After being here for six days, I have lots of impressions of Sitka. I arrived after a really long trip on Monday evening. The clouds were low, so the view was limited when I arrived, but still very pretty. I picked up my bags and a rental car and easily found my great apartment. I am on the third floor, so I had to lug my two heavy suitcases up a few steps. What a great surprise my apartment was! It is old, quaint,charming and nice. I have a spectacular view. This picture is taken from my little living room!
I explored town a little, bought a few groceries, and unpacked. It stays light until about 10:30-11pm depending on how many clouds there are. And the sun is up very early. I am trying not to notice that time, but it is at 3:30am or earlier. And the days are getting longer until June 22nd. I am adjusting and sleeping better each nite!
Work is good. For the first two days, my Healthlinx boss, Paul was here with me. We developed an action plan. It should be very workable and I will enjoy working here. The organization is very different than any I have worked for before. It is an Alaska Native Tribal corporation and encompasses the Hospital here in Sitka, Mt. Edgecumbe, and 13 clinics and several outpatient service spread throughout Southeastern Alaska. I hope to get to most or all of the locations as I do my assessment and plan implementation.
Sitka is a beautiful town with lots of history and natural beauty. Here are a few shots showing Crescent Bay and the surrounding mountains and forests.
This area is a rainforest, so there are lots of cloudy, foggy times. Right now it is raining for the first extended time since I have been here. Guess I should get used to this! the next photo is the view from my living room this morning in the fog! Everything disappeared!
I have had two nice days off with time to find my way around and meet some new folks. I have a nice neighbor Charissa who works for the same organization I do. (not in my area, though). And I have met and talked with Judy, who is the landlord's Mom. She is a lovely, energetic lady about my age who had been working in the garden here all day yesterday and today. We are going to an "Open Mic"night tonite at a funky, quirky restaurant called the Larkspur. Mostly everything here is funky and quirky, in a really nice way.
The weather is cool, but pleasant. I will be layering and wearing rain jackets a lot. I brought the right clothes!
I will update the blog on the weekends, or in between if something really spectacular happens. I hope you enjoy reading it!
