Well, AK certainly isn't for everyone. I used to describe Kotzebue (and Barrow, Nome, Bethel, etc) as a Third World country with a Zip code.

Bush Alaska is dirty, noisy, lots of broken down vehicles and people running around in the mud and cold. And you'll find people in positions of authority and responsibility out in the bush that would barely be McDonald's workers Lower 48. It can be frustrating dealing with them.

But... With patience, good attitude, and being willing to listen and learn, you'll find some of the warmest, most wonderful people on the planet up there. I think if I had wanted, every single village I flew in to over the years would have welcomed me home as a permanent resident. And some wanted me to bring a plane in and be "their" village pilot. I was really tempted, and there are days I question my decision not to.

I've been gone for nine years now, and I guarantee you that there isn't a single day I don't daydream about flying out of Kotz. Huge chunk of my heart remains there, and there's not really anyplace else I've ever been I can say that about.

As for Bearflanks, I mean Fairbanks... I never lived there, but it was an OK place to pass through. And Los Anchorage... It reminds me of Reno, and is just another shithole big town/little city. Nice place to visit, and some cool stuff to see and do, but all things considered I'd rather be on the Arctic coast.

Gump

Zzz wrote:

SkyTruck wrote:I believe this so much that I will be willing to provide you with Airline Travel, Hotel, and Vehicle Rental (using award points that I have available) for you to witness what I/we experienced while there.

He feels strongly about this, Pat. Take him up on it!

Hmm.... Can I wait till it thaws out a little? Or are there "Black Out" dates on the points system?

I would love to come up and check it out. I'm not too afraid, but if its anything like SoCal,Las Vegas or worse, I may have to think hard about it.

But I'm trying to stay in the lower 48. But I do need to get mining experience.

Thanks for the offer, Mark!

Anybody with first hand knowledge of this part of northeast AZ? I've trucked thru this area a few times and remember the beautiful scenery.

There are a few opportunities near Kayenta and curious what it may be like to stay in Navajo country.

I do know it's pretty much in the middle of some awesome year round flying!

Pat, You'll like Kayeta and do well there. A big stud like you will be a trophy for those gals. And I have heard they are great. They provide lotsa warmth in the winter and shade in the summer.


Be good to have ya in the area. Good luck with whatever ya do.
Gary

A buddy of mine from Kotz flew the air ambulance based part time out of Chinle. I spent a week down there checking it out to see if I wanted to fly for them.... Oh boy, short bus special.

Gump

58Skylane wrote:Thanks for the offer, Mark!

The offer stands!
If you get a lead and want to check it out, we'll make it happen.

Mark

58Skylane wrote:

buck_justice wrote:Wow! This is some awesome info.

Buck, I've seriously considered coming down your way.

Earlier this year I got talking to a guy that runs Coopers BBQ in Junction. His buddy has a fleet of water trucks working in the oil patch down there. $125K per year to start!

Cooper's BBQ as in Buzz Hull maybe?

I have a ranch in Junction.

Sierra Victor wrote:

58Skylane wrote:

buck_justice wrote:Wow! This is some awesome info.

Buck, I've seriously considered coming down your way.

Earlier this year I got talking to a guy that runs Coopers BBQ in Junction. His buddy has a fleet of water trucks working in the oil patch down there. $125K per year to start!

Cooper's BBQ as in Buzz Hull maybe?

I have a ranch in Junction.

Maybe. I didn't ask the guy his name. Just assumed he was the owner. Really nice folks at Coopers and one of the best Pork Chops I ever had.

That's a great part of Texas. I love that drive between Fort Stockton and San Antonio.

Sierra Victor wrote:

58Skylane wrote:

buck_justice wrote:Wow! This is some awesome info.

Buck, I've seriously considered coming down your way.

Earlier this year I got talking to a guy that runs Coopers BBQ in Junction. His buddy has a fleet of water trucks working in the oil patch down there. $125K per year to start!

