My New Job

Anyone reading this is either a friend or family member so you must be aware that I have officially retired. 

My last day of work was September 30, 2010.  My first day of retirement was October 1, 2010. 

 On the journey to retirement I envisioned taking Friday, October 1 off but on Monday, October 4 I expected to start "my new job" of sorting through 19+ years worth of "stuff" that has accumulated in my house. 

Instead, I spent most of the October 4 week staying up late, sleeping in, going to lunch with friends and not having to rush back to work.  And, I was able to volunteer with the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management.

Barrow received twelve strikes for fall whaling.  Because of rough water no whales were caught until Thursday, October 7.  On that day I went out as a tourist with Law Clerk Leah to the old NARL runway to watch the butchering process and take photos.



On Friday,  October 8 I was fortunate to be accepted as a volunteer with the Wildlife people.  The North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management attends each whale to take measurements and take samples of blubber, various organs etc.  Most of what they do is way over my head.  I just know that it is important work.  They know what they are doing.  I was there to write things down when they needed it, to hold something when it needed to be held and to "take this to that person over there."

 I've lived in Barrow for 19 1/2 years and have been out to many fall whale butcherings.  However, I was never there from the beginning until the end.  I would go as a tourist to watch until I got too cold and then go home.  That's what I did on October 7.

On October 8 things changed.  As a volunteer I was able to go to the ARF and pick out some official Wildlife gear: bunny boots, overpants, down parka and leather gloves.  What a difference proper clothing makes!  On both the 8th and the 9th I was outside for 5 hours and was toasty warm the entire time.

As a volunteer I was able to play an ever-so-small part in the important scientific research conducted by the NSB Wildlife Department scientists.  If possible, I now have an even greater respect for my friends who work there.  And, as a volunteer I had the warm clothing and a reason for being on site from the time the whale was brought to shore until the shares were distributed.  Because of this, I have a profoundly deeper appreciation for the importance of whaling to the people of Barrow.  Whaling is why Barrow exists.

At a recent University of Alaska seminar on risk and offshore resource development that was videoconferenced between Barrow, UAF, UAA and UAS Ethel Patkotak stressed that whaling is not just a lifestyle choice.  Whaling defines who the Inupiat people are.

I've seen the truth in this statement when I have attended the spring Nalukataq celebrations.  As a volunteer with Wildlife for these few days I came to understand this truth on an even deeper level.

Barrow still has three strikes left.  Unfortunately, high winds have kept the crews on shore for the past two weeks.  When the winds do subside I'm ready to gear up at the ARF and head out once again as a Wildlife volunteer.

Volkswalking in Barrow, Alaska

What is Volkswalking?  Volkswalks (pronounced "Folks walks") are non-competitive walks for individuals and the entire family- even the dog.  The American Volkssport Association (or AVA) is the national organization in the USA.  The International Federation of Popular Sports (or IVV) is the international umbrella organization.

Walks are set up around the country complete with directions and maps.  You simply go to the designated starting point and ask for "the walk box."  The walk box has the registration book, your start card, directions and maps for the walk.  The only time constraints are the business hours of the location where the walk box is kept.  Once you finish the walk you return your start card to the box.  If you want to receive AVA credit there is a $3 fee and you can stamp your AVA books. 

Volkswalking in Barrow?  Yes!  There are two seasonal walks in Barrow, Alaska.  The City or "Top of the World" walk is a 10 km walk that begins at Pepe's North of the Border Mexican Restaurant (the starting point) and takes you through Browerville and Barrow returning you to Pepe's.  The Freshwater Lake walk takes you from Pepe's (the starting point) on an 11 km walk out to Freshwater Lake and back again.

"Seasonal walk" means that the walk is available during only part of the year.  In Barrow that means from the end of May until the end of September.  (If you are wondering why the Barrow walks are "seasonal" note the snow and ice in the May 2005 photo taken by Chris Finkler at Freshwater Lake)

Over the years that the Barrow volkswalks have been available a number of local people have completed the walks along with volkswalkers from Alaska and all over the lower 48.

In fact, on September 11, 2010 I had the pleasure of walking with four women from the Seattle/ Tacoma area, a man from Dallas and a man from Chicago.  The four women came up specifically for the volkswalk.  The two men had never heard of volkswalking when they headed to Barrow but by the time the Alaska Airlines jet landed in Barrow they had been convinced by their new friends to walk 10 km around Barrow! 

Fran Tate, owner of Pepe's North of the Border Mexican Restaurant, has been a huge supporter of volkswalking.  Pepe's has been the designated  

starting point from the very beginning and Fran has walked both of the Barrow volkswalks a number of times.  And, she rewards all volkswalkers with free hot chocolate, tea or coffee when they complete their walk.  Here's Fran at Freshwater Lake with fellow walkers Dan Endres and Ralph Davis.

Although I won't be in Barrow during the summer of 2011 fellow volkswalker Dorothy Savok has agreed to be the Barrow contact person.  So, if you missed the walks this year be sure and do them next summer.  And remember, there will be a cup of hot chocolate waiting for you at Pepe's when you are done!