Yetti’s Pacific North West Exploration & Expeditions Picture heavy

Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
I go on dog ventures, walkabouts pretty regularly when home. Today's, was foggy, it made the dam and locks seem quite haunted.
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Sent from somewhere remote on my BlackBerry
 

Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
The following morning, it was back to the airport for the next contract deployment to the famous Dutch Harbor, and our vessel the Northern Victor.

When I checked in, i was informed my luggage was found and would follow me to Dutch.

No TSA, just walk though the airport an onto the tarmac.

The flight into Dutch is notoriously rough and it did not disappoint.

Lucky for me, I was upgraded to " first Class" by the most beautiful flight attendant I have ever seen, or met. We enjoyed a nice chat on the way in.

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The Northern Victor is at the end of the breakwater, Blue and White
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She is very wide, the NV
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My office, the Infirmary. The weather was beautiful.
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It was Lucky, the gal I was covering for and I were to overlap a few days, always a good thing. She had no medical experience, within 20 mins of being on board i was treating patients. She had them ready for me, Louise and I got along great. I also took the time to teach her what I was doing, and how to do the same. In this case, infections in a foot.
 

Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
Dutch harbor was not my favorite post, that being said it is an actual town. It even has a full time fire dept, LEO, and " hospital"

After one unfortunately eventful day,. i got to see the inside of the Dept, and jail to pick up some staff.

I would not really call it a hospital- im sure they do their best

If someone calls 911 at night, the dispatcher phones the Doc so the hospital/ clinic can be opened.



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The edge of the breakwater where we are docked
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Shes a wide lady
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eagles are everywhere, I never thought I would get tired of seeing them. Also, they are large, and not afraid. The town has " Danger, eagles nesting" signs everywhere. And they mean it
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Also, thanks American history. They have these all over the island, bunkers and gun emplacements everywhere. So much history in our face, that we were never taught.

As Dutch harbor, was attacked and bombed on June 3-4 of 1942. A close 6 months after Pearl Harbor.
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Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
Medically, Dutch was not as exciting- I was only there a few weeks, covering. And the clinic in town, " handled" a lot.

I had a few bad allergic reactions, one to fish believe it or not.

And lots and lots of things like diabetic checks, blood sugars, hypertension treating etc.

Due to its Location it snot classified as a remote site, so those with more medical concerns get sent to this location.

96+ percent of those working here are from Sudan, and central Africa.

A few from Egegik, saw me and gave me a huge hug- they were very excited to see me. Warming my heart as good feedback, never quite know out here. In general the " safety" guy, gal is not usually well liked.

I became friends with her, as well as her sister and brother in law. Talking daily, despite weird shifts and my move to he GJ some weeks later, up until about a month ago. Upon the return to Ukraine, as its been radio silent since then. I enjoyed the friendly face, and insight into Ukrainian culture, and society learning so much. Including an invite to their place, one i hope was sincere as I would like to visit. A friendly face, makes a huge difference when working remote sites, and long hours.


I am far from a doctor, just a Advanced EMT, with specific endorsements in clinical and remote medicine. I did large amounts of Ear, Nose and Throat stuff here. I was told a few times, I was the only " doctor" they had ever seen. As much as I try, Medic does not translate.

A lot of education, for what we would consider basic hygiene. Showers, hand washing, brushing teeth, etc

I realize, I have a lot of stories, and am being slightly vague. For the protection of patients and the company, on the pages of a public forum.


I was busy here, there is hiking all over the island- My schedule kept me rather tied to the ship.

The Northern Victor, is permanently moored. She is unable to mover of her own power, as the props and engines were pulled.








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Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
Many of the larger vessels, were Navy Ships most built in the 40"s.

The NV, hold no exception to this


When working these contracts, there is no one to give me a break. I am on 24/7, now i do have office hours, but they are pretty irrelevant.

My next contract was steaming to pick me up dockside in a few days, the Gordon Jensen.


I would be assigned to her until she made port in Seattle some 6ish weeks later, after stopping to process in Herendeen Bay, and the 12 day steam through the inside passage to Seattle.
 

Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
My Chariot awaits for me dockside,

The last time my feet would touch land for at least 6 weeks,

Also noteworthy- Never being on a large ship, let alone the ocean before- We were going to see if i get sea sick,


A storm, Wales and muster drill accompanied us out of the bay, we would be at 10knots for the next 7 days.

At 2am, on day three of the cruise I was awakened by pounding on my door, when opened: A younger kid was staring at me frantically holding his neck with blood pouring down his shirt, and a trail following him.


After some cleaning, and steristrips things were taken care of- Lucky for him it was just a large chin laceration.

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EVERYTHING is secured, industrial 100# Velcro is amazing.
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The Tramper, married to our port side as seen earlier.


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The Helo Deck was one of my favorite places. We kept it off limits, but its a great pace to fit in a morning workout. Perks of being the Safety Medic, all access.
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Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
There was some stuff that happened,

Some folks went crazy( fighting) , a suicide attempt- things that required handcuffs and an emergency evac. With the coast guard being unwilling to help.

This was an experimental season, and fishery for COD. It had been closed for a long time due to numbers. So the usual systems were not in place,

No Helicopter access, chartering a flight from Anc was 10k, and had to be amphibious. Due to the nasty currents they were unable to land.

Coast Guard, they dont handle things like that.



We stayed in Hendereen bay for about a month, anchored with the Tramper. And the catcher vessels coming to us. We also functioned as the only store around, for fuel, and the actual store on the ship.

When moving we dont process, and the processors do not make any money. Asking for trouble, they find ways to entertain themselves.

The ship i was not a fan of, my berthing and office was center ship, so no portholes. And i had to share a bathroom, with the processors. I went from 15k steps a day, to 2k. and that was tough.

Making it to the bridge for about an hour every day, making friends with the Cap, enjoying the view, and glassing the surroundings.




Not my crew, not my vessel. This was the tramper, 150ft of water, with currents causing 5ft waves around the clock. Water of 40 degrees.



I also train all staff, and visitors including in the use of survival suits.
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I do like a standing desk, Computer also tied down. And the second screen is Velcro to the desk.
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On the way home, we did get waves large enough to move the file cabinet, and exam table across the room.
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Not my decor, but it fit well.
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They would ride the pallet ramp up and down from the holds. Again, the tramper crew-not mine
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No camera tricks on these next ones. From the Bridge we are a good 50ft above the water.
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Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
It was an eventful cruise, most I am unable to share. But again, ask any questions you may have.

The inside passage, was probably beautiful- Taking us 12 days to get to Seattle, I will see if i can find the map from my InReach and post.

The weather was, stormy- socked in, with most those on board sleeping for the majority of it, due to the heavy doses of Mecklazine- its pretty strong- only one dose every 24 hours, to prevent hallucinogenic effects. Its controlled and monitored extremely closely.

The galley, is also the great room, and training room, and movie room. Its the only hangout spot, other than their bunk rooms.

There is a workout room, we kept it close during rough seas.


As far as processing went, it was slow. They averaged 4 hours a day of work, made for some unhappy folks. Which is understandable.


We had to travel through the locks, to Lake Union- Unfortunately due to fighting, room inspections, and 8 empty bottles of JD, found in ceiling tiles- i was unable to watch.



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The workout room, is to the left. Second level above main deck.
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I was able to catch a few images from the bridge as the tugs moved us into position.

I was eager to step on land, but it had to wait. Trust me, we were just as eager to get the processors off the vessel as we were to be off.


One of the cool things that happens, the company gives the H2B workers a few days in Seattle, to shop, and see the sights prior to flying them all back home.

The majority of the GJ cruise was also, Eastern European. Over half had been working for 6 months already, and used it as a time to relax and wind down on the cruise back.

For those whom it was their first contract- I dont believe they were told honest numbers when being recruited.

I was required at the corporate offices for a few days, but was thankful to have the use of the company apartment, it was nice and overlooked the space needle.

I rented a car, and drove the 4.5 hours home a few days,
 

Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
This was in Egegik, on a house call.

The PT- waited a week to report an injury of a laceration in a fish well.

