April 25th-Day 26

 The next day we had training at a recreation area that is associated with the University of Southeast Alaska. I only had to go to the morning session since I had my CDL Test at 1pm today. During the first session, we had a bunch of worksheets and small group training to get us more comfortable with our coworkers, and the idea of guiding.  When it came down to my CDL test I was extremely nervous and scared, and that reflected in my test. There are three sections to the test: the Pre-Check, Cones, and Driving. Pre-check involves checking the brake test, lights test, Steering wheel components, Engine/hood, inside, outside. The cones involve driving through them, backing up, backing up into an aligned spot, and backing up into a 90 degree turn. Then a bunch of different skills while driving. Long story short I failed and have to reschedule next week.

Obviously I was upset, but I’m just going to keep working on it. The lady said she had full confidence that I would pass next time. When I got back to the office, I decided that I needed the walk back to the apartment, as I had no other way of getting back. On my walk I saw my first marmot, and had time to decompress and reevaluate everything that occurred. I am lucky to have this opportunity to be in Alaska, I am lucky to have supportive family and friends, I am lucky to have an education and other wants in my life. Even though I failed, it's not the end of the world, I just have to keep practicing and trying. 

This four mile walk ended up being more adventurous than I wanted, due to the cold and raining weather that started occurring. As soon as I got back to my apartment I took a big nap to reset and refresh. When I woke up, it was dinner time, and as I was making a batch of fried rice Cass and Hannah walked in with a homemade apple crumble. It was so unbelievably thoughtful, and I am so grateful for such great friends and people with me in Alaska. 

The three of us with our delicious and warm apple crumbles finished the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and started the second. All of us were too tired to finish the movie so we stopped and decided to wait to watch for another day. As I got ready and headed to bed, my day might have been a challenge, but having genuinely good human beings surrounding you can make a huge difference. 

This is our Guide training classroom

Not a great picture, but my first spotting of a marmot on a walk!

 

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