Back in the Good Ole USA

Okay, be honest, how many of you actually knew there was a place called Unalaska, Alaska? I certainly did not. Our ship literature assured us that we were docking at Dutch Harbor, Alaska. No, it said we would drop anchor in Dutch Harbor Bay meaning we would have to take a tender to shore, some 20 or more minutes to the dock. This could only take place after we had all passed through the immigration process held on board the ship where after clearance you were given a paper wristband to go ashore. This immigration officer did not seem to be concerned that I no longer have any pages in my passport on which to stamp. I hope the Canadian officials will be as liberal minded. Otherwise, who knows what I'll do. When exiting Japan, the official only looked a little askew at me when he was forced to place my exit stamp on top of my entry sticker. I've been assured by everyone except immigration officials, that I won't have any problem thru Canada and San Francisco. Fingers crossed they know of which they speak.

The ship offered no excursions for Dutch Harbor, but I knew thanks to our friend, Jon, prior to the ill-fated 2020 attempt that a battle had ensued at Dutch Harbor in WWII so I teamed up with my friend Adelle, whose father-in-law served here during the war, to learn what we could about said battle. Some shipboard gossip had also alluded to a memorial monument. About that the locals were clueless, but they knew how to get us to the museum. Since I was unable to see much sign of habitation from the ship, I was doubtful that this place would have enough taxis to haul around five or six hundred visitors to their land. No worries. When we arrived at the dock, there was a line of SUVs parked along the road. For $5 per person, you would be taken anywhere you wanted to go. Adelle and I chose the war museum as did the other six passengers in "our" taxi. Other choices were an Aleutian Islands Museum, Safeway, a service station or two, a hardware store, an airport or a bar. Even though it was mid-morning, the bar was open and doing a brisk business, I'm told. I was thrilled with my choice. Entry fee into the museum was $2, please, NO CASH! I wasn't sure that my credit card company would honor such a small purchase, but I was admitted. The museum was worth ten times the price of admission to me. Their exhibits were wonderful, their explanations posted along the walls told much, but the highlight for me was the twenty or so minute movie about the people of this area and what they encountered as a result of the battle. At least four villages scattered across the islands ceased to exist. Those residents in the western most area were captured and taken to Japan where they were held as prisoners of war. When the war ended, those few who had survived the encampment were released. They received no compensation for their losses, no transportation to their homes, nothing. The residents of the three more easterly villages were not much better off. They were evacuated to southeastern Alaska and housed in slum apartments with very little assistance. Once the war was over, their homes having been deserted for several years were deemed by our government to be unworthy of repair and destroyed. Remember, Alaska was not a state at this time, thus these people had zero representation in Washington. Another lesson in the atrocities of war. Are we talking about hundreds and hundreds of people? No, but that does not matter for those who were removed from their homes.

On the lighter side, the museum was filled with WWII posters and relics such as these.

Why would that young girl not envy the woman in the WAVES, after all she was being paid a whole $50 per month - "Clear" and added to that princely sum was another $91.50 food & quarters allowances. She could be rich! My how times have changed!

Remember these?

Sunset as we head back into the Pacific.

After a perfectly wonderful day exploring Unalaska and learning about the Aleutian Campaign we head back to ship for our day and a half voyage to Kodiak. Back on board my team was moderately successful at Trivia finishing in the money, then we went directly to Martini's to be entertained by Carolyn & Paul, our ATW ambassadors, for a delightful Cabaret show. It was during their performance that this glorious sunset was spotted and captured by a shipmate who graciously shared it with me knowing of my fascination with them.

Funny thing happened on the way to Kodiak. We never made it. Our exceptionally skilled captain announced amidst much rocking and rolling of the ship that it would not be possible to keep to our schedule as there was a terrific storm brewing twixt us and Kodiak. Instead, we would be reducing our speed considerably and detouring around said storm. No argument from me nor any of his other charges. While he indicated that our altered path would be smoother, he did not say that it would be glasslike. Good thing. Yesterday was without a doubt the roughest seas we have encountered. Many of my friends were unable to leave their cabins. I say this with more than a little trepidation as just when I brag about something I am made to wish that I had not, but thus far I have not experienced a problem with seasickness. I am prepared with medication, just in case but hope that I will not have to use it. As I write this (Sunday afternoon), the swells have decreased, the sun is shining and the dolphins are doing flips into the air alongside the ship. How wonderful life is!

Oh, really good news! The shipmate who was taken by life-flight back to Japan had the necessary surgery, is stabilized and expected to make a full recovery. Thought you would like to know.

Today Is Someday! Waste Not!