Was extremely infected when I found out,

Cleaned it, started an Antibiotic Cipro; told PT to check with me in the following afternoon, also drew a line with permanent marker around the swelling to track it,

Got a call ( PT) could not walk the next afternoon, Telling me they decided not to take the antibiotic, stating (PT Spouse) said it was out of date. I showed him it was not, his wife is from a region where the date is opposite of how its written in the states.

I asked (PT) if they enjoyed their life, or leg. < ?

Explaining that it was a big deep infection, well established. If it gets into the bone, the leg would be lost, and blood could easily equal death.

Even in Emergencys it can take a few days to get someone flown to harborview in Seattle. Not the place the bugger with your health and make poor choices.

I cleaned it out, started on a heavy dose of Bactrin, a stronger antibiotic. And began the long process of draining it, this was a wound on the PT's Shin. I will spare the pictures, or details. It was a few hours away from being in the bone.

You can see, I was less then impressed.

The PT"S friend really enjoying the procedure, and results of a stupid choice. '

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Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
I have been fitting in Dog Ventures as often as possible, last week I asked Courdel to load up, and he just whined and laid down looking sad, that evening he could not even climb the 3 stairs into my place. I had to carry him in,

I have him his dog antinflamatory, he spent about 2 days just sleeping, and drinking immense amounts if water. I

Got a walkabout in yesterday though,
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Seems to be feeling better, he has days like that sometimes. We dont know why, its increased with age.
 

Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
Last week I spent at one of my favorite events, A sled dog race with 30, 100 and 200 mile races respectively.

It was cold, and dark. They had a record of 40 mushers,

Did have one who took a pretty bad spill and broke a ankle, along with a pretty scratched up face.

I got a lot of compliments on my truck and camper, which i will admit was pretty nice to hear. I do love the rig, treated me well and kept me nice and toasty in cold weather all week.


I ended up manning the check point at night, and was on call during the day.

At one point I was snow shoeing out to check a remote sensor, had a bit of a funny feeling. After turning around, I saw the masive single wolf tracks following me.

I never saw him/her, but it trailed me for at least a mile. Even though I know it was never going to bother me, and was just curious I was glad to have my sidearm, and switched from my red filter to the full bright of the white beam on my head lamp.

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Also ran up to Wallowa Lake, this is all up in Joseph Oregon.
 

Pacific Northwest yetti

Expedition Medic
The snow cat/trail Groomer was pretty awesome. the operator said, it was all fingertip controls and the Lamborghini of groomers. The Snow Park fees in the state of Oregon paid for it, and it did an a great job. I also helped set up, the check point and fences.

I satayed in the Salt Creek Summit Snow park, about 200 yards down trail from the checkpoint, the checkpoint cant be in sight distance of parking lots, Creates problems for the mushers.
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Being followed, is a big one- look at the stride length on that. At about 3am, every morning he/she would start singing to the dark.
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And now, we really just want to see dog pics so..
 

ITTOG

Well-known member
This was in Egegik, on a house call.

The PT- waited a week to report an injury of a laceration in a fish well.

Was extremely infected when I found out,

Cleaned it, started an Antibiotic Cipro; told PT to check with me in the following afternoon, also drew a line with permanent marker around the swelling to track it,

Got a call ( PT) could not walk the next afternoon, Telling me they decided not to take the antibiotic, stating (PT Spouse) said it was out of date. I showed him it was not, his wife is from a region where the date is opposite of how its written in the states.

I asked (PT) if they enjoyed their life, or leg. < ?

Explaining that it was a big deep infection, well established. If it gets into the bone, the leg would be lost, and blood could easily equal death.

Even in Emergencys it can take a few days to get someone flown to harborview in Seattle. Not the place the bugger with your health and make poor choices.

I cleaned it out, started on a heavy dose of Bactrin, a stronger antibiotic. And began the long process of draining it, this was a wound on the PT's Shin. I will spare the pictures, or details. It was a few hours away from being in the bone.

You can see, I was less then impressed.

The PT"S friend really enjoying the procedure, and results of a stupid choice. '

View attachment 560090
Don't spare is. Show is the gore.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
 

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