Final Alaskan Musings

My chariot awaited and with the rising sun (at 9 am!) behind lifted me away to Anchorage. Note the windowless front half of the plane with its cargo loading door. The seats, occupying only the back half of the plane, were about 1/3 full. I was joined by the doc I worked with in the ER, heading back to her home in Anchorage, a few hunters in full camouflage, and, in my row, a tiny native woman and her likely 40 week pregnant belly. You know you've been in the bush too long when you are secretly hoping she goes into labor during the flight so you can show off your skills. I'm becoming such a cowboy. But come on. These babies practically deliver themselves!

Once in Anchorage I breathed an unexpected sigh of relief after being able to verify cell phone reception. I browsed through my favorite store before being lifted once again into the sky and then dropped down into the lower 48. It was an amazing experience, and I do hope to make a winter reappearance in Bethel. I haven't really fully experienced the Alaskan bush until I've strapped on a pair of ice cleats, right?

Stayed tuned for the occasional urban-based blog. I might just find a thing or two to comment upon in my new post as urban family doc, to begin (all too!) soon.