On The Ice

When I get the call about working 300 miles north of the arctic circle in Barrow, Alaska thinking about saying no isn't even an option. Sure it's far away, really cold, and extremely remote, but what an amazing adventure. Getting to work with my friend James Demer again is just another bonus.

I got my first sense of the extreme cold on the short walk from the door of the jet down the open ramp and across the pavement to the tiny terminal at Barrow's airport. I got my first sense of danger after being reprimanded for taking an unescorted walk unto the frozen ocean just a few hundred yards out the door of our beach front hotel. I got my real sense of what this job was about when I took a 45 minute ride on sled being towed by a snowmobile out to set the first day. And I got an unimaginable sense of awe when I stood a few feet from a huge crack in the frozen ocean and watched a bow whale blowing about 50 yards from where I was standing.

Alaska was difficult and magical and completely unforgettable. On one hand it's proof that I am tough enough work in one of the more difficult environments around and on the other hand it's strong reminder what awesome opportunities come from getting to do this work.