Yetti’s Pacific North West Exploration & Expeditions Picture heavy

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

I was going to be on contract in Alaska, April 15- and wanted a few weeks of downtime prior top the 120ish day contract.

A few days prior to my scheduled departure from SLC, I got notified the tribal counsel of Egegik, had decided to close its borders due to Covid-19 until April 28th.

My replacements for SLC were already in route, I called the office and explained, they were happy to send me to another contact. Adventure Medics has been great to work with, So i hopped onto a plane for Greenville South Carolina,

as you can imagine the airports were empty. Walked right through TSA. My morning flight got postponed until 2100, so they could fit as many as possible on the flight to Atlanta, there were about 20 of us on a 100+ capacity jet. Everyone again got their own row, and disinfecting wipes as we boarded.

From Atlanta to Greenville we had a MD-90, ( was the last flight of this particular bird as she was headed into retirement). Including the two pilots, and two crew we had 12 people on board. The pilot came out and let us know we could sit anywhere we pleased as long as we had 6ft distance. This Included 1st class.

Empty airport, they did not even bother to use the baggage carosol and just set our bags next to the door.

I was able to hail, the 1 Uber on duty that night. He said usually they have 30 on ditu at all times, but no one is running right now.



it was 1am, and still 80 degrees. Welcome to the South. I spent another two weeks, working here. They were nice enough to put me up in a suite at the Hilton so I was able to cook, etc. I really liked the staff here at the hotel, they treated me just like family. The nights dragged by unfortunately.

I was also able to catch up with a cute, good friend. It was amazing to see a friendly face.



Getting back home, well that is a different story, I was not sure Id be able to get home.

 

[ITTOG]

Sounds like getting home will be the next story?

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

The SC contract was mostly uneventful, dragged on, was slow.

My rental, unfortunately had New York Plates, this became a bit of a security issue. This as right after, the news reported an executive order to Seal of New York by about 12 hrs.

There was this amazing Greek place across the way from where I was staying. They were offering take out, I went there a lot.

I will take a minute to say Thank You, to all the restaurants that stayed open. This was imperative to all the traveling medical, and support stuff among others.

I pulled up on day 2 to pick up a pizza, there was a crowd out front, all mingling from a distance. Waiting for their respective orders.

As the rental came to a halt people started staring and backing away.

I stepped out of the car, the waitress in the sweetest bless your heart southern twain youve ever heard " Sir, if you are from New York, you can just stay in your car"

I explained I was here for work, ( leaving out what i do, scared people do unpredictable things) I never felt unsafe. That the car was just a rental, after that everyone was welcoming.



Getting word, that Egegik will be allowing us in, after a lot of plans and contracts.

Egegik, is a tiny town on Bristol Bay, they had parked dozers on the runway to prevent entry. The dozers were removed, or so we have been told.

After 14 days, i was ready to rotate home.



Booking with United, that did not go well. They are struggling with logistics, 12 hours before my flight we changed to Delta, as they had their ducks in a row.

woke up at 1am, to a severe storm warning, hail and wind howling at the windows. I packed, Tornado warnings alert on the phone.

walked down stars, w/ luggage as a tornado watch started. Bid goodbye to the desk staff, asked about alternate routes to the airport. Until i knew otherwise I was proceeding to the airport, W/ a secondary plan to stay back at the hotel, or drive the 36hrs home to Oregon.


The rain was torrential, wipers unable to keep up, hail pounding on the roof and windows. Roads were empty, stoplights down, I just drove for the conditions and around the debris in the road. I made my way to the return garage, no one in site. Dropped the keys in the return. The Elevators were down, and water was coming down the stairs. I knew better than to take the elevator, but was not looking forward to carrying luggage up the few flights or stairs. Thankful i had luggage with removable backpack straps. I loaded up, put on a hood and started climbing.

I reached street level and proceeded into the open doors into the airport, not a soul in site. 1/2 the lights off.

A LEO came out from around a corner, quite surprised to see me. " whoa, Bro howd you get here?" " i replied I drove and dropped the rental car off in the garage"

he informed me they have a tornado touch down, and directed me into a shelter. ( also a bathroom) Where I found the gate agents and TSA folks.

