While we wait for the Sonex project to come together and take us on new adventures, it’s good to reflect on the one’s we’ve already experienced.

One of my all time favorites, is when I got to combine my passion for aviation with my heart for the people of Western Alaska in 2013. I’ve been serving the youth and families of Alaska since 2009. I started on the road system in the town of Moose Pass, then found myself out on the YK Delta. Back to back summers in Kalskag taught me about an amazing summer camp called the Kako Retreat Center.

Throwback

Kako 2013 is almost the “adventure that wasn’t.” I contacted the camp about volunteering, but was told I would not be needed. The other organization I served with had a bit of a “restructuring,” and no longer had need of my services as well. Well now what would I do this summer? Take a real vacation with my wife? Perish the thought!

About a month from the start of camp, I received an email from the staff, “Hey, are you still interested?”

YES! But here I had just started a new job, therefore I now I had to go to my boss and demand ( read: politely request) a whole month off. Surprisingly, my request was accepted and I now had less than a month to get everything together.

Long story short, everything worked out extremely well. I had a great time, met new friends, and learned A LOT about a lot of things. Myself, piloting, weather, and much more about the people and communities I’ve grown to cherish over the years.

Finally, the Video…

Without further ado, here are my first YouTube videos ever posted, (combined featuring modern commentary) highlighting the excitement and challenges faced flying in and out of Kako’s banana strip.

Side note: I originally made these videos for the now defunct Oddball Pilot Network, YouTube was the best place to host them. Also, I’d love to post pics and videos of the people I get to serve, but it’s not culturally acceptable.

I won’t be quoting many political figures, but this one is quite good:

Life is full of surprises and and serendipity. Being open to unexpected turns in the road is an important part of success. If you try to plan every step, you may miss those wonderful twists and turns. Just find your next adventure-do it well, enjoy it-and then, not now, think about what comes next.

Condoleezza Rice