decided to have a little fun. We would circle and sometime maneuver to see caribou herds or a frozen creek bed.
We dove to the ground, spin around and flew over some amazing Alaskan wilderness.
I made it home safely, and exhausted. A trip needed, I would do it agian in a heartbeat.
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