Status Report, Airport on generator power only. After about a 1/2 hour, and another 45 mins for the systems to reboot they grabbed my ,luggage and I headed up to TSA. Still a massive storm, the lightning and thunder flashing through the floor to ceiling windows. With the body scanner down, i patted myself down, and turned pockets inside out, handing baggage to the TSA folks. About 10 of them, and 1 of me. We chatted for about 1/2 an hour and had a few good laughs.

The plane boarded and off to my connection in Atlanta, From Atlanta to Seattle, The Bravo terminal i needed in Seattle was closed off, no one in- and no one out. I waited and listened from the back for about 10 mins, I went to the divider and asked the 6 TSA agents, " I am a medic and Covid-19 specialist if I can do anything to help"

A few of the other agents looked at her, but she declined. I never found out what was happening, after another 20 mins the gate was opened, and those that were in came out, and we went in. A lot of jokes were being made by all things like " someone must of sneezed" I imagine, thats a lot closer to the truth than we want to know. I passed a card w/ a fogger and some Bio bags w/ suits in them. Its common, when disinfecting to fog with the suits, and discard all for decon when cleaning a room with an exposed or + persons. I have done it a few times the past few months.




I made it home, daily dog wanders and walkabouts, and lazy days until I head to Alaska on the 1st.

messy fence project, Ill rebuild that far section when i get back from Alaska, even the equines are enjoying lazy days.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

I have been kicking around the idea of selling the fifth wheel I live in, and building out my own truck on a 2000-2010 International 7300 4x4, or Chevy Kodiak chassis.

A box truck- or possible a modified shipping container. I have the ability to build one myself, and have been able to Source parts.

W/ a floor plan I drew up, which is not to scale. And yes it would be long, im ok with that.

 

[luthj]

Mmm, I smell a build thread coming.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

It would take some looking to find the box with the correct dimensions, turns out Ive had plenty of time recently to source and search.

I want an over cab bed, matched dimensions as my outfitter camper. So a crew/ or extended cab is preferred. out there, but harder to find. Or if a regular cab, i need to extend the box a few feet to compensate.

8ft wide, pretty standard, and 8ft tall, harder to find but doable. It may be I have to source the truck separate, or buy one that 2x, and convert with a wrecked 4x4 one. So a lower box is better.

Medium duty trucks can have their frames extended about $100/ft or so. Modifying the box shorter internal height is harder. Length is doable. not to exceed 26000ibs gvwr

I also looked at a Cargo trailer, building it out then pulling the axles and mounting it on a truck as I find one, this would give me plenty of options. Most are 6-7ft high inside.

The third option Im considering ( again right now all just theory) Is a container ( sooo heavy though) 24-30ft, + over cab bed. I have always liked the idea of repurposed containers, they make a good platform. They are budget friendly, can cut it to the exact length needed, they are the correct internal height. Also super sturdy.

and getting a goose neck deckover dump trailer at 25ft, to mount it on and work with. This would allow me to set it anywhere, or winch it back on the trailer to move it, and allow me to source a truck another time, or be more picky. Also giving me a goose neck trailer, for hauling hay, etc

Kind of the one I am leaning toward right now, but am keeping a look out for all platforms of interest.

and this is all dependent on this years Alaska contract.

