Summary

The author recounts an unexpected visit to Seward, Alaska due to a ship repair, leading to a series of adaptations and new experiences.

Abstract

The narrative "Living Alaska — The Detour" by an unnamed author describes an unforeseen stop in Seward, Alaska, caused by a hull breach in the ship they work on. Initially not part of the planned itinerary, the author finds themselves in a new environment, requiring quick adaptation to the change in circumstances. The author embraces the unexpected change, viewing it as an opportunity for learning and exploration. They navigate through the town, facing logistical challenges such as procuring supplies and adjusting to the new location of their ship. The author reflects on the importance of adaptability and the enriching experiences that come with embracing life's detours, concluding with a positive outlook on their current situation in Seward, Alaska.

Opinions

The author sees the unplanned stop in Seward as a serendipitous event, akin to the whimsical travels of Bugs Bunny.
They believe that one's reaction to unexpected changes is a reflection of their character.
The author values the learning opportunities presented by new environments and considers them an essential part of life.
They find joy in the exploration of new places and the challenges that come with it.
The author practices acceptance and flexibility, viewing change as an inevitable part of their traveling profession.
They appreciate the simple lessons learned from everyday experiences, such as the reminder to brush their teeth after eating sweets.
The author is pragmatic, quickly devising solutions to new logistical challenges, such as how to reach the gym from their new location.
They reminisce about the comfort of a stable home but also embrace the dynamic nature of their current lifestyle.
The author is intrigued by the novelty of their surroundings, as evidenced by their fascination with seeing a magpie for the first time.
They conclude that being an "expert in life's little detours" is a valuable skill, suggesting that their experiences have equipped them to handle unexpected situations with grace and resilience.

Living Alaska — The Detour

Life’s Little Lessons

Photograph by Author — Walking Through Seward, Alaska

Left at Albuquerque

When people ask me how I got here, I usually tell them, “It was the left at Albuquerque.” It is a quote from my favorite cartoon character, Buggs Bunny. He seemed to get himself into as many jams as I do. I am not in a jam today, but I am certainly off the beaten path of life and in a town I never thought I would see.

Not Planned

Visiting Seward, Alaska, was not a planned event. So, how did I get here? I arrived on the ship I work on. Why is that unusual? Because it was not on the planned calendar of ports of call. We had a full schedule for the next two months.

Photograph by Author — Dockyard in Seward, Alaska at night

Impetus of Change

Like all good plans, this was subject to change. The impetus of change was a hole in the hull. That is not good for any ship, especially a passenger ferry that transits the Gulf of Alaska. Tomorrow, we will find out how bad the hole is.

Life Changes Quickly

It might need a bandage or something more permanent. That means a day or two in the shipyard or a month or two. Life changes quickly; sometimes, you end up somewhere new, different, or unplanned. How you deal with the change of environment tells a lot about a person.

A Learning Environment

Some people do not handle change so easily. The new town was a pleasant surprise but created new challenges, possibilities, and a learning environment. I wanted to pick up some supplies but had to learn the lay of the land. I studied the map and asked a few seasoned deckhands where the nearest store was.

Photograph by Author — New Location across the bay in Seward, Alaska

I Stepped in a Puddle

I walked in the rain to Safeway and back. I bought the crew Halloween candy and myself some toothpaste. I reminisced on a statement from my mother from childhood to brush my teeth after eating sweets. The two items did not register together until I stepped into a puddle.

I Learned

Now, with one wet foot, I was more careful of my footing. I took in my surroundings and walked back to the ship. Arriving in one piece, I learned we were moving again in the morning to the drydock across the bay. I woke up this morning in yet again a new environment.

New Obstacles

I was glad I walked to the store last night in the rain because we are now seven miles outside town. That would be seven times further than my walk last night. Change of surroundings brings new obstacles. I don’t mind; I am good with logistics.

Photograph by Author — Walking to the Gym at AVTEC in Seward, Alaska

Logistical Considerations

My next outing to the gym will involve logistical considerations. I could walk one way and finish my workout by the time I arrived; eight miles is a good walk. I could jog there and take a cab back. My maximum distance attained on arrival.

Many Possibilities

I could hitch a ride, borrow a bicycle, skip the gym, and work out on the ship. There are many possibilities, but adjusting to the change of pace and scenery requires thought and action. When you live and work in the same place for years on end, many life decisions are made subconsciously.

A Safe Place Called Home

Like stepping in the puddle and being reminded of childhood, I think back to the ease of living in one place. A safe place called home. It lacks the challenge of moving daily from one port to the next. Moving can be stressful for humans.

Photograph by Author — Seeing a Magpie for the first time in Seward, Alaska

Learn Something New

You learn something from every town, city, state, and country you travel through. I like the learning experience that new people, places, and things encompass. Walking through a new town, you learn something or see something new.

Adapt Quickly

I deal with change with practiced ease. When change surrounds you, you learn to adapt more quickly. When traveling is your job, change is inevitable. I have learned to accept change as it comes. It is pointless to stress out about something when you have no idea what tomorrow brings. Acceptance is my way of dealing with change.

Photograph by Author — Ten feet from my current position writing this blog. Dry Dock Seward, Alaska

Take a Detour

Taking a detour in life is not the end of the world. It happens to all of us at one point or another. How you deal with the sudden and unexpected defines your character. The more rigid you are, the less likely you will be able to deal with a sudden change of environment and circumstances. I have learned to become an expert in life’s little detours. I think this one will be like the last one: a learning environment and an avenue of exploration. From Seward, Alaska, with love and a detour.