Almost two weeks . . .

Well, we’ve been in Bethel for almost two weeks and things are looking up.  We have met different people who sympathize with all our perils as they went through the same thing.  We have been told horror stories about running out of water and ruining pumps and having the sewage back up.  Luckily, we have not had THOSE problems.

In most areas of Bethel, the water is stored in huge holding tanks and so is the sewage.  Either weekly or biweekly, the water is delivered and the sewage is pumped out. One subdivision has city water/sewer with above the ground pipes, and that is a coveted area to live in.  I guess people have run out of water unknowingly and then the pump burned up.  We have checked our water tank (I think it’s about 1000 gallons) several times since arriving and had water delivered yesterday.  The trucks just show up.  We have also tried to take shorter showers and do less laundry.  Add that to the high food prices and we have become serious conservationists.  No leftover is thrown away!

Um, who told me there were no spiders in Alaska?  

We are now the proud owners of a Ford F150.  I suppose one may wonder why we bought a truck when we already have one that is on its way.  Well, for one, it was a rare find (meaning it’s nice, clean, has all it’s parts, and doesn’t make funny noises when it runs) and I think a big vehicle is the best thing for Bethel roads.  The max speed limit is 45 and if some of the bumps in the road are taken even at 40, you feel like you’re going to catch air and fly away.  There is a car lot with “Bethel Beaters” for sale and Alex did look at one.  He said there was so much sand and mud on the floor you couldn’t see the floor. It was cheap ($4500) but we decided it wasn’t for us.  The Bethel Beaters seem to go quickly though because there is a constant turnover in the lot.  If you’re comparing car insurance, Alaska is much cheaper than Michigan.  Like half the price.  That’s one reason to move up here . . . .

 

A few of the Bethel Beaters

If you look online, you’ll find out that Bethel has the highest number of taxicabs per capita of any city in the country.  Alex was at the DMV registering our new ride and in the 10 or 15 minutes Brad and I waited outside, we counted 26 cabs go by.  The fee is $5 per person one-way unless you live out where we do and then it’s $10 per person.  There is also a city bus and I think it’s $3 one-way or you can get a day pass for $5.  I don’t think the bus comes out this way though.

Apple Maps showing the location of our rental home

Brad-man is now a member of the Kusko Kickers soccer team.  He will play with the 2^nd and 3^rd grade team twice a week.  The kids show up and practice and then play against each other.  The individual team members will constantly change.  There aren’t any other towns close by to play against.  I’m told that the high school kids fly to the villages to play basketball, but that isn’t an option for an 8-year-old playing summer soccer.

 

The tundra is a pretty place.  There are areas of squishy earth scattered with small scrubby trees and lakes.  We took an areal tour yesterday and the tundra is very impressive from high above.  The Kilbuck Mountains are about 70 miles to the east and we flew out toward them.  There were tall grassy hills with outcroppings of stone (I suppose one could call those foothills) sort of plopped on the edge of the tundra.  I also noticed small sections of dense forest with both conifers and deciduous trees.  

 

Data service 600 feet up and in the middle of nowhere!

   

 

 

The Kuskokwim River is very tortuous (I guess this is because the Army Corp of Engineers hasn’t been up here to try to reroute it) and I’m not sure there is a straight section.  The local Native Alaskans have “fish camps” along the river.  They have traditionally put up small buildings and spend a month or so there in the summer when the salmon run.  The fishing of king salmon is closed right now due to low numbers, but the other types of salmon can be caught and eaten.

Fish Camps

The highlight of the flight was spotting 2 moose and a grizzly bear.  The moose were laying in the tundra (couldn’t get the camera out in time!) and the grizzly looked to be on the hunt for food.   

 

Alex spotted it and Neils, the pilot, banked the plane to make another pass over it.  It looked BIG and turned and looked at us when we flew by.  I’m sure he thought we looked tasty and I'm glad I was 600 feet off the ground.  The bears don't really come toward town, but the moose occasionally do.  Rarely, a musk ox will come over in the winter and then get stranded in the spring.  I believe one needs a permit to kill a musk ox, but we’re told that won’t stop someone from doing it. 

Our belongings, truck, and boat are still on dry land in Seattle.  We think they will be barged out next week, so we’re looking at a mid to end July arrival.  I’m quite pleased that the rental unit comes with a washer and dryer.  I did manage to pack every pair of underwear I own, but only have about 4 t-shirts.  I think Alex packed mostly running clothes and Brad has more stuff than he can wear.

Amazon and Walmart have had the pleasure of our business.  We placed and order to each store the 3^rd day we were here.  Amazon Prime is a gift from heaven and Walmart offers free shipping on food purchases over $50.  There are 4 grocery stores we have found in town and all have bulk items.  I can but Costco toilet paper and olive oil.  I tried to price match, but it got too confusing.  Does one charge $2.50 for a can of tomatoes or $2.25??  The grocery stores also sell regular sized grocery items too.  And two grocery stores have clothing (one has furniture too).  Alex found a pair of jeans for $4.44.

Since we haven’t started working yet, we have spent all our time together.  Bonding is a wonderful thing, but so is personal time.  We spent last evening making pasties.  I was quite impressed at how they turned out since all we had for a rolling pin was a water bottle.  I may try to start a new fundraiser here.

  




I had the pleasure of getting a package that had those yummy scotch-a-roos (you know, the peanut butter rice crispy things with the chocolate on top).  Thank you Debi Becker.

Update from last time:  we have successfully passed the written driving test and we each now have an Alaska driver’s license.  Apparently we will be considered residents in June 2017 and will be able to net fish for free.  Brad can hunt big game when he’s 10 without a license.  We’ll have moose for sure in 2 years.