200 gallons of water- under each dinette seat( that is why the booth) with no fancy tank level monitor, just open a door and look. 1700ibs
Probably a cassette toilet, or an incinerating one
1k ish watts solar 2 500 systems for redundancy
800ish watts battery capacity
3500w inverter w/ auto transfer and gen start
Hydronic water heater - w/ electric back up. heated when truck is running or w/ diesel cabin heater Isotherm 10 gallon
Diesel air/hydronic heat
small wood stove, mounted to wall. like what youd find on a sail boat.
apartment, 9000k BTU air conditioner/ and heater.
2 inch block foam insulation
white pine tongue and groove interior wall for living portion
rubber coated ply for garage
peel and stick vinyl flooring, barn wood.
All interior lighting LED/ dim able ceiling pucks
undecided on ceiling material yet.
All windows and skylights European style
upper cabinets all around
kitchen and cabinetry sourced from big box store
yes washer dryer combo/ matching the one im using in my fifth wheel. They work great as long as you understand them. Vented vs the stack-able ones I current have.
drawer under over cab bed- probably just a decked system w a facade.
Skylight over bed, Shower, and garage. Due to price Ill probably go with a handful of the smaller 14x14 Dometic at 200/ piece versus the large ones at 700/unit. With one every six feet or so.
larger dry bathroom w/ shower and teak floor.
oil rubbed bronze fixtures in bathroom and kitchen
push/pull latching for all cabinets.
probably about a 1ft sub floor, I would like to do a center section that folds up to allow access to all the wiring and plumbing in one easy spot. But the majority would be dead space/the grey tank.
4 windows in living area, 2 in bedroom area, 1 in bathroom, none in garage.
two folding bunks in garage on driver side
All utilities/ electrical along the back garage wall and bathroom. Water heater/heater/ electrical and plumbing runs as close and as short of runs as possible.
a 50 amp plug, and " city" water connection if i ever needed.
I like cooking with propane, so the stove and oven would be flush folding- and propane. Dual 20# tanks, in an under body box would last forever.
Possible dual fuel Generator 4000watts also in under body box.
Passenger side a folding desk/exam table. all folding flush into the wall. Id like to be able to use the Garage as a medical exam room. above cabinets with plexi glass doors.
Rear ramp/deck/winch

I flipped the floor plan, and changed some things. I originally had two Man doors, i realized this was a big waste of space, and if one into the garage it would also act as a mud room.
Ive had trouble finding comfy theater seating, that was not at least 7 feet long, so this would allow me to push the kitchen down. and move the theater seating to the passenger side. I know a weird thing to want. I spend a lot of time in small spaces, separate eating and relaxing areas makes a big difference.
and then the option of it as a couch, or recliner.

I would be 15-20k into the interior build, not including the truck. And that with me doing all the labor of course. But id have the time to do so.


Some rigs that caught my eye ( this one is a steep though)

2005 International 7300 4X4 Box Truck - Bitterroot Auto Sales

2005 International 4300 4x4 Box Truck GVWR 25999= No CDL Only 16,000 miles Pre DEF!!! –Engine • International DT 466• http://www.dieselhub.com/tech/dt466.html Turbo Diesel -Transmission • Allison 2500 RDSP • 5…

bitterrootauto.com

Pardon Our Interruption

Used Moving Trucks For Sale by Owner | A Free Service of Movers Supply House, LLC

Used Moving Trucks For Sale by Owner | A Free Service of Movers Supply House, LLC

www.usedmovingvans.com

I like the red crew cab., well I like em both. haha

 

[luthj]

You have seen the Total Composites boxes right? Might be worth the cost if you will see lots of very cold weather.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

You have seen the Total Composites boxes right? Might be worth the cost if you will see lots of very cold weather.

Thanks, I had not but looked them up. May be a good source, ill get a quote for one of their box's. I sure the duty/import tax will play a big part in it.

niiice! well done!

Thank you, Just trying to live life. I should be better about keeping up on this. Its nice to know people read my poorly written ramblings haha. Welcome

I still work other contracts, our local agency 911 calls, for fire, ems rescue to patient transfer from our hospital to others further away,8+hr round trips. And through other agency’s like Event Medics, Amphibias Medics, etc

Thank you

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Flew into Seattle yesterday, for my Alaska contract. They are keeping us under strict, and monitored QT in a hotel, for testing, prior to entering Alaska. Not a awesome time, as I am not a fan of no exercise.

After negative test results, me and the primary team will charter a flight to Egegik, start a 14 day QT, and get the facility ready for people. It won't have power, ornwater when we land. So getting the generators started and running, filling the water tower are top priority espicially as its still freezing temps there.

Happy tails and Safe travels
Hopefully sent from somewhere pretty and remote.
With my entertainment and navigation multitool.

Contract AEMT, Firefighter, MCPIC,Remote Medic, Safety Manager.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Been in Egegik since the 1st, I have done over 100 Covid-19 tests,

The village and locals are not thrilled with us being this year, they petitioned the governor to shut the commercial fishery down this year.

Slowly bringing people in, about 35 on site now. Will be 300, when we are fully staffed.

It was great that Xena, the village dog is still happy to see us.

It took almost a week to get water to the infirmary, winter was especially rough this year.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Luckily so far, injury levels are low.

A few eye injuries, one with a cornea scratch.