Cooper's BBQ as in Buzz Hull maybe?

I have a ranch in Junction.

Hey Pat you could BBQ when you're not driving the water truck

GumpAir wrote: And you'll find people in positions of authority and responsibility out in the bush that would barely be McDonald's workers Lower 48. It can be frustrating dealing with them.



Gump

Hey, wait! i resemble that remark

Ha Ha! Especially out of White Mountain and Nome!

And you know 'em too.

Gump

Thanks for all the replies and PM's!

I don't mean to ignore anyone. Just been busy working and today I kinda hung everything up and hung out with Mike (BlackRock) in Elko. He took me up in his Bear Hawk after shoe horning me in. What an awesome plane! Mike gave me the controls and said, "You have to use the rudder in this plane!" LOL!

I also met a new contact in the mining biz. So today was a great day.

I'll catch up with you all very soon! Thanks.

I thought about keeping quiet for another week or two. But after 2-3 months of "Denied"....... "Denied"........ "Denied". I finally landed an interview with a large global mining company this Thursday. Hopefully it goes well!

Best of luck!!
Keep us posted.

yeah pat, sounds like a good move to me to make some $...! while our industry will surely miss u, u gotta do what works for u. jap. m/c companies can be an interesting gig as u know! good damn luck to u. when u get a place up north if u do, wont be too long before im all bought out and im gonna do a long ride on one of my bikes up north and ill stop and see ya...if not ill bring the old 182T...dont know...maybe both...with no time constraint for a change...! sincerely, JOMAC

Thanks guys! Joe, Not sure if you knew, but I left Yamaha last June. I jumped ship while I could. Thought this trucking gig was going to be good. But I'm getting nowhere in life and financially here. Busting my butt off for chicken feed and peanuts And not getting home near as much as I hoped.

Sad that the AMA Road Race series is down to only 5 races this year.

A few months ago, Mike in Elko talked me into pursuing the mining career again. I reconnected with John too. Sure glad I did! They both have been a tremendous help on this one! If I get in, I'm going to ask to work as much overtime as they will allow me to so I can get my 182 in the air by spring, summer at the latest.

Any word on the Kayenta gig? We have quite the group forming in G-town just down the drag. You should join us!

Yup, i think u made the right choice Pat. hey in the fwiw dept, i have some very good customers in elko doing the mining think for berrick i think, and i could ck on a driving job for u there if u like...lot of good Idaho people there...let me know and ill make a few calls if u like. i think alaska rocks myself, but when i go i know i will be tempted to stay, so we will see how that goes...! am hoping that the change to no skedule will be good, but i do have some ties here still and in mccall...

Jo, you can't leave Action...I was just getting ready to convert to the dark side. Now where am I going buy a sled, can't go to those crooks at RMS.

Rezrider wrote:Any word on the Kayenta gig? We have quite the group forming in G-town just down the drag. You should join us!

Not a word. But that's ok. If this interview doesn't develop into a position, I'm not giving up!! I'll keep trying.

I don't get through Gallup anymore. I'm mostly just here in WY, UT and NV right now. I'll just have to fly down there someday. One of these years I'd like to meet my brother and his wife's family in Chinle, AZ to take them flying around the area. They are from SoCal, but go to Chinle mutiple times a year with their church to help repair and fix up homes on the Reservation.

jomac wrote:Yup, i think u made the right choice Pat. hey in the fwiw dept, i have some very good customers in elko doing the mining think for berrick i think, and i could ck on a driving job for u there if u like...lot of good Idaho people there...let me know and ill make a few calls if u like. i think alaska rocks myself, but when i go i know i will be tempted to stay, so we will see how that goes...! am hoping that the change to no skedule will be good, but i do have some ties here still and in mccall...

I can't send you a PM with my iPhone. I think I still have your number and I'll call you in the morning.

Edit: I don't have your number. I think it was on my Yamaha phone I had to turn in. My # two zero eight 477 7 two 9 four.