Alaska

	Off The Grid Adventures
	157 Pine Lane, Westcliffe CO. 81252

Medevac

	When Bob and Jennifer worked full time as physician assistants and were not on Safari, they were in remote and beautiful places. Alaska is one of the places they have had the good fortune to see. Part of the excitement of going to remote places is the means of getting there. If you've never been in a flying boat, these pictures show some of the action.
	Click these small pictures to see larger version "DE Plane, Boss, De Plane" echoes in memory as the ancient but beautiful 1942 Grumman Goose comes into sight. It just landed on the smooth water of Akutan Bay, also known as seaplane base KQY, Akutan's fixed wing air link to the world.
	Helicopters on the other hand land right on the ramp.
	The Goose comes closer still, details of her lines becoming clear, at home in this watery element as in the sky. A flying boat. A 65 year old wonder.
	Taxiing closer, the sleek lines of a machine that is equally at home on the water and in the air become more apparent. UGLY? Never. It is truly an amazing machine, kept in flying condition by Alaska's "Peninsula Airways" called PenAir.
	Belly wet and FEET DOWN the Goose prepares to leave the bay and climb up the ramp to the seaplane landing base, seagulls scatter at the sight.
	This base is named after a PenAir pilot, Nic Sias who disappeared with his ship and a passenger, never to be found. A year later, one door of the plane was found in a fishing net. Yes...The danger of flying is real. The risk however say most pilots is worth it.
	With a mighty roar, twin 450 HP Wright engines pull the Goose onto the ramp. It had just snowed, and the light was beautiful. Jennifer is in the front co-pilot seat (as often she is) having told the pilot of her student pilot status, and being given the honor of the jump seat. The outrigger "sponson" retractable float for water use is down, and passes by the photographer with a few feet to spare and the dirty looks of the pilot who must watch out for dogs, ATV's, (and the occasional unconscious photographer.)
	Hard right brake, left throttle and she swings around to starboard, pointing out to sea for the departure. The baggage arrives for loading, and the passengers get off the plane.
	Who is that grinning ear to ear in the right seat? Let's see if the ZOOM works...
	Yup, it does! Jennifer arriving back at Akutan after helping out at Dutch Harbor during a flu outbreak.

Lane, Westcliffe CO. 81252 719-783-0480