In the hopes of making it to Akutan next week for some StoryCorps sessions, I have changed my header to the mode of transportation that will be ours for the trip. Everyone who flies around the Aleutians knows the Grumman Goose. It is the plane to take when runways are in short supply.
The photo is courtesy of Alaska Airlines pilot Burke Mees, who spent more than a few years piloting the Goose for Peninsula Airways. Burke continues to maintain his ties with Unalaska as he still comes out to do check rides with the other Goose pilots. And he comes to Unalaska for vacations!
My husband, Caleb, is an airframe and powerplant mechanic, and he had a love-hate relationship with the Goose. I like the Grumman Goose so much that we got married in it. It was April 5, 1997. Hopefully flying on April 6, 2009 will bring the same good luck for Kristine and I and StoryCorps!
Laresa had never flown in the goose before. She got on, and she got off!
Yes, the engines are extremely loud. It felt pretty funny shouting, “I do!!!!!!”
Freezing our butt’s off on the tarmac for the after shot. We then adjourned to the aerology building – now the WWII Museum – for our reception.
Kristine and I are going to have so much fun! April, hope you are ready for your 40 minute conversation! Only audio, no video. A couple of snapshots for posterity. See you soon.
Unalaska From My Point of View 
Oh my gosh, what a great story and I love your photos! I had no idea! Best wishes on getting out to Akutan. It will be a blast to include everyone out there in story corps.
We are hoping for great weather and lots of participants! And my goose story was timely, as it is our anniversary today!
Happy anniversary and what a great story! I love those photos – I’ve never been on the Goose but I won the bidding for the 30 minute island tour on the Goose on the Channel 8 Fundraiser Auction, so I’m very excited! I’m going to go in August when my brother comes out to visit.
Have fun at Akutan with Kristine – get lots of interviews!
Oh, you’re going to love the flight. Ask the pilot to do a water landing instead of a runway landing when you get back.
I agree, FUN story, GREAT pictures!! Everyone is so young, Alena is adorable 🙂
Happy Anniversay!! Hope everyone in Akutan comes to talk with you two, it’s FUN, I swear, I’ve done it 3x!!
Hi. I’m the new editor fo the Dutch harbor Fisherman and I’d like to do a story on your expience doing Story Corps. I love to hear them on Fridays on NPR. You can call me at 348-2419 or at dlavrakas@alaskanewspapers.com
Good luck getting into Akutan and I hope to be in Unalaska at the end of the month.
Kristine and I will call you when we get back from Akutan. (Hopefully on Friday!)
Hi. I’m the editor fo the Dutch Harbor Fisherman and I’ll be ocming down to Dutch — hopefully next week April 27. Can we meet and talk about Storycorps? My cell number is 907-230-8374 and my office number is 348-2419. Or e-mail me at dlavrakas@alaskanewspapers.com.
Thanks and hope to see you there.
Sharon! What a great story! You two look like young pups…! *smile* Here’s more great wishes and lots of happiness to the both of you from Doreen
Qag^aasakux^, Doreen. Now I know I have the blessings of many years!