Dutch Harbor, October 8th, 2009

We awoke to a very rainy, windy, stormy day. Lonnie said he would not be taking us in the Helicopter today. It was miserable. 50 Kt winds, 6 Ft seas, fog, rain, and generally poor conditions.

  We went for breakfast, and then wondered how to spend the day. There is not a whole lot to do in Dutch Harbor, except for hard work. Not too many forms of entertainment.

  There are lots of fishermen of every sort. It seemed crab fishing season was just starting. The crab pots were stacked up high everywhere you looked. For those of you who watch The Discovery Channel, the program "The Deadliest Catch" originates here. We met camera men while we cruised around, and we saw the boat,  the "Time Bandit", from the show.

  Dutch Harbor has the regular community, store owners, businesses, etc. Then there are the fishermen, who live and work on their boats, and then the canneries. The canneries have their own housing for their workers, and there are lots of immigrant workers. 

  There were ships and boats everywhere to look at. Huge boats that catch, and process their catch on board. 

  The locals are allowed to sustenance fish, which I think is nice. 

  We went to the Hanger after breakfast, and Josh helped Lonnie put the Helicopter away properly. Then we went to the Ship Supply Store, to buy some proper rain gear, and rubber boots. 

  Afterwards we went cruising around, looking at the town, the docks, boats, and listening to Lonnie's tour guide of the area. 

  After we completed our driving tour we went to the Museum of the Aleutians. Took in some of the history of the area. A large Russian influence, of course, with them being so close. The Russians traded with the Aleuts, and to this day many of the natives have Russian names. 

  WWII was the other big historical thing out here, and there were many stories about that. 

  After we visited the Museum of the Aleutians, we visited the War Museum, and read many accounts of wartime on the Aleutian Islands, including the island we are bound for, Umnak Island, Fort Glenn.

  Lots of interesting stories, I wished I could remember them all. I could only take about half of everything in, Brodie required supervision of course. Touching the artifacts, and all around causing me stress. He's been a very good boy, though.

  We had run out of things to do in Dutch Harbor, but it was supper time, so we ate, and then went back to the Hotel. We shared some beers with Lonnie, and told stories.