A puncture on the top of a foot, from a rusty dock nail. Shallow, easy care.


6/1/2020
22 yr old Female patient with first degree frost bit on two fingers/hand. Due to improper gloves and technique in conjunction with a faulty valve. The patient is lucky, quick actions by a coworker and getting to me. After about an hour of rewarming and evaluation. No fingers will be lost, and healing well this morning. Time will tell if there is permanent nerve damage.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

The week prior to my Alaska contract, after the traveling Covid-19 contract, I did my best to get out daily for dog ventures, walkabouts and rides. This was all a part of my QT and social distance prior to entry into Alaska.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

A incarceration center for Japanese Americans in the early 1940's during WW II. They are sobering places, but the NPS also did a great job with this one, in restoration and the visitor center. I met some jeeps on the " trail" to Manzanar, who thought I was crazy to drive my truck that way, and assured me i would never make it. They were all lifted and locked. I thanked them for their concerns and continued on my way. I never even needed to put my 7000# chevy in 4x4. And had been through ranch roads way worse. But it was a nice break from the free way.

Its haunting, one of my favorites to visit. But its not as nicely done, it outside Cody Wyoming. Something about the history, and the chilling wind always blowing and that never ending sky. Thank you for reading
eliotradisa

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Its been a long few weeks, Covid-19, on top of the normal medical and safety issues. After a particularly frustrating few days i penned this. when im off contract ill be able to share more,


6/24/2020 10:00am

I have to say,

I am disheartened and disappointed. I am unsure what to do or say to motivate and encourage those to make good choices.

I could talk about, the company having a legal right to deny any workers comp claim, or death payout when an employee is injured or dies on the job when not following known, safety policies and failing to wear PPE. About them, the place you have dumped your heart and soul in being able to come after you personally, for costs they incurred due to employee negligence. That safety is a condition of employment.
But that won’t matter or make a difference,

I could talk about how Alaska is the 7th ranked state in the US for work related fatalities. A death rate of 63.1, compared to that of the lower 48 which is 49.4. About how the commercial fishing industry is ranked as one of the highest for death rate 99.8 per 100,000 workers. In 2017 33 work related fatalities. 14 being from the fishing industry. In 2018 there were 32, 13 from the fishing industry. And 2019 was a worse year yet..
But that won’t matter or make a difference,

I could talk about what its like to do a death notification, for a loved one back home. I could talk about the ones I have done in my life so far. The way people react to news like that, some with instant anger and hatred. Others will deny it, scold me for playing a sick joke. I have them shut the door in my face, or simply hang up. Some with sobs, tears and begging for an explanation. An answer I am not able to give, I can’t explain why their son, daughter, father, mother, husband, wife choose to not work safely that day.
But that won’t matter or make a difference,

I could talk about leading by example, how your crew idolizes you. How they look up to you, the admiration and respect they have for you. How they will follow your lead, right or wrong. What it means to truly be a leader.

But that wont matter; or make a difference,

I could talk about the close calls, scars and stories that you’ve gotten here. What went wrong, what we could have done differently to change the outcome. That’s only the limited ones I know about, not the ones that aren’t spoken of. The ones you are imagining right now..
But that won’t matter or make a difference,

I could talk about the risk going up for misuse of equipment, not wearing PPE. It can only help you when used or worn. How when equipment is not used as intended, it increases the risk of not only failure but injury or death. How this stacks the deck against you.
But that won’t matter or make a difference,

I could talk about the ghosts that stay with you, the weight that places on your shoulders every day. Knowing someone was injured or killed. Someone you knew, knowing you could have led by example, or reminded them to be safe, wear the stuff, do the thing the right way. What’s a life worth, is it worth that few minutes you saved taking a shortcut?
But that won’t matter or make difference,

What matters is you, what makes a difference is you.
Not only deciding but making a commitment that everyone goes home today, no one gets hurt today. One second, One minute, One hour, One day, one task at a time.

• Jordan Pawley

Safety Manager & Medic
​

 

[jgaz]

Many people don’t realize that peer pressure, and shortcuts, are two very big factors in work place accidents.

Also, all the lame reasons that PPE is too uncomfortable, too much trouble to put on, only for **************, ........etc. etc. etc.
You are only one man, it’s hard to change a culture.