If you’ve ever talked to someone who’s been to Antarctica, they will bring up the Drake Passage. Some people swear it was a nightmare; others call it smooth sailing. I’d heard about the “Drake Shake” and the “Drake Lake,” and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wanted the drama—the wild ride, the full oceanic chaos—just […]
Surviving the Drake Passage – Was It As Bad As They Say? Read More »
Working in Kotzebue, Alaska, is one of those assignments that leaves a mark—the kind you don’t even fully realize until you’ve left. Sure, it was remote, but what made it unforgettable was the way Maniilaq Health Center completely shifted how I thought about OB nursing. It was a style grounded in trust, genuine connection, and
Small Town, Big Lessons: My Travel Nurse Experience in Kotzebue Read More »
Before I came to Kotzebue, I’d never gone berry picking in the Arctic. In fact, it had been years since I’d been berry picking, period. I’d heard people talk about it—how the tundra comes alive in late summer with hidden patches of fruit—but I didn’t really understand what that meant until I was out there,
A Taste of the Arctic Summer Read More »
I recently had the chance to visit another village for smoke alarm installation, and, just like last time, I jumped at the opportunity. Our destination this time was Buckland, another small village nestled in the Northwest Arctic Borough of Alaska. Buckland sits along the Buckland River, with a population of around 500 people, most of
Smoke Alarms and Snowflakes – Buckland Read More »
Rebekah and I had been planning a trip to Point Hope for weeks. Point Hope, Alaska, like many remote coastal villages, sits at the tip of a gravel spit along the Chukchi Sea. It’s part of the North Slope borough, though it’s closer to Kotzebue, and therefore it’s serviced by Maniilaq Health Center (the hospital
Exploring Point Hope: Whale Bones and Sod Huts Read More »
Thursday morning began under a blanket of clouds. At 8 a.m., we texted the tour company, unsure of what the day held. “Meet at 10:15,” they said. Perfect. At 10:00, they changed the time to 10:30. But by 11:00, we were finally boarding the small plane, where Remy, the tour company’s dog, darted around us,
Into the Arctic Wild – a Journey into Two of Alaska’s Remote National Parks Read More »
Signing a travel nursing contract can feel both exciting and overwhelming. While the promise of a new adventure in a different location can be thrilling, the fine print in your contract can make or break your experience. Trust me, not all contracts are created equal, and missing out on important details can leave you frustrated
Understanding Travel Nurse Contracts: What to Watch Out for Read More »
When the opportunity arose to volunteer in Kivalina, a remote Inupiat village perched on a narrow barrier island at the very edge of the Chukchi Sea, I didn’t hesitate. Visiting these villages is no easy feat—flights are expensive, and access is limited. So, when a chance came for a free trip and to contribute meaningfully
Alaska’s Vanishing Village: A Glimpse into Kivalina Read More »
After spending 16 weeks in Snyder, Texas, I’ve come to appreciate this small West Texas town for what it is—simple, straightforward, and full of character. It may not be flashy, but there’s something genuine about Snyder that made my time here memorable. While I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Texas, West Texas was
Snyder, Texas – Home of the Baby Catchers Read More »
Recently, I took off on a two-day adventure to Mineral Wells, Texas, on the recommendation of my friend Diane. Her enthusiasm for the Clark Gardens piqued my curiosity, so I set off with a sense of excitement and a loose agenda. A Stop in Cool, TX My first stop was the small town (if you
A Two Day Escape to Mineral Wells Read More »