Busy Busy Busy

He says:

Ok.  So we've been busy.  We had three days off without clients, and actually taking time off never occurred to us.  There is so much to do around here, so much work needed to get the lodge and grounds in order for the season.  And while none of it is technically our job, Devon (the boat crew and resident carpenter) certainly needs all the extra hands he can get. 

So, Elizabeth and I spent 3.5 days, 12 to 14 hours each day, working the grounds, cleaning, organizing, building, sorting, landscaping, fueling, etc.  This place is starting to look good!  

The economy up here is half cash, half barter.  Favors on top of favors, good deeds go a long way, and nobody forgets to return the favor when the situation arises.  A care package of halibut steaks and salmon fillets goes one way, a 10 ton piece of heavy equipment lands on the beach for 24 hours of use the next.  You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.  Good stuff.

The big group of kayakers returned from 5 nights camping on the beaches of Icy Bay.  They were dirty, hungry, and happy.  A big halibut grill, lots of cigarette smoking, and kibitzing in native tongue.  They did not get the best weather we've seen, but coming from the desert, I don't think most of them were too concerned (save one of the guys in the group who was from New Zealand).  An early beach drive to the airstrip, three planes, lots of bags, and the place was suddenly very quiet, very calm.

A lull in the storm.  A chance to prepare for the next wave...